What’s the Best Firewood for a Fire Pit? (Hint: It’s Hardwood)
Ever wondered, "what fire wood should I use"? When it comes to building the perfect fire in your backyard fire pit, the type of wood you burn makes all the difference. The best type of firewood to burn is hardwood — thanks to its long-lasting heat, low smoke output, and satisfying aroma.
Let’s break down what makes hardwood so ideal, what to avoid, and which woods are perfect for cooking.
Of course, great wood deserves a great fire pit. If you're burning premium hardwoods, make sure you're using a pit designed to handle real wood fires. Explore our wood burning fire pits — built for heat, durability, and unforgettable backyard nights.
Why Hardwood is Best for Fire Pits
Hardwoods like oak and hickory are the top choices for fire pits. They’re dense, slow-burning, and produce a steady, hot flame with minimal smoke.
✅ Benefits of Hardwood Firewood:
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Long-lasting burn – Fewer reloads, more consistent heat.
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Low smoke output – Cleaner air for you and your guests.
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Pleasant aroma – Especially true with hickory or fruitwoods.
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High heat output – Great for warmth and even cooking.
Popular Hardwood Types:
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Oak – Burns hot and clean, widely available.
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Hickory – Strong heat and bold, BBQ-style aroma (great for cooking).
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Maple – Milder burn, clean and reliable.
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Cherry or Applewood – Sweet-smelling, ideal for cooking.
Best Firewood for Cooking Over a Fire Pit
If you plan to cook food over your fire pit — whether it’s marshmallows, hot dogs, or something gourmet — your choice of firewood matters even more.
Cooking-Friendly Woods:
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Hickory – One of the most popular woods for grilling and smoking. It gives off a strong, savory, smoky flavor that's perfect for meats.
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Applewood – Mild and fruity. Ideal for chicken, pork, and vegetables.
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Cherry – Slightly sweet and aromatic. Great for red meats and game.
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Oak – Neutral, hot, and consistent. A solid base wood for cooking anything.
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Maple – Burns clean with a light sweetness. Good all-purpose cooking wood.
⚠️ Never cook over treated, painted, or green wood. They can release harmful chemicals into your food.
❌ Avoid These for Cooking:
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Pine, cedar, or spruce – These softwoods contain resins and sap that create smoke and unpleasant flavors — and can even be toxic.
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Driftwood or construction scraps – Often contain chemicals, salt, or glue.
Can You Burn Softwood in a Fire Pit?
Some people use softwoods like pine or fir, especially as kindling. While softwoods ignite quickly, they burn out fast and often produce a lot more smoke.
⚠️ Downsides of Softwood:
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Burns quickly – You'll be constantly adding logs.
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Produces more smoke – Not ideal for comfort or air quality.
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More popping/sparks – Can be a safety hazard in open fire pits.
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High sap content – Can leave behind residue or creosote.
When to Use Softwood:
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As kindling to get your fire started.
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In short, quick fires when smoke isn’t a concern.
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If seasoned properly (very dry), it can work in a pinch.
Pro Tip: Always Use Seasoned Wood
Regardless of hardwood or softwood, your firewood should be seasoned — meaning it’s been dried for 6–12 months. Wet or “green” wood produces more smoke and doesn’t burn efficiently.
How to tell if wood is seasoned:
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Feels light and dry
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Gray or weathered ends
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Cracks on the surface
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Makes a hollow sound when knocked together
Final Takeaway
For the best backyard fire pit experience:
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Use hardwoods like oak or hickory for long, hot, clean-burning fires.
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Choose fruitwoods like apple or cherry when cooking.
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Avoid sappy softwoods and always use seasoned firewood.
Want a Fire Pit Built for Real Wood Fires?
If you're going to invest in quality hardwood, don’t waste it on a cheap fire pit. Explore our wood burning fire pits, designed to hot, clean, and long — with timeless designs that elevate your backyard space.
