Is Cedar Good Firewood – A Practical Guide For Campfires And Stoves

ByEric James Updated on

So, you’re out there, map in hand, thinking about that crackling campfire. You’ve got your tent pitched, the stars are starting to peek through, and you’re ready to relax. But then you look at the woodpile, and a question pops into your head: is cedar good firewood? It’s a common query for anyone venturing outdoors, especially if you’re new to the campfire scene or looking to optimize your wood-burning stove.

Cedar wood has a distinct aroma and a reputation for being easy to light. But when it comes to sustained heat, efficiency, and safety, there’s more to consider than just a pleasant scent. We’re going to break down exactly what you need to know, from its pros and cons in the fire pit to its suitability for your camping stove.

This guide will help you make an informed decision, ensuring your outdoor adventures are filled with warmth, safety, and the best possible fire. Let’s dive into the world of cedar as fuel for your fire.

The Burning Characteristics of Cedar Wood

When we talk about firewood, we’re essentially evaluating its performance in a fire. Cedar wood offers a unique set of burning characteristics that set it apart from denser hardwoods like oak or hickory. Understanding these traits is crucial for managing your fire effectively.

Cedar ignites easily and quickly. This is a significant advantage when you’re trying to get a campfire going in damp conditions or when you need a quick burst of flame. Its resinous nature contributes to this rapid ignition.

However, cedar burns fast and hot, but it doesn’t last long. The aromatic oils that make it smell so good also make it combust rapidly. This means you’ll be adding more logs to maintain your fire, which can be less efficient for long, sustained heat.

Understanding Cedar’s Pros: Why It’s Appealing

Cedar wood boasts several appealing qualities that make it a popular choice for certain applications, especially when starting fires or for specific uses where its unique properties are beneficial.

Quick Ignition and Pleasant Aroma

One of the most significant advantages of cedar is how easily it ignites. Its high resin content acts as a natural accelerant, making it an excellent choice for starting fires. This is particularly useful when you’re camping in cooler or damp weather.

Furthermore, burning cedar releases a distinct, pleasant aroma. Many people find the scent of burning cedar to be calming and reminiscent of the forest, enhancing the overall outdoor experience. This aromatic quality is a primary draw for many users.

Good for Kindling and Fire Starters

Because of its rapid ignition and tendency to flare up, cedar is fantastic as kindling. You can use small pieces of cedar to quickly get a fire going, which then helps to ignite larger, slower-burning pieces of wood.

Many commercially available fire starters also utilize cedar shavings or thin strips for this very reason. It’s a natural and effective way to get your main fuel source burning efficiently.

Weighing Cedar’s Cons: The Downsides to Consider

While cedar has its perks, it’s not without its drawbacks, especially when compared to other types of firewood. Being aware of these limitations will help you manage your expectations and fire accordingly.

Burns Fast and Hot, Less Duration

As mentioned, cedar burns very quickly. This rapid combustion means you’ll be constantly feeding the fire to maintain heat. For a long, leisurely evening by the campfire, you’ll go through your wood supply much faster than you would with denser hardwoods.

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This fast burn rate also translates to less sustained heat output. While it flares up nicely, it doesn’t provide the deep, long-lasting coals that are ideal for cooking over for extended periods or for keeping a campsite warm all night.

Produces More Smoke and Sparks

Cedar wood, particularly when not fully seasoned, tends to produce a significant amount of smoke. This can be an annoyance, especially if the wind shifts and blows the smoke directly into your seating area.

It also has a tendency to spark and pop quite a bit. While this can add to the ambiance for some, it can also be a safety concern. Sparks can fly out of the fire pit and pose a risk to nearby tents, gear, or dry vegetation. Always maintain a safe distance and clear the area around your fire pit.

Lower Heat Output Compared to Hardwoods

Cedar is a softwood, and as a general rule, softwoods produce less heat and burn less efficiently than hardwoods. While it burns hot initially, the overall BTU (British Thermal Unit) output per cord of cedar is lower than that of hardwoods like oak, maple, or ash.

This means you need more cedar to achieve the same amount of heat as you would with an equivalent amount of hardwood. For warmth and cooking, hardwoods are generally preferred for their sustained energy release.

Is Cedar Good Firewood for Your Campfire?

When it comes to campfires, is cedar good firewood? The answer is a nuanced yes, with important caveats. It excels in certain aspects but falls short in others.

For a quick, easy-to-start campfire, cedar is excellent. If you’re looking to get a fire going rapidly to set the mood, boil some water quickly, or warm up in a pinch, cedar is a fantastic option. Its tendency to ignite easily makes it a reliable choice, especially if your wood supply might be slightly damp.

However, if you plan on having a long-lasting fire for ambiance throughout the evening, or if you intend to cook a substantial meal requiring consistent heat and coals, cedar might not be your primary choice. You’ll find yourself adding logs frequently, and the heat may not be as steady as you’d like.

A common practice among experienced campers is to use cedar as a fire starter or kindling in conjunction with denser hardwoods. This way, you get the best of both worlds: the easy ignition of cedar to get the fire going, and the sustained burn of hardwoods to keep it going.

Cedar in Wood Stoves: A Different Equation

The question of is cedar good firewood takes on a different meaning when you’re talking about wood stoves, whether they’re in a cabin, a van, or an RV. Efficiency, sustained heat, and creosote buildup become much more critical factors.

Efficiency and Heat Output

In a wood stove, efficiency is key. You want a wood that burns slowly, produces a consistent heat, and maximizes the energy extracted from each log. Cedar’s fast burn rate makes it less ideal for this purpose. It will consume fuel quickly, requiring more frequent reloading, and may not provide the steady warmth needed for extended periods.

While cedar burns hot initially, its overall heat output is lower than hardwoods. This means your stove will need to work harder, and you might not achieve the desired temperature as easily or for as long.

Creosote Buildup: A Major Concern

One of the most significant downsides of burning cedar in a wood stove is its propensity to create creosote. Cedar is resinous, and when burned, these resins can contribute to the buildup of creosote in your stovepipes and chimney.

Creosote is a highly flammable tar-like substance. A significant buildup can lead to dangerous chimney fires, which can cause extensive damage to your home or vehicle. For this reason, many experts advise against using cedar as a primary fuel source for enclosed wood stoves.

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Best Practices for Using Cedar in Stoves

If you do find yourself with cedar and a wood stove, use it sparingly and with caution. It can be used in small quantities to get a fire started quickly, but it should be replaced with denser, seasoned hardwoods as soon as possible.

Regularly inspect and clean your chimney and stovepipe for creosote buildup. This is crucial regardless of the type of wood you burn, but it’s especially important if you use resinous woods like cedar. Always prioritize safety and follow your stove manufacturer’s recommendations.

Types of Cedar and Their Firewood Qualities

Not all cedar is created equal when it comes to burning. Different species have varying densities and resin content, which affect their performance as firewood.

Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is one of the most common types. It’s known for its beautiful aroma and ease of ignition. It burns relatively quickly but is less prone to sparking than some other cedars. It’s a good option for campfires and as kindling.

Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is also aromatic and ignites easily. It tends to produce more sparks than Western Red Cedar, so caution is advised around open fires. It’s often used for fence posts and rustic furniture due to its rot resistance, but as firewood, it shares many of the same characteristics as other cedars.

Incense Cedar

Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) is also aromatic and burns with a bright flame. Like other cedars, it’s a softwood and burns relatively fast, making it more suitable for starting fires or for short-term warmth rather than sustained heat.

Regardless of the specific species, the general characteristics of cedar – soft, aromatic, fast-burning, and prone to sparking – remain consistent.

Seasoning Cedar: A Crucial Step

Whether you’re using cedar or any other type of wood, proper seasoning is paramount for efficient and safe burning. Unseasoned (green) wood is wet and contains a high moisture content.

Why Seasoning Matters

Unseasoned wood is difficult to light and burns poorly. It smolders, produces excessive smoke, and has very low heat output. The moisture has to evaporate before the wood can burn effectively, wasting a lot of energy.

Furthermore, burning wet wood contributes significantly to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes, increasing the risk of chimney fires.

How to Season Cedar

Cedar, like other firewood, should be seasoned for at least 6-12 months, ideally longer.

  1. Split the wood: Cut logs into manageable lengths and split them into smaller pieces. This increases the surface area exposed to air.
  2. Stack it properly: Stack the split wood off the ground (on pallets or rails) in a way that allows air to circulate freely through the pile. A common method is a crisscross stack or a row stack with space between logs.
  3. Cover the top: Protect the woodpile from rain and snow with a tarp or roofing material, but ensure the sides remain open for airflow.
  4. Allow for air circulation: Never cover the entire woodpile, as this will trap moisture and prevent drying.

You can tell if cedar is seasoned by looking for cracks at the ends of the logs, a lighter color, and a hollow, resonant sound when two pieces are clapped together. It should also feel lighter than green wood.

Safety First: Essential Precautions When Burning Cedar

When dealing with any type of firewood, safety should always be your top priority. Cedar, with its tendency to spark and produce smoke, requires specific precautions.

Fire Pit Safety

  • Clear the area: Ensure a 10-foot radius around your fire pit is clear of flammable materials like dry leaves, grass, tents, and overhanging branches.
  • Use a spark screen: A mesh screen can significantly reduce the number of sparks that escape the fire pit, protecting your surroundings.
  • Keep water and a shovel nearby: Always have a bucket of water and a shovel ready to extinguish the fire quickly if needed.
  • Never leave a fire unattended: Even for a short period, fires can spread rapidly.
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Chimney Safety (for Stoves)

  • Regular inspections: Have your chimney and stovepipe inspected and cleaned by a professional at least once a year, more often if you burn frequently or use resinous woods.
  • Monitor creosote: Learn to recognize the signs of creosote buildup. If you see black soot or tarry deposits, it’s time for cleaning.
  • Use a spark arrestor: A spark arrestor cap on your chimney can help prevent embers from escaping and igniting nearby materials.

Air Quality Considerations

  • Burn seasoned wood: This significantly reduces smoke production.
  • Be mindful of wind direction: Position yourself and your campsite to avoid smoke plumes.
  • Check burn bans: Always be aware of local fire restrictions and burn bans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar Firewood

Can I burn cedar branches in my campfire?

Yes, cedar branches can be excellent for starting a campfire due to their quick ignition. Just be aware they will burn fast and may spark.

Is cedar safe to burn in an outdoor fire pit?

Generally, yes, when used responsibly. Always maintain a safe distance from flammable materials and use a spark screen.

How much heat does cedar produce compared to oak?

Cedar produces significantly less heat and burns for a shorter duration than seasoned oak, which is a dense hardwood.

Can I use cedar for cooking over a campfire?

While possible for quick tasks, cedar’s fast burn and tendency to spark make it less ideal for sustained cooking compared to hardwoods that produce good coals.

What’s the best way to store cedar firewood?

Store split cedar logs off the ground, in a well-ventilated area, protected from excessive rain but exposed to airflow, for at least 6-12 months to ensure proper seasoning.

Final Thoughts on Cedar as Firewood

So, to circle back to our initial question: is cedar good firewood? Yes, it is, but with specific applications in mind. It shines as an excellent fire starter and kindling, providing that satisfying immediate flame and pleasant aroma for your campfire. Its ease of ignition makes it a reliable choice when you need to get a fire going quickly.

However, for long, sustained heat, efficient burning in a wood stove, or steady coals for cooking, cedar is generally outmatched by denser hardwoods. Its rapid burn rate, lower heat output, and tendency to spark and produce smoke mean you’ll be working harder to maintain your fire. For wood stoves, the risk of creosote buildup is a significant concern that often makes it a less desirable fuel.

The key is to use cedar wisely. Combine it with hardwoods for a perfect campfire experience, and exercise caution if using it in a stove. Always prioritize seasoned wood and safety.

By understanding the unique properties of cedar, you can make the most of its benefits while mitigating its drawbacks, ensuring your outdoor adventures are always warm, safe, and enjoyable. Stay safe and happy camping!

Eric James
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