Hardwood vs. Softwood: What Type of Firewood Should You Order?
Choosing the right firewood isn’t just about what’s available — it’s about how and where you’ll burn it. Whether you’re heating your home, lighting up a restaurant fire pit, or stocking up for the winter ahead, the type of firewood you use will affect heat output, efficiency, smoke levels, and even your chimney’s health.
At A1 Tree & Mulch, we deliver both seasoned hardwood and softwood firewood throughout Maryland, and we often get the same question: “Which one should I order?”
Let’s break it down.
seasoned hardwood and softwood firewood
What’s the Difference Between Hardwood and Softwood?
The terms refer to tree types, but the real difference is in burn performance. Understanding wood density, heat value (BTUs), and seasoning requirements will help you get the right firewood for your goals.
Hardwood Firewood
- Comes from dense, slow-growing trees like
oak, ash, hickory, cherry, mulberry, and locust
- Burns
longer and hotter, making it ideal for whole-home heating or long cooking sessions
- Lower moisture retention (when properly seasoned) = cleaner burn and less creosote
- Often the preferred choice for
indoor fireplaces, wood stoves, and pizzerias
Softwood Firewood
- Comes from faster-growing conifers like
pine, poplar, and spruce
- Burns
hot and fast, great for a quick fire or to build up coals for hardwood
- Easier to split and stack
- Best suited for
outdoor fire pits, recreational burns, and kindling
oak, ash, hickory, cherry
Which Should You Choose?
If you're using wood as a primary or supplemental heat source, hardwood is your best option. Its high BTU output per cord makes it more efficient — and safer — for long-term indoor use.
If you're planning casual fire pit nights, outdoor events, or restaurant patio ambiance, softwood is more than sufficient. It ignites easily and creates a bright flame — perfect for atmosphere.
Pro tip: Many Maryland homeowners order both — softwood for kindling and quick burns, hardwood for all-night heat.
Link suggestion:
hardwood is your best option
What Most People Overlook: Seasoning and Moisture
Regardless of the wood type, if it’s not seasoned, you’re going to fight smoke, low heat, and incomplete combustion. Seasoned firewood has been dried for 6–12 months, reducing moisture content below 20%. This allows it to burn efficiently and safely.
At A1, all firewood is fully seasoned and ready to use the day it’s delivered. For customers with specific needs — like indoor ovens or enclosed fireplaces — we can advise on the best blend.
fully seasoned
Where and How We Deliver Firewood in Maryland
We serve both residential and commercial firewood customers across the greater Baltimore area, including:
● Towson
● Hunt Valley
● Cockeysville
● Monkton
● Parkville
We deliver up to 15 miles from our yard at no additional charge. Same-day delivery is often available, depending on weather and timing. Restaurants — especially pizzerias — regularly rely on our hardwood blends for consistent, clean-burning heat.
firewood customers across the greater Baltimore area
Common Questions We Hear (And Straight Answers)
What’s the best firewood?
The answer depends on the use — hardwoods like oak and hickory are best for heat and long burns. Softwoods are great for starting fires or quick outdoor burns.
When should I buy firewood?
We recommend purchasing 6–12 months ahead of use to ensure the wood is properly seasoned, especially if you're planning to stockpile for winter.
Do you stack firewood?
We do not typically offer stacking due to the variable conditions at delivery sites, but this may be available for an additional charge.
best firewood
