CHOOSE THE RIGHT FIREWOOD

Using the correct firewood for your fire pit will make the experience more enjoyable for the person maintaining the fire as well as those sitting around it. Choose a wood that’s easy to ignite and burns as cleanly as possible. This often comes down to the wood’s density and moisture levels.

In general, hardwoods are denser than softwoods, and they dry more easily. That means they will create a low-maintenance, steady fire that lasts for hours. Softwood is easier to light and usually more affordable, but it will burn quickly, so you’ll need to buy more wood and tend to it more often.

THE BEST TYPES OF WOOD TO BURN IN YOUR FIRE PIT

Bradley Hite, owner of Nashville Firewood, and other experts recommend the following wood types for their ease of lighting, limited smoke production and low cost.

Ash:

THE WORST TYPES OF WOOD TO BURN IN YOUR FIRE PIT

Not all kinds of wood are safe to burn in a fire pit. Often, wood that you find at your campsite or around your home will light or burn poorly, produce excess smoke, or even be dangerous to your health.

Green (freshly cut) wood: Nearly impossible to light and burn steadily (hasn’t had time to season or dry out)

Pine:

Driftwood:

Oak: Easy to find, easy to split; burns long and slow if properly dried out; moderate smoke

Construction wood:

CLEAN A DIRTY FIRE PIT

If you already have a fire pit in your yard, chances are you’ve never thoroughly cleaned it. While you certainly aren’t alone, routine cleanings are an important safety measure.

Tim Jankowski, president of Aladdin’s Cleaning and Restoration in Lapeer, Michigan, who is an expert in fire prevention, says dirty fire pits harbor flammable debris that can build up over time. He suggests cleaning yours in the spring and again in the fall.

Before you start, make sure the fire has been out for at least a day. When it comes to cleaning products, Jankowski says, “dishwashing liquid is actually one of the best solvents” for tackling this job. For a brick or stone fire pit or fireplace, use a good strong bristle brush and follow up with a wet-dry vacuum to remove the debris and soapy water.

If you have have a cast-iron fire pit or any other metal fire pit, in-ground or portable, follow this technique:

12 ⁄ "STAGGERED JOINTS Good for a steady, long-lasting fire; easy to find; affordable; clean-burning

Inexpensive, easy to split, crackles when burned to add ambiance (quickburning, so works best as kindling)

Often treated with chemicals; may contain nails, glue and other finishes that pose additional risks

Won’t burn well if wet, especially if from the ocean; can create potentially hazardous toxins