It is a must that the wood you purchase have a low moisture content. Burning wet wood produces more smoke than heat. When there is more smoke there is more creosote, thus increasing the risk of chimney fires. To verify the moisture of the wood, check if the end of the log is cracked, if it is then the wood is dry.

On the other hand when the wood is rotten or in a state of decomposition it will have a hard time burning and will create lots of smoke. This type of wood is not recommended.

At last, hardwood has a higher energy content, it will burn longer and give off more heat than soft wood. Maple, oak and birch woods are better than pine, fir and spruce. The energy content of wood has to do with the density of the wood. The harder and the dryer the wood is the better it is for your fireplace or wood stove.