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
Is sweet gum firewood good for indoor fireplaces?
Yes, but only if it’s properly seasoned. Burning green or wet sweet gum can produce excessive smoke and creosote buildup in your chimney.
How long does it take to season sweet gum firewood?
Sweet gum typically takes 12-18 months to season properly. Using a moisture meter can help determine when it’s ready to burn.
Can I mix sweet gum with other firewood types?
Absolutely! Mixing sweet gum with higher-BTU hardwoods like oak or hickory can improve its burning efficiency.
Does sweet gum produce sparks when burned?
Sweet gum is not known for producing excessive sparks, making it relatively safe for open fireplaces and fire pits.
Is sweet gum firewood good for cooking or smoking food?
Sweet gum is not ideal for cooking or smoking due to its moderate heat output and potential for producing smoke. Stick to hardwoods like hickory or apple for better results.
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.
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Hello!! I am Jamal Khan. I often fix my home electric heaters and gas stove problems and research the common issues in the heating units to improve my knowledge and expertise. The aim of establishing fireplaceadviser.com is to share my expertise and knowledge with my audience.
