Is Post Oak Good Firewood?

by

Yes, post oak is excellent firewood. It’s a type of white oak and shares many of the desirable traits that make oak one of the best firewoods available. Here’s a detailed look at why post oak is a solid choice:

Pros of Post Oak Firewood:

  1. High Heat Output:
    • Post oak is a dense hardwood and produces around 24 to 28 million BTUs per cord, comparable to other white oaks. This makes it great for heating your home, as it burns hot and provides substantial warmth.
  2. Long Burn Time:
    • Like other oaks, post oak burns slowly and steadily due to its density. This makes it ideal for long-lasting fires, especially in wood stoves or fireplaces, where you want to minimize the need to keep adding logs.
  3. Good Coals:
    • Post oak is known for producing excellent coals, which can keep a fire going for a long time and provide consistent heat. This is particularly useful for overnight fires.
  4. Low Creosote Production:
    • When fully seasoned, post oak burns clean and produces less creosote compared to softer woods, which helps reduce the risk of chimney fires and minimizes chimney maintenance.

Cons of Post Oak Firewood:

  1. Long Seasoning Time:
    • Post oak requires a long seasoning time—typically 1 to 2 years—due to its high moisture content. If burned green, it can produce excessive smoke and inefficient heat, so patience is necessary for best results.
  2. Hard to Split:
    • Like other oak species, post oak can be difficult to split, especially once it’s dry. It’s easier to split when green, but its density still makes splitting more challenging than softer woods.
  3. Heavy Logs:
    • Post oak is a heavy wood, making it more cumbersome to transport and handle compared to lighter woods like pine or poplar.

Conclusion:

Post oak is a great choice for firewood, especially if you’re looking for high heat output, long burn times, and good coaling properties. The only downsides are the longer seasoning time and the fact that it can be hard to split. If you have the patience to let it dry and the tools to split it, post oak will provide excellent heat for your home.

Leave a Comment