It is a priori pleasant to see a live fire in your stove; it creates a cozy and comfortable atmosphere throughout the whole house, but do not forget that its main task is to heat the room. Efficient operation of the stove will allow you to warm up the space of the house at any time of the year and heat the bathhouse.
It is desirable that lighting the stove does not take much time, and the heat from it, on the contrary, lingers for a long time. This can be done by choosing the right fuel, in particular firewood. In this article we will talk about what kind of firewood is best to heat the stove, we will focus on different types of wood, we will study deciduous and coniferous options and specific types of wood.
Nice glowing fire in the stove
Why wood is the best fuel for a sauna
Firing a sauna stove with wood is a labor-intensive process. But despite this, many continue to use this fuel. After all, firewood gives a special feeling of warmth and Russian flavor, wood burning, crackling.
The advantages are undeniable, since firewood:
- optimal type of fuel combining ecology and safety;
- are characterized by low cost;
- have a long burning period;
- give off a lot of heat.
Alder
It is very effective for heating, and its lightness allows for quick ignition. At the same time, alder dries quickly, which allows you to quickly prepare and use firewood from it, which, by the way, is stored for a very long time. Alder has a minimal resin content, which minimizes the presence of smoke during combustion. The absence of smoke allows you to avoid clogging the chimney, which, in turn, increases the safety and service life of the heating system. Also, the absence of smoke provides an excellent opportunity to cook various dishes directly in the fireplace. Alder that is two to three years old smells good when it burns, which will create a cozy and pleasant atmosphere in the house. This type of wood is available both in price and availability, which together provides strong arguments in favor of its purchase.
Main characteristics of different types of wood
To figure out what kind of wood is best to heat a bathhouse, it’s worth studying the characteristics of different tree species.
They are divided into the following types:
- Deciduous . These rocks, in turn, are divided into 2 groups - hard and soft. The first group includes cheap rocks that quickly burn out. Representatives of the second produce uniform heat and burn for a long time.
- Fruity . This group includes cherry, apple, plum and pear. When burning, such firewood emits a pleasant fruity aroma.
- Conifers . To prepare firewood, two types of coniferous trees are used - spruce and pine. They have a low cost and yet have high heat transfer. The disadvantages of this wood are rapid combustion and the generation of sparks during the process.
Conifers
These rocks are good for heating stoves. They burn well, but only for a short time. Scattering sparks in all directions creates an unsafe situation.
Pine
Pine firewood contains resin, which contributes to the formation of soot in the firebox and chimney. Working with pine leads to the appearance of tart fumes in the air due to the combustion of resin.
Spruce firewood burns just like pine wood. Working with spruce logs leads to the release of essential oils. This is accompanied by toning of the respiratory tract.
Selection options
When choosing firewood, it is important to consider the following characteristics of wood:
- Resinousness . The resin content of tree tissue determines the suitability of firewood as fuel. The combustion of this substance forms a hard-to-remove coating on the walls of chimneys. When using a flow-through heater for heating, smoke with a large amount of soot settles on the stones. When steam is supplied, it rises and the room is filled with hard, heavy air.
- Density _ The higher it is, the more heat the wood gives off during combustion.
- Humidity . Freshly cut wood contains 50% moisture in its tissues. For high-quality combustion, this figure should not exceed 20%.
- Log sizes . When purchasing ready-made firewood, it is important to take this parameter into account. Optimal indicators: length – 45 – 50 cm, thickness – 8 – 10 cm.
Ease of preparation . When preparing firewood yourself, it is important to consider how it is sawed and split. For example, white acacia has a high heat output, which makes it attractive as a fuel. However, the structure of this wood is dense, viscous, and has many interwoven fibers. Therefore, splitting acacia firewood yourself turns into a real test of strength. Oak can be contrasted with the unruly acacia. Despite its high strength, it can easily be split with a regular ax or a special cleaver.
Ash content . The more minerals a tree contains, the more ash it leaves. Ash content is measured as a percentage of the total weight of firewood. It is divided into internal (in an amount from 0.2 to 2.16%) that is present in the tree under natural conditions, and external (up to 20%), introduced during harvesting, storage or transportation. Moreover, the second significantly exceeds the first. The ashiest types of firewood are pine - 2.19 - 1.39%; spruce – 2.23 – 2.31%; birch – 2.43 – 0.52%; aspen – 2.73%.
Region where the bathhouse is located . This is one of the important factors in economic terms. For example, hornbeam has the highest calorific value. But if the bathhouse is built in a place where this tree does not grow, then a lot of money will be spent on purchasing firewood. Therefore, to fire a stove in a bathhouse, you should choose wood with the highest heat transfer value among that which is common in the region where the bathhouse is located.
Storage features . If firewood is being prepared for future use, you need to pay attention to how suitable the variety will be for long-term storage. The least susceptible to rotting are oak, alder, ash logs and larch. Willow, linden, poplar or aspen must be used up first, or provided with ideal conditions.
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Which firewood to choose
Each wood has certain heat transfer characteristics, combustion characteristics and health effects. Firewood is also differentiated by cost. By analyzing these qualities, every bath lover can choose the most suitable option for himself.
Pine and spruce
This type of wood is chosen because of its low cost and the unique aroma that conifers emit when burning.
Spruce and pine give good heat, flare up quickly, and produce a small amount of ash. But such firewood cannot be considered the best. Pine contains a large amount of resin, which causes a high combustion temperature.
But at the same time, this firewood produces a large number of sparks. Flying embers can lead to unpredictable consequences. When burned, conifers produce strong smoke and emit carbon monoxide.
Aspen
Firewood that burns poorly with low heat transfer and a peculiar bitter aroma. Therefore, it is not advisable to use them as the main fuel.
However, experienced bathhouse attendants recommend using aspen as a preventive measure. The steam from this type of firewood effectively cleans the chimney of soot that forms after burning coniferous trees.
To enhance the cleansing effect, it is recommended to burn aspen firewood with potato skins.
Alder
This wood deserves special respect among all hardwoods.
In ancient times, such firewood was available only to noble people; ordinary people did not use it as fuel. Alder burns without problems, does not smoke, and does not emit resin. This type of firewood is especially good for heating a black bath: it neutralizes soot.
The aroma of alder is beneficial for health:
- helps cope with colds;
- gives a supply of vigor and energy.
Expert opinion
Lovkachev Boris Petrovich
Bath master who knows everything about steaming
When harvesting yourself, choose alder that grows at higher elevations. The tissues of such trees are denser and contain a minimal amount of moisture.
Oak
Oak is used as firewood mainly in the northern regions, where there are many such trees. It is not profitable to buy such firewood, since their cost is quite high. Oak wood has a high density, therefore it provides high heat transfer.
Maple
Not the best option for a sauna firebox. Maple flares up instantly, gives good heat, but practically does not form coals. During bath procedures, you will have to constantly add firewood to the firebox, otherwise the temperature in the steam room will quickly drop.
Linden
Linden wood is difficult to light, but the heat is persistent. The steam from this wood has a honey aroma, calms, uplifts, and has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system. Experienced bath attendants advise combining alder firewood with birch firewood.
Linden cannot be stored for long periods of time. In just 2 years, even dry firewood will turn into dust, so it must be used immediately after harvesting.
Ash
The heat transfer of ash is not inferior to oak. Firewood from trees of this species is expensive and rare. Ash burns even with high humidity.
Hornbeam
Wood that gives the highest heat transfer. It burns for a very long time, produces a large amount of charcoal, and practically does not smoke.
Birch
The best option for a bathhouse in terms of price and quality ratio. Birch is widespread, so the cost of such firewood is low. Its wood ignites easily and produces good heat. Together with high heat transfer, birch firewood produces healing steam. It helps in treating colds and respiratory problems.
One of the advantages of birch firewood is its long shelf life. They can be stored for several years without loss of quality.
Fruit wood
Such firewood is practically not found on sale, but you can prepare it yourself. Typically, this opportunity arises when cutting down old stands or eliminating thickets of wild trees.
The advantages of this type of wood are high heat transfer, lack of smoke and a pleasant fruity aroma when burning. The best choice for a sauna is apple and cherry wood.
The former give the maximum amount of heat, the latter give a pronounced aroma, but smoke stronger. You should not use plum wood in your bathhouse. It is more suitable for barbecues.
The disadvantage of firewood from fruit trees is that it is difficult to ignite. To overcome this problem, a different type of firewood is first lit in the firebox, and then fruit wood is added.
Important component 3 - the correct combustion algorithm
We place two logs parallel to each other on the grate at a distance of 10-15 cm. Between them is a crumpled sheet of paper, which we cover with wood chips or shavings. The “seed” is completed by two more logs laid diagonally on top.
We set fire to the “seed”
Using a match or kitchen lighter, light the wad of paper in the “seed”. You cannot use flammable liquids to speed up ignition: gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, xylene, acetone, etc. If the firewood is damp and cannot be ignited, you can use a dry alcohol tablet. We wait for the characteristic flame noise to appear in the stove, close the firebox door and cover the vent (not completely).
Throwing wood into the stove
The “seed”, of course, will not be enough to light the stove. Therefore, to continue combustion, you will have to add firewood from time to time. The first time this is done 10-15 minutes after igniting the “seed”. We open the firebox door, level with a poker everything that remains of the “seed” and place the firewood in approximately 2/3 of the volume of the stove firebox.
In the future, a new portion of firewood is laid when the old one burns out - approximately once every 1-1.5 hours.
We complete the heating of the bathhouse
In winter, the sauna is heated for at least 5-6 hours, in summer it is faster - on average 3-4 hours. When the bath has heated to the required temperature, the firebox can be finished. We wait for the last portion of firewood to burn out, open the firebox door and check for bluish flames above the coals - signs of the presence of carbon monoxide. If everything is in order, close the vent, smoke valve and firebox completely.
After everything has been done, we open the doors of the steam room and the window so that the bathhouse can be ventilated. 15 minutes is enough for the bathhouse to be filled with fresh air. After that, close everything except the window. The bath should last for about two hours. Don’t be afraid, during this time it will not have time to cool, but the heat will become soft, uniform, and the steam will become light. Afterwards we close the window and begin the bath procedures.
There are three answers to this question: from a practical, health-improving and economically beneficial point of view.
- The first insists that hard types of wood should be used for a bathhouse, since they burn longer and produce more heat.
- The second states: it is preferable to take “healing” logs that have the most positive effect on the body.
- The third speaks about the advisability of using only firewood for heating that is obtained directly on site and, therefore, is inexpensive.
What kind of wood should you not burn?
The following cannot be used for a sauna stove:
- Lumber impregnated with chemical compounds.
- Boards covered with paint, as well as with traces of rubber and plastic.
- Rotten, rotten sticks and stumps. They burn poorly, emit a lot of smoke, and little heat.
Expert opinion
Lovkachev Boris Petrovich
Bath master who knows everything about steaming
It is strictly forbidden to use wood that was previously used on the railway in the bathhouse. To protect against rotting, sleepers and posts are impregnated with creosote, which is extremely harmful to human health.
Installation recommendations
For a heavy brick oven, it is necessary to build a foundation.
During the installation of a heating device, several rules must be followed:
- Do not place flammable objects or explosive liquids near the heated area.
- It is better to clean the collapsible type of chimney from soot.
- The suitable diameter of the chimney pipe is approximately 15 cm, length – 5 cm.
- The chimney is equipped with an adjustable damper.
- To protect against burns, it is better to use brick shielding. The masonry will also prevent overheating of the walls and will accumulate heat.
- The floor surface made of combustible materials is protected by the foundation.
The complete instructions contain detailed installation instructions.
Features of preparing and storing firewood for a bath
You can prepare firewood yourself from the beginning of autumn until the end of winter. During this period, sap flow inside the tree stops. Frozen stumps are easier to split.
The main problem after purchasing or independently preparing firewood is proper installation, which contributes to maximum preservation of the quality of the raw materials.
It is prohibited to cut down trees in the nearest forest plantation without special permission.
There are several installation methods that will help avoid woodpile rotting:
Stack
The logs are laid parallel to each other. Due to the natural unevenness, there are gaps for air to pass through.
Cage
Firewood is laid in rows. Each next one is placed perpendicular to the previous one.
Stack
Almost the same as a stack, only the firewood is placed in a circle.
Firewood stacked in this way will dry better if several more conditions are met:
- the sides of the woodshed are left open, so the logs can quickly ventilate and dry if they get wet (relevant for a structure with a roof);
- when placing the woodshed outdoors, you need to cover the top rows with roofing felt or thick film;
- it is necessary to stack the firewood correctly, only then, even with high air humidity, will they be able to dry;
- You must first lay boards on the ground so that moisture does not get on the bottom row of firewood.
Freshly cut firewood is suitable for use within a year.
Deciduous
Larch firewood is better suited for heating in the house. The absence of adhesive substances in them does not cause smoke. Some of these rocks are suitable for kindling.
Alder
Alder is treated as the most beautiful firewood. Alder in the cut section has a varied color shade. It depends on where the tree grows. Conveniences include the fact that you don’t need to dry it.
Very expensive firebox material to use for firewood. Oak is economical to use. It is often added to other types of firewood. Due to this, more heat is generated in the combustion chamber.
The fiber structure is more dense. This type is not suitable for lighting a stove.
Birch
Birch firewood provides 30% higher heat transfer than other varieties. They contain tar. Thanks to this, the flame flares up quickly and the heat is maintained for a long time.
How to calculate the amount of firewood
It is not possible to accurately calculate the volume of firewood, but some average indicators exist. If a bathhouse is heated once every 7 days, for example, with birch, for kindling you will need approximately 100 kg per month in the warm season, 200 kg in late autumn and winter. In year
it comes out to about 3 - 3.5 cubic meters.
When calculating, the following parameters are taken into account:
- density and weight of wood;
- type of stove, its power (sometimes manufacturers indicate approximate consumption or capacity per masonry);
- steam room area and desired temperature;
- time of year and climatic features of the region;
- how often the owners use the sauna and how well the steam room is insulated.
Common Questions
We dismantled several sets of old MDF furniture. Is it possible to heat a bathhouse with them?
Technically this is possible and the MDF will burn. Such fuel will provide a minimum of heat and a maximum of ash. Please also note that when MDF burns, it will release phenol-formaldehyde resin. This is a very hazardous substance to health. Plus, the resin settles on the walls of the chimney and it will be very difficult to clean it later.
How to determine if the firewood is dry enough?
To understand whether the logs are suitable for burning, just knock them against each other. When dry firewood collides, the sound will be loud and clear (like from a wooden mallet). The suitability of a material can also be determined by its weight. Wet firewood is at least twice as heavy.
Is it possible to use coal in a bathhouse instead of firewood?
It is not recommended to heat a stove in a bathhouse with coal. This is explained by the peculiarities of its combustion: first it gives off the resulting heat, as a result the system quickly warms up, and then slowly smolders, maintaining the elevated temperature. This heating method is optimal for a residential building, but not acceptable for a bathhouse. In addition, coal does not give that specific aroma that is obtained when burning wood. The charm of the firebox is lost and turns into a simple procedure for warming up the room.
When is the best time to harvest firewood?
Our grandparents, who have lived their whole lives in the village, know that in order for the firewood to be dry in winter, it must be ordered in the spring or at the end of winter. Then they will bring winter forest. And the firewood will lie all summer and autumn and dry out by next winter. Such logs will light very well and burn without smoke.
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Firewood
- pieces of wood that are intended to be burned in stoves, fireplaces, furnaces or fires to produce heat, heat and light.
Fireplace wood
mainly prepared and supplied in sawn and chipped form. The moisture content should be as low as possible. The length of the logs is mainly 25 and 33 cm. Such firewood is sold in bulk storage meters or packaged and sold by weight.
Various firewood is used for heating purposes. The priority characteristics by which certain firewood is selected for fireplaces and stoves are their calorific value, burning time and comfort during use (flame pattern, smell). For heating purposes, it is desirable that the heat release occurs more slowly, but over a longer period of time. All hardwood firewood is best suited for heating purposes.
To fire stoves and fireplaces, they mainly use wood from such species as oak, ash, birch, hazel, yew, and hawthorn.
Features of burning firewood of different types of wood:
– firewood from beech, birch, ash, hazel is difficult to melt, but they can burn damp because they have little moisture, and firewood from all these tree species, except beech, splits easily;
– alder and aspen burn without the formation of soot, moreover, they burn it out of the chimney;
– birch firewood is good for heat, but if there is not enough air in the firebox, it burns smoky and forms tar (birch resin), which settles on the walls of the pipe;
– stumps and roots give an intricate pattern of fire;
– branches of juniper, cherry and apple trees give a pleasant aroma;
– pine firewood burns hotter than spruce firewood due to its higher resin content. When tarred wood burns, a sharp increase in temperature causes small cavities in the wood to burst with a bang, in which resin accumulates, and sparks fly in all directions;
– oak firewood has the best heat transfer; its only drawback is that it splits poorly, just like hornbeam firewood;
– firewood from pear and apple trees splits easily and burns well, emitting a pleasant smell;
– firewood from medium-hard species is usually easy to split;
– long-smoldering coals provide cedar firewood;
– cherry and elm wood smokes when burned;
