Best Wood for Your Fireplace

May 28, 2025

Macrocarpa

One of the best types of wood you can burn. Macrocarpa is known for its high heat output and long burn time. It's also an eco-friendly option as it’s a fast-growing tree species that is native to New Zealand. Macrocarpa is also a hardwood, which means it is less likely to spark and creates less ash compared to softwoods.

Douglas Fir

Another great option also known for high heat output, long burn time and low ash. As well, it’s a fast-growing tree species which means it’s sustainable.

Totara

Totara is technically a softwood, but it’s a dense native timber that burns more like a hardwood. It produces good heat and has a relatively long burn time. Totara splits easily and lights well once properly seasoned. Because it contains natural oils, it should be well dried (around 12–18 months) to avoid excess smoke or creosote.

Beech

Beech is one of the best firewoods in New Zealand. It burns hot, produces strong steady heat, and lasts a long time in the firebox. Red beech and silver beech are particularly popular in the South Island and are excellent for overnight burns.

Oak

Oak is one of the highest heat-producing woods available. It burns slowly and evenly, making it perfect for long winter nights. Oak does take longer to dry than most timbers, often 18–24 months, but the heat output makes it well worth the wait.

Pine and Radiata Pine

Popular choices for woodfires in New Zealand. However, ‘old man pine’ is not recommended as it contains high levels of resin. This can create creosote, a sticky byproduct of burning that can clog your chimney and create a fire hazard.

It's also important that your wood is seasoned or dried for at least six months before burning. Fresh or green wood contains high moisture content, which can create smoke and reduce the overall efficiency of your fire.

When you’re choosing wood over the summer, you need to consider the heat output, burn time, and ash production of different types of wood. Pine, Macrocarpa and Douglas Fir are the best options that offer high heat output, long burn time, and low ash production.

Blackwood

Blackwood burns very well and produces good steady heat. It’s a reasonably dense hardwood that holds a fire well once established.

A Quick Tip About Firewood

Regardless of the timber species, the most important factor is dryness. Firewood should generally be seasoned for at least 12 months, ideally reaching a moisture content of under 20% before burning. Dry wood burns hotter, cleaner, and keeps your chimney safer.

Woodsman Kanaku wood stacker with 4.2m Heatsaver Flue System, showcasing firewood storage and a burning fire inside.

So what should I buy?

When selecting firewood, it's essential to consider the type and burn characteristics of different woods. Softwoods like Pine and Oregon are suitable for quick fires and initial kindling, while hardwoods such as Larch, Macrocarpa, Blue Gum, and Beech provide longer burn times and higher temperatures, making them ideal for sustained heating. For an average household during winter, using between 6-10 cubic meters of wood, it is advisable to prioritize hardwoods, as they yield more heat per log, reducing the overall quantity needed and minimizing the frequency of replenishing the fire. A recommended ratio for households that maintain a fire throughout the day is 80% hardwood to 20% softwood, whereas those who only use the fire for a few hours daily may benefit from a more balanced 50/50 mix.

The Most Important Thing: Dry Firewood

No matter what type of wood you burn, dry firewood is the key to performance.

Firewood should ideally be:

-Seasoned for at least 12–18 months

-Stored under cover

-Moisture content below 20%

-Burning dry wood means:

-Better heat output

-Less smoke

-Less creosote in your flue

-Better performance from your wood burner

🔥 Tip: Modern clean-air wood burners like Woodsman fires perform best with dry hardwoods such as beech, gum, or well-seasoned totara, often mixed with pine for easy lighting

Firewood You Should Avoid Burning in a Wood Burner

Not all timber is suitable for burning in a wood burner. Some woods produce excessive smoke, sparks, or harmful chemicals that can damage your fire, flue system, or the environment.

Here are some types of wood you should never burn.

Treated Timber

Never burn treated timber such as old decking, fence posts, or building timber. Treated wood contains chemicals that release toxic fumes when burned and can damage your fire and flue system.

Painted or Varnished Wood

Wood that has been painted, stained, or varnished should not be burned. These coatings produce harmful smoke and pollutants when burned.

Wet or Unseasoned Wood

Wet wood is one of the biggest causes of smoke and creosote build-up in chimneys. It burns poorly, produces less heat, and can increase the risk of chimney fires. Firewood should ideally be seasoned for at least 12–18 months before burning.

Driftwood

Driftwood may look like good firewood, but it often contains salt from seawater, which can damage your flue system and produce corrosive smoke.

Rubbish or Household Waste

Wood burners should never be used to dispose of rubbish, cardboard, plastics, or household waste. These materials produce harmful emissions and can damage the appliance.

NOTE: We advise against using old man pine for wood burning, as our experience indicates that this type of wood can lead to significant issues. It is known to cause creosote accumulation, which can obstruct flue systems within just three to four days, and it also contributes to soot buildup that may spill onto the roof. Additionally, we recommend investing in a moisture meter; if the wood has a moisture content exceeding 20%, it should not be burned, as this too can result in creosote and soot formation.

Burn clean, dry, untreated wood only.

Doing this will ensure: