Sycamore Firewood — BTU Rating, Burn Quality & Tips

Platanus occidentalis

BTU per Cord

19,500,000

Density

2,808 lbs/cord

Category

hardwood

Split Difficulty

hard

Spark Rating

low

Smoke Rating

medium

Coaling Quality

fair

Seasoning Time

12 months

Availability

common

Moderate firewood that can be difficult to split due to interlocking grain. Burns with average heat and fair coals. Often available from storm-damaged trees since sycamores are large and prone to limb breakage. Not a first choice but acceptable when other options are scarce.

Pros

  • +Low spark risk — safe for open fireplaces
  • +Widely available

Cons

  • -fair coaling quality
  • -Difficult to split

Best Uses for Sycamore

Open Fireplace

Excellent — low spark risk

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 Sycamore

Sycamore requires approximately 12 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

American Elm

20,000,000 BTU/cord · fair coaling

Sassafras

18,900,000 BTU/cord · fair coaling

Paper Birch

20,300,000 BTU/cord · fair coaling

Black Cherry

20,400,000 BTU/cord · good coaling

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Last updated: December 2024