Burning firewood in San Antonio
What you burn decides how much creosote ends up in the flue. Dry hardwood burns hot and clean; wet wood smolders and coats the chimney.
The rule
The EPA says wood burns best at a moisture content under 20 percent, to season it at least six months, test it with a moisture meter, and never to burn household trash or plastics.
Local wood
- Oak. Live oak and post oak are the most common firewood around San Antonio. Dense and long-burning, but slow to dry: give split oak the full season or longer.
- Mesquite. Very dense and hot, with a strong smell. Familiar from barbecue. Burn it in a fireplace in moderate amounts.
- Pecan. A good hardwood that burns well when dry.
- Cedar (Ashe juniper). Plentiful in the Hill Country and quick to light, but it pops and sparks. Better as kindling than as the main fuel.
General characteristics of these woods. Moisture, not species, is what matters most for creosote.
Buying and storing it
- "Seasoned" on a sign means nothing without a meter. Split a piece and test the fresh face; under 20 percent is the target.
- Store it outdoors, off the ground, with only the top covered so air moves through it.
- Keep the stack away from the house; termites and other pests live in woodpiles.
Never burn
Household trash and cardboard boxes. Plastics. Painted or treated lumber, and pallets of unknown origin. They release toxic chemicals and can start a chimney fire. Christmas trees spark and flare; don't burn them indoors.
Questions San Antonio homeowners ask
What is the best firewood in San Antonio?
Dry oak is the local standard. Mesquite and pecan burn well too. Dryness matters more than species: under 20 percent moisture.
How long does firewood need to dry?
The EPA says at least six months; dense oak often needs longer. Test it with a moisture meter.
Does wet wood cause creosote?
Yes. Wet wood burns cool and smoky, and that smoke condenses as creosote in the flue.