Douglas fir Firewood
Douglas fir is the standard heating wood across much of the Pacific Northwest, where hardwoods are scarce. It is the densest of the common western softwoods and gives heat closer to soft hardwoods than to pine.
- Heat per cord
- 21.4 million BTU
- Weight per cord
- 3,000 lb (air-dried)
- Ease of splitting
- ●●●●○ 4 of 5
- Seasoning time
- 6 to 9 months
- Smoke
- Moderate
- Sparks
- Moderate
- Coals
- Fair
- Scent
- Resinous, pleasant
- Type
- Softwood
- Common in (US)
- Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies, Northern California
Splitting Douglas fir
Straight Douglas fir splits easily, which makes it pleasant to process by hand or with a small splitter.
Seasoning Douglas fir
Douglas fir dries quickly, usually in 6 to 9 months after splitting and stacking, though the wet Northwest climate makes covered storage important.
Burning Douglas fir
Dry Douglas fir burns hot and fairly fast, lights easily and has a pleasant resinous smell. It throws some sparks, so use a screen with an open fireplace.
Gear for Douglas fir
In a wet climate, a firewood shed or a rack with a good top cover makes more difference than species. Keep the sides open for airflow.
Splitters and splitting tools
- Best Electric Log Splitter Under $500: 5 Splitters for Home Firewood
- Best Splitting Maul: 5 Mauls for Splitting Firewood by Hand
- Best Log Splitter for Home Use: 4 Splitters for a Cord or Two
Chainsaws
- Best Battery Chainsaw for Homeowners: 5 Cordless Saws Compared
- Best Chainsaw for Firewood: 5 Gas Saws for Cutting Cords
Stoves, storage and moisture
- Best Wood Stove for Heating a House: 5 Freestanding Stoves Compared
- Best Firewood Moisture Meter: 5 Pin Meters for Seasoned Wood
- Best Firewood Rack with Cover: 5 Outdoor Racks Compared
Size the splitter for your Douglas fir with the log splitter tonnage calculator, and see how many cords a winter takes with the firewood cord calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Douglas fir good firewood?
Yes. It is the main heating wood in much of the Pacific Northwest and burns hot when dry.
Does Douglas fir cause creosote?
Wet wood and smoldering fires cause creosote. Dry Douglas fir burned hot is fine.
How long does Douglas fir take to season?
About 6 to 9 months after splitting, under cover.
Compare with similar woods
Maple (sugar and red) (22.1 million BTU per cord), Birch (21.0 million BTU per cord). Or see all 23 species side by side.