Is Maple Good Firewood?

When you are thinking of getting a roaring fire going, your first thought might turn to your fuel.

It is important to get the right density of wood so that you can both chop it down and fit it into the small space of your fire.

If you have ever tried to make a fire in the woods, you will know that it takes time to build up enough heat for a blaze.

The best way to ensure that this happens quickly is by using hardwoods such as oak or hickory.

These trees store lots of energy in their trunks, which means that they burn very hot when you light them.

But what about maple wood? The short answer is yes.

This wood has a very low density and it can be cut down and burnt very easily.

This wood also burns very cleanly and won't create that much smoke. It is also very cheap if you buy it pre-cut.

What Is Maple?

Maple is one of the most common types of timber found in North America.

It grows on large deciduous trees like the sugar maple and red maple. It is often used for furniture making because of its softness and ease of cutting.

How To Make A Fire With Maple Wood

To start with, you need to find some maple logs that are at least 2 inches thick.

You can then split these logs length ways with an axe or similar tool. Once you've done this, you can begin to stack them together.

You should try to keep the pieces no more than 6 feet long.

If you do this, you'll be able to place them around the base of your fire pit without having to move too far from where you started.

Once you have stacked all of the logs together, you can use a lighter to ignite them.

You may want to put some kindling between each log to help speed things along.

Once you have lit the logs, you can let them burn until there's a nice bed of coals underneath.

When you're ready to add more logs, you should wait until the previous ones have burned out completely. This will prevent any sparks from falling back onto the new logs.

As soon as you feel that the fire is big enough, you can add more logs to the top layer.

Remember not to pile too many logs on top of each other - you don't want to end up with a huge bonfire!

Maple Types Used For Firewood

There are several different kinds of maple tree that grow in North America.

Each type produces logs that are suitable for burning. Here we look at three of the most popular varieties:

Sugar Maple

This is probably the most commonly available variety of maple. Sugar maples produce a lot of sap during the springtime.

This sap is collected and boiled down to make syrup.

The logs produced by sugar maples tend to be fairly straight and thin. They are usually sold in bundles of four or six.

Red Maple

These trees produce a lot of sap in late summer. Red maple logs are generally thicker than those made from sugar maples. They are also slightly curved.

White Oak

The white oak is another species of maple that is widely available. White oaks produce a lot of sap throughout the year. Like red maples, they are also quite heavy.

Boxelder

Boxelders are native to eastern Canada. They produce a lot of sap all year round. Boxelder logs are typically very straight but sometimes they have small knots.

Will Maple Sap Make The Wood Hard To Burn?

No. In fact, the opposite is true. Maple sap makes the wood easier to burn.

It does this because it contains lots of tannins which give the wood a dark color and help to protect it against insects.

This wood still burns very clean, in spite of the sap. However, if you wish to avoid getting sap on your clothes, you might consider using a piece of cloth when stacking the logs.

Is Maple Wood Easy To Split?

Yes. Maple splits easily with a hatchet. Just remember to hold the blade close to the log so that you don't damage the bark.

How Long Does Maple Burn?

It depends on how hot the fire gets. When the temperature reaches about 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), the wood starts to smoke.

At this point, you should remove the logs from the fire and allow them to cool off.

It takes about 30 minutes for a log to reach its peak temperature. After this time has passed, the wood becomes less flammable. If you leave it longer, the wood will start to crack.

Once the wood has cooled, you can split it into smaller pieces. Some people even like to cut their own firewood. This way, they know exactly what they're buying.

What Is The Best Way To Store Maple Logs?

You shouldn't store maple logs outside. Instead, you should keep them inside so they won't get wet.

If you do decide to stack them outside, make sure that they are protected from rain and snow.

You can use an old blanket to cover the logs. Alternatively, you could wrap them in newspaper.

How Do I Know How Many Maple Logs I Need?

However, some people find that they need more wood, for example, if you live in a cold climate, you may want to buy extra wood just in case there's a power outage.

If you want to build a fire at a campsite, you should make sure that you pay attention to the rules and regulations of the site that dictate how large your fire can be.

You'll also need to calculate how many people there are around your fire. If you have a lot of people present, then you're going to need more wood.

If you are using your firewood for a fireplace, then we would recommend that you measure the dimensions of your fireplace before you get your wood.

However, you could have excess firewood and use it to light fires at a later date.

Conclusion

We hope that our article has helped you to decide whether or not to use maple wood in your fireplace or for your camping adventure.