While box elder might be readily available, its suitability for firewood isn't as straightforward as with some other species. There are definite pros and cons to consider before you start stacking box elder logs by the hearth.
In this article, we'll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of burning box elder, explore its BTU output, and compare it to other popular firewood choices, so you can decide whether it's the right fuel for your needs.
Box Elder Firewood: A Quick Overview
Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of using box elder for firewood:
Pros:
- Easy Splitting: Splits easily, even by hand.
- Abundant: Often readily available and sometimes free.
- Fast Ignition: Lights quickly and burns rapidly.
Cons:
- Low Heat Output: Provides less heat per cord than hardwoods.
- More Smoke: Produces more smoke and creosote than hardwoods.
- Sparks & Pops: Can spark and pop, posing a potential fire hazard.
- Prone to Rot: Susceptible to rot and insect infestation if not stored properly.
Best Uses for Box Elder Firewood:
- Kindling: Excellent for starting fires due to its easy ignition.
- Short Burns: Suitable for quick fires when sustained heat isn't essential.
- Supplemental Fuel: Can be burned alongside hardwoods to boost a fire quickly.
- Outdoor Fire Pits: Usable in outdoor fire pits, but be mindful of sparks.
This quick overview gives you a snapshot of what to expect from box elder firewood. Keep reading for a more in-depth look at each of these points.
Table of Contents
- Box Elder Firewood: The Pros
- Box Elder Firewood: The Cons
- Box Elder Firewood BTU Rating and Comparison
- Burning Box Elder Firewood Effectively
- Alternatives to Box Elder Firewood
Additional Tables:
Box Elder Firewood: The Pros
While not the king of firewood, box elder does offer some advantages that make it a viable option in certain situations:
Easy to Split and Process
Box elder is a softwood, making it significantly easier to split than hardwoods like oak or maple. Often, you can split it easily by hand with a maul, reducing the need for a powered wood splitter and making it a less physically demanding task.
This is a significant benefit, especially if you're processing smaller amounts.
Related: Hardwood vs. Softwood Firewood: Which is Right for You?
Abundant and Readily Available
Box elder is a common tree, particularly in North America, and is considered an invasive species in some regions. This widespread availability means you might find it growing on your own property or easily obtainable from neighbors or friends looking to clear it out.
This can translate to free or very low-cost firewood, a definite plus for budget-conscious homeowners.
Burns Quickly
Box elder's soft nature allows it to ignite quickly and burn rapidly. This makes it ideal for kindling or getting a fire going quickly. While not ideal for a long-lasting fire, it can be useful for shorter burns or boosting an existing fire.
Box Elder Firewood: The Cons
Despite the advantages mentioned above, box elder has several drawbacks that you should carefully consider before relying on it as your primary firewood source:
Low BTU Output
Box elder has a lower heat output compared to hardwoods. This means you'll need to burn significantly more box elder to achieve the same level of warmth as you would with denser woods like oak or maple.
This translates to more frequent trips to the woodpile and potentially higher wood consumption overall.
Produces More Smoke & Creosote
Due to its higher sap content and less dense wood structure, box elder tends to produce more smoke than hardwoods. This smoke can contribute to a faster buildup of creosote in your chimney, increasing the risk of chimney fires.
Regular chimney cleaning and maintenance are crucial when burning box elder.
Sparks and Pops
The rapid burning and sap content of box elder can cause it to spark and pop more than other wood types. This can be a safety hazard, especially with open fireplaces or if flammable materials are nearby.
A fireplace screen is essential when burning box elder.
Rot and Insect Attraction
Box elder wood is more susceptible to rot and insect infestation, especially if not properly stored and seasoned. This requires careful attention to storage practices to prevent wood spoilage and potential insect problems.
You'll need a well-ventilated and covered woodpile to protect it from the elements and pests.
Related: How to Store Firewood Outdoors: Tips & Solutions
Box Elder Firewood BTU Rating and Comparison
Box elder firewood has a BTU rating of approximately 17.9 million BTU per cord when seasoned. This is significantly lower than many popular hardwoods. To put this into perspective, let's compare it to other common firewood choices:
| Firewood Type | BTU per Cord (Millions) |
|---|---|
| Hickory | 27.7 |
| Oak (Red) | 24.6 |
| Maple (Sugar) | 24.0 |
| Ash | 20.7 |
| Birch (Yellow) | 20.1 |
| Cherry | 19.8 |
| Pine (White) | 16.9 |
| Box Elder | 17.9 |
As you can see, box elder falls on the lower end of the BTU spectrum, even compared to other softwoods like pine. This reinforces the point that you'll need a larger volume of box elder to achieve the same heat output as higher BTU woods.
While its BTU rating isn't the lowest, it's important to be realistic about its heating potential.
Burning Box Elder Firewood Effectively
Even with proper seasoning, burning box elder requires some specific techniques to maximize its heat output and minimize its drawbacks:
- Start with a Hot Fire: Establish a hot bed of coals using kindling and smaller pieces of hardwood before adding box elder.
- This helps to ensure complete combustion and reduce smoke.
- Use Smaller Pieces: Because box elder burns quickly, smaller pieces are generally preferred. This allows for better airflow and more complete burning.
- Ensure Adequate Airflow: Maintain good airflow in your fireplace or wood stove. This helps to reduce smoke and maximize heat output.
- Don't overload the firebox; leave space between the logs for air to circulate.
- Mix with Hardwoods: For a longer-lasting fire and better heat output, consider mixing box elder with hardwoods like oak or maple.
- The hardwoods will provide sustained heat while the box elder can be used to quickly boost the fire.
- Regularly Clean Your Chimney: Due to the higher smoke production of box elder, it's essential to clean your chimney regularly to prevent creosote buildup.
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year, especially if you burn box elder frequently.
By following these tips, you can burn box elder more efficiently and safely, while minimizing its potential drawbacks.
Remember, while it may not be the ideal firewood, it can still be a useful fuel source, especially when combined with proper burning practices.
Alternatives to Box Elder Firewood
While box elder can be a usable firewood source, especially if it's free and readily available, several alternatives offer superior burning qualities and higher heat output. If you have the option, consider these alternatives:
Hardwoods
Hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory are the gold standard for firewood. They burn hotter, longer, and produce less smoke than box elder.
While they may be more expensive and require more effort to split, the superior heat output and longer burn times often make them a worthwhile investment.
Other Softwoods
Even some other softwoods, such as seasoned pine or fir, can be preferable to box elder in certain situations. While they still produce more smoke than hardwoods, they often have a slightly higher BTU rating and can be easier to ignite.
Related: Burning Fir Wood: Is It Right for Your Stove or Fireplace?
Wood Pellets or Compressed Logs
If you have a pellet stove or fireplace insert, wood pellets offer a convenient and efficient alternative. They burn very cleanly and produce consistent heat.
Compressed logs, made from sawdust and other wood byproducts, are another option for convenient and consistent burning.
When choosing an alternative to box elder, consider factors such as local availability, cost, and the type of fireplace or wood stove you have. Weighing these factors will help you select the best firewood for your needs.
More Articles for You: