Red and White Oak Firewood: The Ultimate Guide for Georgia Homeowners
Red and White Oak Firewood: The Ultimate Guide for Georgia Homeowners
The King of Firewood
When it comes to firewood, oak is king.
Homeowners across Cobb, Paulding, and Cherokee County prefer oak firewood because it burns hot, lasts long, and produces steady heat with minimal smoke. But here’s a question many people ask:
👉 What’s the difference between red oak and white oak firewood?
At Paul & Babe’s Firewood, we deliver both — seasoned red and white oak hardwood, cut, split, and ready to burn. From our Acworth wood lot, we serve families across North Georgia with bundles, ¼ cords, ½ cords, and full cords of premium oak firewood.
In this guide, you’ll learn the real differences between red and white oak, how each performs in your fireplace or wood stove, and which one is best for your home.
What Makes Oak Firewood Special?
Oak is one of the most popular hardwoods in the U.S. for good reason:
Dense grain → burns longer and hotter than most woods
High BTU output → produces consistent heat for hours
Low sap/resin → clean burn with minimal popping or sparks
Widely available → sustainable and local to Georgia
Whether you’re heating your home, cooking on a smoker, or lighting up a backyard firepit, seasoned oak firewood gives you unmatched performance.
Red Oak vs. White Oak: The Main Differences
Though both are types of oak, red oak and white oak aren’t identical. Each has unique properties that affect how it burns, smells, and even stacks.
FeatureRed Oak FirewoodWhite Oak FirewoodColorReddish tint, open grainLight tan, tight grainDensitySlightly less denseHeavier, denserBTU Output (per cord)~24–25 million BTUs~26–28 million BTUsBurn TimeLongLongest of all common oaksAromaSubtle, slightly sweetMilder, more neutralSmoke ProductionLow (when seasoned)Very lowDrying Time6–12 months12–18 monthsSplitting DifficultyEasier to splitHarder to splitBest UseFireplaces, general heatingStoves, long-term heating
Red Oak Firewood: Reliable, Easy-Burning Heat
🔹 Overview
Red oak is a homeowner favorite because it’s easy to light, easy to split, and provides steady, predictable heat.
🔹 Benefits of Red Oak Firewood
Moderate drying time – seasons in 6–12 months
Hot, steady burn – produces around 25 million BTUs per cord
Great for fireplaces and firepits – less dense than white oak, so easier to ignite
Pleasant aroma – subtle woodsy scent that’s not overpowering
🔹 Ideal For:
Home fireplaces
Weekend firepit use
Occasional wood stove burning
Red oak is perfect if you want dependable, easy-to-manage firewood that still produces great heat output.
White Oak Firewood: Long-Lasting, Premium Performance
🔹 Overview
White oak is the heavyweight champion of firewood. Its dense grain makes it burn longer and hotter than almost any other common hardwood.
🔹 Benefits of White Oak Firewood
High BTU output – around 27 million BTUs per cord
Long-lasting coals – excellent for overnight heating
Minimal smoke and creosote – burns exceptionally clean
Great for stoves, smokers, and heating systems
🔹 Ideal For:
Wood-burning stoves
Whole-home heating
Restaurants or BBQ smokers
Long winter nights
The trade-off? White oak takes longer to season — typically 12–18 months — but the result is premium firewood that burns clean and stays hot for hours.
Heat Output Comparison: Red vs. White Oak
When comparing firewood, BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the measure of how much heat a cord of wood produces.
Wood TypeBTUs per CordBurn TimeSmoke LevelEase of SplittingWhite Oak26–28 million🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥Very LowHardRed Oak24–25 million🔥🔥🔥🔥LowEasy
👉 For most Georgia homeowners, red oak is the practical everyday choice, while white oak is the top-tier premium option for longer burns or colder nights.
Why Oak Firewood Is Perfect for Georgia Homes
Georgia’s mild winters make oak an excellent firewood choice. It burns hot enough to heat your home efficiently but not so aggressively that it overheats your space.
Other reasons oak firewood is ideal for Cobb, Paulding, and Cherokee County homes:
Locally sourced from Georgia hardwoods
Easy to store and season in Georgia’s climate
Provides consistent heat output all winter
Works in both indoor and outdoor fires
How to Store Oak Firewood
Because oak is dense, proper storage and airflow are crucial for keeping it dry and ready to burn.
✅ Storage Tips:
Keep it off the ground — Use pallets, cinder blocks, or one of our custom-built wood racks.
Cover only the top — A tarp or roof keeps rain off while allowing sides to breathe.
Face cut ends toward the sun — Promotes faster drying.
Leave room for airflow — Stack wood with slight spacing for ventilation.
Store away from your home — Reduces pest risks and improves airflow.
👉 Need help? We build custom wood racks to fit your space and help your firewood season correctly.
How Long Does Oak Firewood Need to Season?
Red Oak: 6–12 months
White Oak: 12–18 months
You’ll know your oak is seasoned when:
The ends of the logs are cracked or split.
The wood is lighter and makes a sharp “clink” when struck together.
It burns with minimal smoke and steady heat.
At Paul & Babe’s Firewood, all our oak is fully seasoned hardwood — no waiting, no frustration, no smoke-filled rooms.
Local Oak Firewood Delivery in Cobb, Paulding & Cherokee County
We deliver oak firewood directly from our Acworth wood lot to homes and businesses across North Georgia.
🔹 Delivery Areas:
Cobb County: Acworth, Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Powder Springs, Vinings
Paulding County: Dallas, Hiram, Braswell
Cherokee County: Canton, Woodstock, Holly Springs
🔹 Delivery Options:
Bundles – Perfect for firepits or camping
¼ Cord – Occasional use
½ Cord – Regular fireplace burning
Full Cord – Best value for daily use or whole-home heating
✅ Delivery included
✅ Stacking available
✅ Custom wood racks built to order
Cost of Oak Firewood in Georgia
Oak is one of the most valuable hardwoods you can buy — but its performance makes it worth every penny.
Here’s what you can expect in our area:
Bundles: $10
¼ Cord: ~$150
½ Cord: ~$250
Full Cord: ~$400
👉 Pro Tip: Buying by the cord instead of by the bundle saves money and ensures you’re stocked for the season.
Long-Tail Firewood Questions About Oak
🔹 Is red oak or white oak better for firewood?
Both are excellent, but white oak burns longer and hotter, while red oak ignites more easily and is easier to split.
🔹 How long should oak firewood season?
Red oak: 6–12 months. White oak: 12–18 months.
🔹 Does oak firewood produce a lot of smoke?
Not when seasoned. Oak burns cleanly and produces minimal smoke or soot.
🔹 Is oak good for cooking or smoking meat?
Yes! Both red and white oak produce mild, sweet smoke that’s great for BBQ, pizza ovens, and smokers.
🔹 Where can I buy oak firewood near me?
Right here — Paul & Babe’s Firewood delivers seasoned oak firewood across Acworth, Cobb, Paulding, and Cherokee County.
Why Choose Oak Over Other Firewoods?
While maple, ash, and cherry have their advantages, oak stands out because of its balance between heat output, burn time, and availability.
Burns longer than ash or birch
Produces more BTUs than pine or poplar
Less smoke and sap than softer woods
Sustainable and locally sourced in Georgia
Oak is the perfect blend of performance, safety, and value for Georgia homeowners.
Why Buy from Paul & Babe’s Firewood
We’re a family-owned, Acworth-based firewood company serving homeowners and small businesses who value honest service and high-quality wood.
Here’s why people choose us year after year:
Seasoned hardwood only – never green wood
Family-owned and operated – built on integrity and local pride
Accurate cord measurements – no confusing “truckloads”
Fair pricing and dependable delivery
Custom-built wood racks available
Our mission is simple: to keep North Georgia families warm, one cord at a time.
Firewood Safety Tips
Whether you’re burning red oak or white oak, always follow safe firewood practices:
🔥 Fireplace & Stove Safety
Burn only seasoned wood
Keep your chimney clean
Use a screen or door to contain sparks
Store ashes in a metal container outdoors
🔥 Outdoor Firepit Safety
Never burn treated or painted wood
Keep fires small and contained
Always have water or sand nearby
Check for local burn restrictions
Supporting Local Communities
When you buy oak firewood from Paul & Babe’s, you’re not just buying wood — you’re supporting a local, family-run business that gives back to the same North Georgia communities we serve.
We take pride in helping families from Acworth to Canton, Dallas to Kennesaw stay warm all winter long with seasoned firewood that’s safe, efficient, and reliable.
Conclusion: The Best Oak Firewood in North Georgia
If you’re looking for oak firewood near you in Acworth, Cobb, Paulding, or Cherokee County, you’ve found your trusted source.
At Paul & Babe’s Firewood, we deliver:
✅ Red and White Oak Firewood – seasoned, split, and ready to burn
✅ Bundles, ¼ cords, ½ cords, and full cords
✅ Delivery and stacking services
✅ Custom wood racks for storage
📞 Call 678-831-9087 today to order your oak firewood delivery.
🔥 Stay warm. Burn better. Support local.
