I haven't used my fireplace for a little over a year, but I'm getting back into using it about 4 times per week.
I've found that Maple is probably the best for a clean burn which leaves little ash. I'm about out of Maple though and now I'm burning various hardwoods. Right now I'm burning some Beech. It cracks alot and scares the hell out of the missus, but once it's done cracking it burns really hot and offers alot in the heat department.
Just curious as to what types of wood you folks use in the various parts of the world. Seeing as this forum is a bit of the "global" variety I thought it would be interesting to find out how people from around the world use their fireplaces.
Is it just something you use as a decoration, do you decorate your mantle ? etc.