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Black walnut makes good firewood.
It burns hot, lasts a long time, and gives off a pleasant aroma that many people enjoy.
But there are a few things you should know before you start splitting and stacking it for winter.
If you’ve been wondering whether black walnut makes good firewood, the short answer is yes, it does.
Black walnut has a high BTU rating, which means it produces a lot of heat when burned.
It’s also easy to split and seasons reasonably well.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at why black walnut makes good firewood, how it compares to other woods, and a few drawbacks to keep in mind.
Let’s get into it.
Why Black Walnut Makes Good Firewood
Black walnut makes good firewood for several reasons, and here’s why:
1. High BTU Output
Black walnut has a BTU rating of around 22.2 million BTUs per cord.
That’s higher than many common firewood species like cherry, Douglas fir, and even some oak varieties.
This means black walnut firewood burns hot and produces a lot of heat for your home.
If you’re looking for firewood that will keep your house warm on cold nights, black walnut is a solid choice.
2. Easy to Split
One of the best things about black walnut firewood is how easy it is to split.
The wood has a straight grain that makes splitting with an axe or maul fairly simple.
You won’t have to fight with twisted fibers or knots like you would with elm or sycamore.
This makes processing black walnut firewood much less of a chore.
3. Pleasant Aroma
Black walnut gives off a distinct, earthy scent when it burns.
It’s not as strong as cedar or pine, but it’s noticeable and many people find it enjoyable.
If you like a fire that smells good, black walnut firewood won’t disappoint.
4. Good Coaling Properties
Black walnut produces good coals that hold heat for a long time.
This means once your fire is going, it will stay hot and provide steady warmth without constant tending.
The coals also make it easy to keep the fire going through the night.
How Black Walnut Firewood Compares to Other Woods
When you’re choosing firewood, it helps to see how black walnut stacks up against other common options.
Here’s a quick comparison:
1. Black Walnut vs. Oak
Oak is the gold standard for firewood, but black walnut holds its own.
Oak has a slightly higher BTU rating, but black walnut seasons faster and is easier to split.
Both are excellent choices for heating your home.
2. Black Walnut vs. Cherry
Cherry is another popular firewood, but black walnut outperforms it in BTU output.
Cherry does have a nicer aroma, but black walnut burns longer and hotter.
If heat is your priority, black walnut firewood is the better pick.
3. Black Walnut vs. Pine
Pine is a softwood that burns fast and hot but doesn’t last long.
Black walnut is a hardwood that burns slower and produces more coals.
For overnight burns, black walnut firewood is far superior to pine.
Drawbacks of Black Walnut Firewood
While black walnut makes good firewood, it’s not perfect.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. It Takes Time to Season
Black walnut firewood needs to be seasoned for at least a year, sometimes longer.
If you burn it green, it will smoke, sizzle, and produce creosote.
Make sure your black walnut firewood is properly dried before you burn it.
2. Can Be Valuable for Other Uses
Black walnut is prized for furniture, cabinetry, and woodworking.
If you have large, straight logs, you might get more value selling them to a sawmill than burning them.
But for smaller pieces or branches, burning black walnut firewood is a great use.
3. Not Always Readily Available
Black walnut isn’t as common as oak or maple in many areas.
If you don’t have black walnut trees on your property, you may need to buy black walnut firewood from a supplier.
It’s worth the effort if you can find it at a good price.
So, Does Black Walnut Make Good Firewood?
Black walnut makes good firewood.
It burns hot, produces long-lasting coals, and splits easily.
The aroma is pleasant, and it compares well to other hardwoods like oak and cherry.
Just make sure it’s properly seasoned before you burn it, and don’t overlook its potential value for woodworking.
If you’ve been asking yourself whether black walnut makes good firewood, the answer is a resounding yes.
It’s a great option for anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality firewood.