If you’ve ever found yourself constantly adding logs to your fire, you’re not alone. Understanding burn time, and how to make firewood last longer, is the secret to efficient, comfortable fires that don’t burn out too soon.
How long firewood burns depends on a mix of preparation, airflow and the efficiency of your fireplace or stove. In this guide, we’ll explain what affects burn time, how to make a fire last longer and which wood species give you the longest, cleanest burns. You’ll leave knowing how to get more warmth and less waste from every log.
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What are Burn Times?
When we talk about burn time, we mean how long a piece of firewood or a full fire lasts before it turns to embers. Burn time is a measure of efficiency, heat output and cost savings. A longer burn time means less wood used, fewer reloads and more steady warmth throughout the evening.
For homeowners using wood-burning fireplace inserts or stoves, understanding burn time helps you get the best performance from your setup, especially during colder months when efficiency matters most.
What Impacts Burn Time
You may wonder how long firewood burns. Several factors determine how long your firewood burns, from the type of wood you choose to how you store and stack it. Things like wood species, moisture content, size and airflow can all impact how efficiently your firewood turns into heat. Understanding each factor helps you get the most out of every flame.
Wood Species and Density
Not all wood burns equally. Hardwoods like oak, maple and hickory are denser, meaning they burn hotter and longer than softwoods like pine or fir. Dense hardwoods take longer to ignite but reward you with steady heat and extended burn times, making them ideal for overnight fires or long winter evenings.
Learn more in our guide: How to Choose, Cut, Split and Stack Firewood.
Moisture Content
The drier the wood, the longer and cleaner it burns. Freshly cut (green) firewood contains too much moisture, causing smoky fires and wasted heat. Seasoned firewood (dried for at least six months) should have a moisture content below 20%. You can test this with a simple moisture meter to make sure your logs are ready for peak performance.
Firewood Size and Preparation
Larger logs burn longer, while smaller, thinner pieces catch fire quickly but burn out faster. The best fires use a mix: smaller splits to start, then larger logs to maintain a long, steady burn. Splitting your wood evenly and stacking it properly ensures consistent airflow and efficient combustion.
Read next: How to Tell Your Firewood is Ready to Burn.
Airflow and Stove or Fireplace Insert Efficiency
Airflow is everything when it comes to maintaining a long-lasting fire. Too much air and your logs burn up quickly; too little and they’ll smolder. That’s where fireplace inserts and high-efficiency stoves shine. Their controlled combustion systems help regulate oxygen, maximizing burn time and heat output while minimizing waste.
How to Make a Fire Last Longer in a Fireplace or Stove
A long-lasting fire starts with smart preparation. Choose dense, seasoned hardwoods and stack them with enough space for air to circulate. Once lit, let the fire establish a good coal bed before adding larger logs. Adjust your damper or air vents gradually to maintain a steady flame, never fully open or closed.
Keeping your fireplace insert or stove clean and well-maintained also improves airflow and burn consistency. When everything works together—quality wood, proper airflow and efficient design—you’ll spend less time tending and more time enjoying the fire.
Want step-by-step tips? Read How to Start a Fire in a Wood Stove.
What Type of Firewood Burns the Longest?
If you’re looking for maximum burn time, hardwoods are your best bet. Oak, hickory, beech and maple all burn slowly and produce consistent heat with minimal smoke. These dense woods create lasting coals that continue radiating warmth long after the flames die down.
By contrast, softwoods like pine and spruce ignite easily but burn fast, great for kindling, not for long, steady fires. Mixing a base of hardwoods with smaller softwood pieces gives you both quick ignition and extended warmth.
Contact a Dealer to Get the Right Forge & Flame Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert or Wood Stove
The right wood-burning fireplace insert or stove makes all the difference in how efficiently your firewood burns. Forge & Flame products are built with precision airflow and combustion technology designed to extend burn time, maximize heat output and minimize waste.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current setup or choose your first wood-burning stove, our dealers can help you find the perfect model for your home.
Experience the difference of craftsmanship built to last. Find a Dealer or explore our Wood-Burning Fireplace Inserts and Wood Stoves today.
