Best Firewood: Kiln-Dried vs. Seasoned — Which One Should You Burn?

When temperatures drop, there’s nothing like the warmth and crackle of a real wood fire. But not all firewood is created equal. If you’ve ever struggled to light a fire or been frustrated by too much smoke, the problem likely isn’t your fireplace—it’s the wood.

So, what is the best firewood to burn? The answer usually comes down to two choices: seasoned or kiln-dried. Both have their benefits, but the right one for you depends on your needs, preferences, and how you plan to use it.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know to choose the best firewood—plus where to buy premium hardwood firewood with free delivery if you’re in Maryland or Northern Virginia.

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What Makes Firewood “The Best”?

Before comparing seasoned and kiln-dried options, it’s important to understand what makes firewood good in the first place.

The best firewood should:

• Burn cleanly, producing minimal smoke

• Have low moisture content (ideally under 20%)

• Be made from dense hardwoods like oak, hickory, or maple

• Produce high heat output (measured in BTUs)

• Be free of pests, mold, and excess bark

Now let’s dive into the two main types of firewood and see how they compare.

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What Is Seasoned Firewood?

Seasoned firewood is wood that has been air-dried naturally for 6 to 12 months. This drying process reduces moisture levels and allows it to burn better than green (freshly cut) wood.

✅ Pros:

• Affordable and widely available

• Dried using natural methods (no chemicals or machines)

• Works well for outdoor fire pits, campfires, or casual burning

• Great option if you’re storing firewood for future use

⚠️ Cons:

• Quality varies—some may still be too wet

• Can take months to season properly

• Higher moisture levels mean more smoke and creosote

If you’re going to burn seasoned wood, make sure it has been properly stored and tested for moisture levels. Poorly seasoned wood can cause chimney buildup and lead to less efficient burns.

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What Is Kiln-Dried Firewood?

Kiln-dried firewood is wood that’s been dried in a controlled environment using industrial kilns. This process quickly removes moisture and kills any insects or mold in the wood.

✅ Pros:

• Extremely low moisture content (10–15%)

• Burns hotter, faster, and cleaner

• Produces less creosote and fewer emissions

• Ideal for indoor fireplaces, wood stoves, and pizza ovens

• Ready to burn immediately upon delivery

⚠️ Cons:

• More expensive due to the drying process

• Not always available from local suppliers

If you want the best firewood for home heating, especially in indoor spaces, kiln-dried is often the superior choice.

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Best Firewood Supplier: Mulch & Stone (Maryland & Virginia)

If you’re looking for high-quality firewood delivered straight to your home, Mulch & Stone is a trusted source in Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Their offerings include:

Kiln-Dried Firewood

• Premium hardwood mix: oak, hickory, maple, and walnut

• Low moisture content (~10–15%)

• Pest-free, mold-free, and clean-burning

• Full and half cord options

• Free delivery to MD and VA

Seasoned Firewood

• Same quality hardwoods

• Naturally seasoned and responsibly harvested

• Cost-effective and great for outdoor use

• Delivered in clean, organized cords

They serve areas like Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Montgomery County, and more, offering curbside drop-off with no hidden fees.

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Best Firewood for Different Uses

Choosing the best firewood depends on how and where you plan to use it. Here’s a quick guide:

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How to Choose the Best Firewood

Here are 5 tips to make sure you’re getting the best quality firewood for your money:

1. Check the moisture level
   Moisture content should be below 20%. Kiln-dried wood typically meets this; seasoned wood should be tested with a moisture meter.

2. Go with hardwoods
   Avoid softwoods like pine—they burn too fast and create lots of creosote. Look for oak, maple, hickory, or walnut.

3. Check the cut and size
   Uniform, split logs stack better and burn more evenly.

4. Buy from reputable sources
   Choose companies like Mulch & Stone that list moisture levels, wood types, and offer local delivery.

5. Store it properly
   Even the best firewood needs to stay dry. Store it off the ground, covered on top, and with airflow around the sides.

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✅ Final Thoughts: What Is the Best Firewood?

If you want the best firewood for heat output, cleanliness, and ease of use, kiln-dried firewood is the clear winner—especially for indoor fireplaces, wood stoves, or cooking. However, seasoned firewood is still a great budget-friendly option for outdoor fires and casual use, provided it’s dried properly.

To learn more about wood-burning best practices, check out these trusted resources:

• U.S. Department of Energy – Wood and Pellet Heating Guide

• EPA Burn Wise Program

For high-quality, sustainably sourced firewood with free local delivery in Maryland and Virginia, check out:

Mulch & Stone: Kiln-Dried Firewood
Mulch & Stone: Seasoned Firewood