Heat output
Oak is one of the densest firewoods available in Southern California. A cord of seasoned oak produces roughly 24 to 26 million BTU, depending on the species. Cedar is a much lighter softwood at about 13 to 15 million BTU per cord. In practical terms, a full cord of oak holds close to twice the heat of a full cord of cedar.
| Wood | Type | Approx. BTU per cord | Burn time | Sparks | Coaling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak | Hardwood | 24–26 million | Long, steady | Low | Excellent |
| Cedar | Softwood | 13–15 million | Fast, hot | Moderate | Poor |
Lighting and burn character
Cedar's advantage is ease. It has natural oils that catch quickly, so a few pieces of cedar will start a fire without much kindling, and it gives off the aroma most people associate with a mountain cabin. It burns fast, though, and it can crackle and throw sparks, so it belongs behind a screen indoors.
Oak is the opposite: slower to catch, but once burning it settles into a long, even burn with a deep bed of coals that will relight a fire in the morning. It is quiet, low-spark wood, ideal for open fireplaces and for wood stoves that need to run overnight.
Which should you buy?
- Wood stove or primary heat: seasoned oak. Nothing else in our lineup holds heat as long.
- Indoor fireplace, regular use: oak, or the oak/cedar mix behind a screen if you want easier starts.
- Fire pit, campfire or chiminea: the oak/cedar mix. Cedar lights fast outdoors and the price is lower.
- Vacation rental: the mix. Guests who have never built a fire can get cedar going.
Why we blend them
Our oak/cedar mix pairs the two on purpose. Cedar gives you the quick start; oak carries the fire through the evening. Because cedar costs less to produce, the mix is our best value per cord: $655 for a full cord versus $777 for straight oak.
Ready to order?
See our current firewood prices for seasoned oak and oak/cedar mix by the quarter, half and full cord, delivered free in our service area.