Can Cedar Be Burned in a Fireplace?

Cedar Firewood

• Cedar is a light, easy-to-burn wood that quickly makes a hot fire. It is most suitable for use as kindling or if split small, as a tinder. Cedar should seasoned a minimum of one year before use in an indoor fireplace.

Seasoning Firewood

• Cedar should be seasoned at least six months before use in an indoor fireplace. Seasoning lowers the moisture content, allowing the wood to burn hot. Wood that has not been properly seasoned promotes the formation of creosote in a fireplace which can catch fire in the chimney.

Preparing Firewood

• Cut, split and stack cedar firewood for drying where it is exposed to the sun and wind. After the wood has had at least six months or more to dry, move it to a sheltered location such as a garage or woodshed. Woods like cedar which are used for kindling should be split and dried for six months before splitting into 1 to 1-1/2 inch pieces and stored dry indoors.