Sweet gum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua) are commonly found across the United States. However, they are often considered less desirable for firewood compared to hardwoods like oak or maple. In this article, we will explore the technical details of sweet gum wood, its properties, and its potential uses, helping you understand whether it’s a suitable choice for your needs.
Technical Details of Sweet Gum Wood
Density: Sweet gum wood is moderately dense, falling between hardwoods and softwoods. Its density can vary depending on factors such as the tree’s age and growth conditions. Generally, sweet gum falls in the range of 36 to 48 pounds per cubic foot.
Heating Value: While not as high as some hardwoods like oak or hickory, sweet gum wood can provide a reasonable amount of heat. It has an estimated heat value of approximately 20-24 million BTUs per cord.
Burning Characteristics: Sweet gum wood burns well when properly seasoned. It may produce a moderate amount of creosote, so regular chimney maintenance is important if you’re using it in a wood-burning stove.
Drying Time: Sweet gum wood has a higher moisture content when freshly cut. Proper seasoning for at least a year is recommended to reduce its moisture content and improve its burning efficiency.
Is Sweet Gum Wood Good for Anything?
Firewood: Sweet gum wood can be used as firewood, especially when properly seasoned. It ignites fairly easily and can produce a reasonable amount of heat. However, its higher moisture content when green can make it less desirable for immediate use.
Woodworking: Sweet gum wood is valued in woodworking for its attractive grain patterns and ease of working. It’s often used for furniture, cabinetry, and decorative items.
Paper Pulp: The fibrous inner bark of sweet gum trees, called "bast," has been historically used in papermaking.
Landscaping: Sweet gum trees are popular in landscaping for their vibrant fall foliage and distinctive "gumball" fruit. They also provide valuable shade.
Considerations When Using Sweet Gum Wood
Seasoning: The key to making sweet gum wood suitable for burning is proper seasoning. Allow the wood to dry for at least a year to reduce its moisture content, making it more efficient for heating.
Mixing with Other Woods: Sweet gum wood can be effectively used when mixed with other hardwoods like oak or hickory in your wood-burning stove. This combination can provide good heating efficiency and reduce creosote buildup.
Avoid Green Wood: Never burn green sweet gum wood, as it will produce less heat and potentially more creosote. Opt for well-seasoned wood.
Conclusion
Sweet gum wood, while not the first choice for firewood, has its uses in heating and woodworking. Proper seasoning is crucial for improving its burning efficiency. If you have access to sweet gum wood and are willing to invest the time in drying it properly, it can serve as a valuable addition to your wood-burning stove. However, mixing it with other hardwoods may be the best way to exploit its potential for both heat and efficiency.