Magnolia wood, such as that from the Southern Magnolia, is classified as a hardwood but is often called a “soft hardwood” due to its lower density. While it burns, it is considered medium-to-low quality firewood compared to species prized for long, hot fires like oak or hickory. Magnolia is often used out of convenience, reserved for kindling, or mixed with denser woods.
Magnolia’s Heat Output and Burn Duration
The heat produced by firewood is commonly measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per cord. Magnolia wood falls into a moderate range, yielding approximately 21.6 to 23.7 million BTUs per cord when seasoned. This output is comparable to wood from species such as birch or ash. However, the wood’s lower density, averaging around 35 pounds per cubic foot, significantly impacts its burn characteristics.
The relatively low density means that a piece of magnolia wood contains less combustible material per volume than a denser wood. This causes the wood to burn quickly, releasing heat rapidly for a shorter duration. The fast burn rate also results in poor coaling ability, meaning the wood does not create a long-lasting, deep bed of hot embers. Magnolia is therefore not efficient for sustained, overnight heating, but is best used for quickly establishing a fire or for heating during milder weather.
Preparing Magnolia Wood for Burning
The physical preparation of magnolia wood involves a straightforward splitting process and a necessary period for moisture reduction. Due to its straight grain and moderate softness, magnolia is generally considered easy to split, requiring less physical effort than highly dense woods. This ease of processing makes it attractive for those who manage their own firewood supply.
Proper seasoning is important, as magnolia wood often holds a significant amount of moisture when first cut. Burning wood with high moisture content is inefficient and produces excessive smoke. A seasoning time of 12 to 18 months is a reliable expectation to ensure the wood reaches an optimal moisture level below 20%.
The wood should be stacked in a manner that allows for adequate air circulation, such as in a single row with the ends exposed to the air and the top covered to shield it from rain. This careful drying process is necessary to transition the wood from a soft hardwood with high moisture to a viable, if short-burning, fuel source. Skipping this step will diminish the wood’s heating performance and increase potential safety issues.
Smoke, Scent, and Safety Considerations
When fully seasoned, magnolia wood is known to burn quite cleanly, producing a moderate amount of smoke and a mild, generally neutral scent. The clean burn means it does not typically release an overwhelming or unpleasant odor, which makes it acceptable for use in open fireplaces or for campfires. It is not highly prized for smoking or cooking due to its lack of distinct fragrance.
However, if the wood has not been adequately dried, the excess moisture causes the fire to smolder, leading to a much higher output of thick, acrid smoke. This incomplete combustion dramatically increases the risk of creosote buildup inside chimney flues. Creosote is a highly flammable residue that can accumulate on the inner walls of a chimney, posing a significant fire hazard, making proper seasoning a safety requirement for indoor use.
Magnolia wood is not known for excessive sparking or popping, which is a desirable characteristic for both open hearths and closed wood stoves. The minimal sparking potential offers a measure of safety compared to wood species with high resin content that tend to throw embers. For consistent and safe use in a closed wood stove, it is recommended to intermix the fast-burning magnolia with denser, slower-burning woods to maintain an even temperature and fire duration.