Are fireplace logs better than hardwood?
On One Hand: Nothing Matches a Hot, Crackling FireFor many, words like “cozy” and “hearth” are synonymous with a hot, crackling fire. No wax fireplace log, no matter how well made, is going to look and smell exactly the same. In addition, if heat and longevity are the goals, hardwood is the way to go. Master Service Chimney Sweep explains, “Because hardwoods are denser, they provide more available fuel in the same space, so hardwoods burn longer.” While softwoods beat out hardwood for heat, wood will provide more heat than the fireplace log.On the Other: Fireplace Logs Are Safe and ConvenientA 2006 study compared the emission characteristics of various fireplace logs. The results among the logs varied, but they all emitted less particulate and chemical levels than cord wood. The study tested chemicals such as PAH, a carcinogenic pollutant. Fireplace logs are a bit easier to use as well. They don’t require tending, and they generally burn all the way down, meaning less cleanup. Hardwood
