We all love the crackling of a fire. It’s mesmerizing enough to make you forget what you were doing and inviting enough, so everyone wants to join you. It’s a win-win! Want to know what makes it pop? The right hardwood. But what about softwood or treated wood?

Hardwoods

As long as you are using kiln-dried hardwood, you’ll be able to build a hot, roaring fire. Hardwoods are naturally denser than softwoods, meaning their internal surface area is tougher to burn through, ensuring longer burn times.

OAK

This hardwood is just about as dense as they come. Oak is just what you need for long burns without keeping your flame-fed. 

HICKORY

This wood is the champion of the firewood industry, known for putting out high-heat and long-lasting fires. This wood burns clean, so smoke shouldn't be an issue when added to a Solo Stove.

COMPRESSED WOOD

Compressed Wood might just be a fire fanatic’s best-kept secret. Recycling sawdust, wood chips, and shavings, compressed wood is a wonderful alternative to traditional hardwood logs. It’s easy to light, produces very little smoke, and is generally 100% safe to cook over.

Softwoods

Using softwood as firewood is not typical. Softwood contains more sap than hardwood, contributing to the sweet aromas you’ll smell when enjoying a softwood burn. Softwood also burns a bit cooler than hardwood and burns up easier due to being less dense. Suppose you’re looking for an affordable firewood option for a short-lived fire pit session. In that case, softwood might be your best option, especially if you live in a densely softwood-populated area.

SOLO STOVE JUNIPER

This aromatic firewood’s sweet scent is the first reason to get your hands on a log or two. Second, it’s kiln-dried, meaning you’ll enjoy a fire with plenty of pops, low smoke, and a consistently present aroma. 

DOUGLAS FIR

A Douglas Fir marches to the beat of its own drum and is not part of the true fir tree family. This softwood is widely available and a great user-friendly alternative to hardwood. Make sure to get kiln-dried Douglas Fir, as there should be less sap and a lower likelihood of mold appearing on your firewood.

CEDAR

This softwood has several anti-fungal qualities, making it a good option for long-term storage. Its softness makes it easy to split, giving you a great option for kindling. Its smoky aromas also make it a great partner for the Fire Pit Cooking System. 

POPLAR

Poplar comes in several varieties and is the perfect choice for getting a fire started or just being around your fire pit for a short period. Once you throw this one in, it might help to add hardwood to sustain a flame.

What Not To Burn In Your Fire Pit

ACCELERANTS

Using accelerants in your fire pit may tarnish the stainless steel, so it’s best to steer clear and use natural fire starters instead.

CHEMICALLY TREATED WOOD

Wood from a construction site is not fit for your fire pit. This includes wooden pallets, painted or stained wood, driftwood, and chemically treated wood. These treatments contain chemicals that will become noxious fumes. Steer clear at all costs. 

PARTICLEBOARD

If you ever have an extra piece of particle board laying around, throw it in the trash. Not your fire pit. The glues that hold these particles together can seriously damage your lungs if those fumes are inhaled.

Ready to Burn?