Western Redcedar Firewood

Out in the Pacific Northwest, Western Redcedar is everywhere. And I mean everywhere. If you've cleared land or had storm damage in Oregon or Washington, chances are you've got a pile of this stuff.

Now here's what surprised me. At 18.2 million BTU per cord, Western Redcedar produces significantly more heat than most softwoods and even some lower-tier hardwoods. At 2,632 lbs dry and 2,950 lbs green, it's not super heavy but it's got more substance than its Northern and Eastern cousins. Compare it against other firewood types and it holds up better than you'd expect.

Splitting is moderately difficult, not because it's super dense, but because the grain can be stringy and fibrous, especially on bigger rounds. A sharp maul works, just expect some stubborn pieces. The smoke level is moderate and the fragrance is excellent, that classic, unmistakable cedar aroma that fills the whole yard when you're bucking rounds.

Western Redcedar seasons fast, 3 to 6 months. That low green-to-dry weight ratio means there's not a ton of moisture to drive off. Split it in early spring and you're good to go by summer.

Here's the real talk, though: it sparks. A lot. Do not burn this in an open fireplace. In a closed wood stove with a screen, it's fine, but uncontained Western Redcedar fires will throw embers everywhere. The coals are poor, so it burns hot and fast rather than slow and steady. Use it for quick warmth, shoulder season burns, and kindling, or mix it with a dense hardwood. If you want to compare it to a lighter-duty cedar option, check out White Cedar.