Sassafras Firewood — BTU Rating, Burn Quality & Tips

Sassafras albidum

BTU per Cord

18,900,000

Density

2,740 lbs/cord

Category

hardwood

Split Difficulty

easy

Spark Rating

high

Smoke Rating

low

Coaling Quality

fair

Seasoning Time

6 months

Availability

regional

Burns with a wonderful spicy aroma reminiscent of root beer. Easy to split and seasons quickly. Moderate heat output. Can throw sparks so best used in an enclosed stove. Light and fast-burning, so good for quick fires or kindling.

Pros

  • +Easy to split
  • +Low smoke production
  • +Seasons relatively quickly (6 months)

Cons

  • -fair coaling quality
  • -High sparking — use with a screen or in a stove

Best Uses for Sassafras

Open Fireplace

Not recommended — high sparking

Wood Stove

Usable but lower heat

Campfire

Good — mix with softwood kindling for easy starts

Smoking/Cooking

Can be used but not a traditional smoking wood

Seasoning Sassafras

Sassafras requires approximately 6 months of seasoning to reach the ideal moisture content of 20% or below. Split wood to 3-6 inch pieces and stack with good airflow. Keep the top covered but leave sides open to air. Store off the ground on pallets or rails.

Compare With Similar Species

Red Maple

18,600,000 BTU/cord · fair coaling

Sycamore

19,500,000 BTU/cord · fair coaling

Boxelder

17,900,000 BTU/cord · fair coaling

American Elm

20,000,000 BTU/cord · fair coaling

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Last updated: December 2024