Whether you’re looking for supplemental heat or maybe a touch of romance to your evening, a roaring fire is definitely a great choice. But if you burn the wrong type of wood, your best intentions will quickly go up in smoke.

When choosing wood for a fireplace, the key word is “seasoned.” That means, in the most basic sense, that you don’t want to use firewood from a tree you just cut down because there’s still too much moisture in the logs. Softwood reaches good seasoning in six to twelve months, while hardwood takes a bit longer.

Lumber scraps are often used, too, but don’t ever burn lumber that’s been pressure treated because it can release volatile chemicals into the room.

Finally, always make sure to open the damper before lighting any fire to keep the smoke outside where it belongs.

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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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