Birch is often considered one of the best firewood for several reasons:
High BTU Content: Birch wood has a high energy content, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). This means that it can produce a significant amount of heat when burned, making it an effective choice for heating applications.
Easy to Ignite: Birch tends to ignite easily due to its relatively low moisture content. This makes it a convenient option for starting fires, especially in situations where quick ignition is desired.
Quick Seasoning: Birchwood tends to stay dry and season relatively quickly compared to some other types of hardwood. Properly dried, especially kiln dried Birch, burns more efficiently, producing more heat and less smoke.
Aromatic Qualities: Birchwood often has a pleasant aroma when burned. The scent can enhance the overall experience of using a fireplace or wood stove. It is loved by caterers and pizza oven owners.
Attractive Flame: Birch wood produces a bright flame when burned, adding to the visual appeal of a fire. The flames are often yellow and can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Minimal Resin: Birch wood typically has lower resin content compared to some softwoods. This results in less creosote buildup in chimneys, reducing the risk of chimney fires. For daily burning, it is unbeatable and regarded as the highest quality firewood in the Scandic nations.
Pale Ash Residue: The ash produced by birch wood tends to be minimal, light in colour and powdery, and very easy to clean out of fireplaces and stoves compared to denser or stickier ash residues.
It's important to note that there are different species of birch, and the specific qualities can vary among them. Common birch varieties used for firewood include white birch (Betula papyrifera) and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis).
