Is Sweet Gum Good Firewood? Pros, Cons & Characteristics

Sweet gum firewood is a debated choice among firewood users. While it is abundant and affordable, its challenging splitting process and high moisture retention make it less desirable than traditional hardwoods like oak and maple.

However, if properly seasoned, sweet gum can provide decent heat output. But is it worth the effort?

Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and characteristics of sweet gum firewood to help you decide.

Key Takeaways

• Sweet gum firewood is abundant and easy to split, making it a convenient option for many.
• It burns moderately well but produces less heat compared to premium hardwoods.
• The wood has a high moisture content, requiring proper seasoning to avoid excessive smoke.
• Sweet gum is best used in combination with other hardwoods for optimal burning efficiency.
• Its unique characteristics, such as its interlocking grain, make it a versatile but sometimes challenging firewood choice.

Is Sweet Gum Wood Good for Firewood?

Yes, you can burn sweet gum to warm your home. Sweet gum is a hardwood with a BTU rating of 20.6, which is higher than the burning average, making it suitable for providing warmth during cool or mild temperatures. Sweet gum firewood burns quickly but long enough for an evening fire.

For longer burn times and better results, mix it with woods like oak to compensate for sweet gum’s lack of coaling qualities.

Overview

BTU	20.6 million per cord
Weight	3,850 to 4,550 lbs (wet), 2,250 to 2,950 lbs (dry)
Seasoning Time	1 year
Resin/Sap Content	High
Splitting Difficulty	Hard
Smoke	Low to Medium
Smell	Not noticeable

Characteristics of Sweet Gum Firewood

1. Density and Hardness

Sweet gum is classified as a hardwood, but it’s softer than traditional hardwoods like oak or hickory. Its density is moderate, which means it burns faster than denser woods.

2. Moisture Content

One of the biggest challenges with sweet gum firewood is its high moisture content. Freshly cut sweet gum can take longer to season (dry) compared to other woods. Proper seasoning is crucial to avoid excessive smoke and poor combustion.

3. Heat Output

Sweet gum produces a moderate amount of heat 20.6 BTU per Cord (Millions). While it’s not the hottest-burning firewood, it can still provide a decent amount of warmth when properly dried.

4. Ease of Splitting

Sweet gum is relatively easy to split, especially when green. However, its interlocking grain can make it tougher to split once it dries.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Grows abundantly in the southeastern U.S.	Interlocking grain makes it challenging to process
Similar to soft maple, around 20+ million BTUs per cord	Requires at least 12–18 months to dry adequately
Often free or low-cost since it’s not a preferred firewood	Burns poorly when wet, producing excessive smoke
Burns well when fully seasoned	Needs proper airflow and maintenance

How Does Sweet Gum Compare to Other Firewood?

Firewood Type	BTU per Cord	Ease of Splitting	Seasoning Time	Smoke & Creosote
Oak	24–26M	Easy	12 months	Low
Hickory	25–28M	Difficult	12–24 months	Very Low
Maple	18–23M	Moderate	12 months	Moderate
Birch	20–24M	Easy	6–12 months	Moderate
Cherry	20–22M	Moderate	12 months	Low
Sweet Gum	~20M	Hard	12–18 months	Moderate
Pine	15–17M	Easy	6–12 months	High
Ash	20–24M	Easy	6–12 months	Low
Walnut	18–22M	Moderate	12 months	Low
Poplar	14–17M	Easy	6–12 months	High

FAQs

Final Thoughts

So, is sweet gum good firewood? The answer is yes with some caveats. While it’s not the hottest or longest-burning option, sweet gum firewood is abundant, easy to split, and can provide decent heat when properly seasoned.

Its best use is in combination with other hardwoods to maximize efficiency.

If you have access to sweet gum and are willing to put in the time to season it properly, it can be a valuable addition to your firewood stash. Just remember to prioritize drying and mixing it with higher-quality woods for the best results.