Dec 11, 2024 - Things to Do

High-end firewood and the search for the perfect burn

Thomas Wheatley

Illustration of a sommelier presenting a log of firewood instead of a bottle. — Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios

What do you buy the keeper of the flame who has it all? High-end logs.

Why it matters: There's nothing wrong with using sticks and logs lying around the backyard, but premium, kiln-dried firewood allows people to tailor the mood and experience of their blazes.

Zoom in: Firewood enthusiasts care more about the flame, aroma, and crackle of oak and apple orchard than pure heating power.

How it works: A tree's physical and chemical composition can result in longer or shorter burns or pretty flames, Leroy Hite, the founder of Atlanta-based Cutting Edge Firewood and firewood expert, told Axios.

Hardwoods burn slower and softwoods like pine burn faster.

We asked Hite, who sold his company earlier this year, what woods he'd recommend for special evenings.

❤️ Quiet night at home: Apple or cherry wood. Their sweet aromas create a cozy, romantic ambiance, Hite said.

🔥 Backyard fire pit party: Oak or hickory. They burn hotter and longer, he said, and are both good for laidback or lively gatherings.

🎄Christmas morning: Hickory or cherry. The super-specific scents can spark nostalgic memories, Hite said.

The intrigue: Pinion, which has a slight smell of Christmas trees, is an ideal wood for summertime fires, and as a bonus, could repel mosquitos.

Try it: Metro Atlanta's home to several companies that sell different species with different qualities. And yes, they deliver.

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High-end firewood and the search for the perfect burn

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