Best Firewood by BTU: Heat Value per Cord by Species
Dense hardwoods such as hickory, oak, beech and sugar maple give roughly 26–29 million BTU per cord when seasoned, while softwoods such as pine and hemlock give about 16–17 million. One source adds that moisture content matters more than species, so dry wood of a lesser species can beat wet wood of a better one.
Hardwood heat values (20% moisture)
| Species | Million BTU per cord | Moisture in living tree | Splitting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hickory | 29.3 | 70% | Good |
| White oak | 27.9 | 64% | Good |
| Beech | 26.3 | 55% | Good |
| Sugar maple | 25.9 | 65% | Good |
| Red oak | 25.9 | 80% | Fair |
| White ash | 24.6 | 45% | Excellent |
Source: University of Kentucky forestry chart. Other charts differ by a million BTU or two; one widely used chart lists red oak and sugar maple at 24.0. Softwood values come from separate charts (jack and Norway pine about 17.1, hemlock about 15.9), so treat the comparison as approximate.
Which is the better buy?
Compare price per million BTU, not price per cord. Example: oak at $300 a cord (27.9 million BTU) costs $10.75 per million BTU gross, while pine at $240 (17.1 million) costs $14.04. The cheaper cord is the worse deal.
Why ash is popular
White ash splits easily and starts with less moisture than oak, which is why it is often easier to get dry. Pine still has a place for kindling and mild weather, but it burns faster and gives less heat per cord.
Wood is only as good as it is dry: see how long firewood takes to season.
FAQ
What is the best firewood for heat?
Hickory and oak lead the common species, followed by beech and sugar maple.
Is pine bad firewood?
No, but it gives less heat per cord and burns faster than dense hardwoods.
Does species or dryness matter more?
One source says moisture matters more. Dry softwood can outperform wet hardwood.