If you were ever in boy scouts or girl scouts, you probably know how to make a pretty mean campfire. But, did you know that there are different ways to build fires depending on what you’re using the fire for? Now that we’re the heart of winter, you will likely want to get the most heat as possible from the fire you build in your fireplace. Here, we’ll teach you how to build a fireplace fire that will heat your home in minutes.
Best wood for a warm fire: Dense hardwoods, such as maple and oak, burn longer than softer woods and produce a long-lasting coal bed that will provide heat for hours. You will also want to make sure that the wood is dry enough to burn efficiently. The best way to test the moisture level is to split a piece of wood and examine the inside surface. If the interior feels damp, then it’s too wet to burn. Hardwoods can take an entire year to fully dry, so be sure to plan ahead.
Build a fireplace fire: Before building your fire, be sure to clean out the ashes and open the flue damper. Start your fire by building a kindling fire out of softer woods to heat up the fireplace and chimney. Here’s a quick guide to help you know the difference between hardwood and softwood:
| Common Hardwoods | Common Softwoods |
| Maple | Cedar |
| Walnut | Pine |
| Cherry | Spruce |
| Rosewood | Hemlock |
| Mahogony | Fir |
| Oak | Redwood |
Once the burning softwood kindling has warmed up the flue, it’s time to build your toasty fire. According to Woodheat.org, the best way to produce high heat is to use large, compact loads of hardwood. Learn how to make a top-down fire that will produce heat for up to two hours without needing tending to.
To maximize the heat from the fire, you will want to focus on maintaining the hot coals. Find out how the air flows in your fireplace and rake the coals toward the combustible air, usually towards the front. You will want to prevent the wood from smoldering and smoking, as it is a result of poor combustion. To rekindle the fire from hot coals, rake them toward the front of the fireplace and place more wood behind the coals. Place a small, dry piece of wood directly on top of the coals to ignite the new fuel.
And there you have it! You and your family can enjoy a warm night by the fire in no time!
About Doctor Flue
Doctor Flue is dedicated to providing families with warm, beautiful fireplaces. If your fireplace is out of commission, or just needs a little facelift, give us a call at 800-438-3583 or send us an email at office@drflue.com to request an appointment today!
Connect with Doctor Flue on Social Media