There’s nothing quite like a summer bonfire gathering friends and family under the stars, roasting marshmallows, and sharing stories around a glowing fire. But the success of your summer bonfire doesn’t just depend on the setting or the snacks it starts with the firewood.
Choosing the right firewood can make the difference between a smoky struggle and a brilliant blaze. In this article, we’ll explore the best firewood for outdoor fires, why it matters, and how to get the most from your summer bonfire experience.
Hardwood vs Softwood: Know the Difference
When planning a bonfire, your first decision should be whether to use hardwood or softwood. Both have their place, but for outdoor fires, understanding the strengths of each is key.
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Hardwoods (like oak, ash, and beech) are dense and burn hot and slow. They’re ideal for longer fires where you want consistent heat and minimal smoke.
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Softwoods (such as pine or spruce) ignite quickly and produce more flames, but they burn faster and can spark excessively due to their resin content.
Best for Bonfires: Start your fire with a bit of softwood kindling, but once it’s going, switch to hardwood logs for a cleaner, longer-lasting burn.
Go for Kiln-Dried Logs for Cleaner Burning
Kiln-dried logs are firewood that’s been dried in a special oven to remove moisture, ensuring the wood is below 20% moisture content. This makes them easier to light, reduces smoke, and produces a hotter flame perfect for outdoor gatherings where no one wants to sit in a cloud of smoke.
Benefits of Kiln-Dried Firewood:
- Lights easily with minimal effort
- Burns hotter and longer
- Produces less smoke and soot
- Safe and clean for cooking marshmallows or food over the flame
If you’re hosting summer bonfires regularly, kiln-dried hardwoods are a smart investment.
Choose Logs That Match Your Fire Size
Size matters when it comes to outdoor fires. Smaller fire pits or chimneys work best with shorter logs, while larger bonfires can handle full-length logs. Overloading your fire with too-large logs at the start can smother the flame and lead to frustration.
The Fix: Select the right size firewood for your setup. Many suppliers offer pre-cut logs for fire pits, camping stoves, or open bonfires, so you don’t have to do the chopping yourself.
Avoid Green or Unseasoned Wood
Freshly cut (or “green”) wood might seem like a good idea if you’ve been chopping your own, but it’s a bonfire buzzkill. Green wood is full of moisture, which makes it difficult to ignite and produces excess smoke, steam, and even a sour smell.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Wet logs are inefficient and hard to light
- They create a lot of smoke and can irritate eyes and lungs
- They can damage fire pits or grates due to uneven burning
- Better Choice: Stick with seasoned or kiln-dried firewood that’s been properly dried and stored.
Pick Wood That Smells as Good as It Burns
One of the underrated joys of a summer bonfire is the scent of the burning wood. Some hardwoods release pleasant, aromatic scents that enhance the ambience of your gathering. Others, especially poor-quality or treated wood, can create harsh or chemical smells.
Top Woods for Fragrance:
- Cherry – sweet and slightly fruity scent
- Hickory – rich, BBQ-style aroma, great for outdoor cooking
- Apple – pleasant and mild with a clean burn
Woods to Avoid: Painted, stained, or treated wood should never be burned—they release harmful fumes and can be toxic.
How to Store Your Summer Firewood
Even in summer, firewood must be stored correctly to keep it dry and ready to burn. Avoid stacking wood directly on the ground or leaving it uncovered where it can absorb moisture from rain or dew.
Storage Tips:
- Use a raised log store or firewood rack
- Keep your stack covered on top but ventilated on the sides
- Store in a shaded, sheltered location away from insects and damp
Well-stored firewood not only burns better but also saves you money by preserving the quality of your investment.
Make Every Bonfire Count
Summer bonfire season is one of the best parts of the year. With the right firewood, you’ll enjoy a reliable fire that burns bright, clean, and long into the night. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, hosting a garden party, or just enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, good firewood makes all the difference.
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