With a noticeable surge in the demand for firewood in recent years, sales increased by an impressive 20 to 25% in 2022 alone, according to industry experts. This trend reflects the growing popularity of home burning, from wood-burning stoves to firepits. Yet, many homeowners remain uncertain about which types of wood are best for burning sustainably and efficiently. As the leading suppliers of dry firewood in the UK, we want to demystify log burning and shed light on the best woods for home burning in the UK, ensuring you achieve the most efficient and enjoyable fires.
Understanding Hardwood Logs vs Softwood Logs
When it comes to selecting firewood, the first critical lesson is distinguishing between hardwoods and softwoods. Hardwoods, such as oak, beech, and ash, are denser, allowing them to burn more slowly. This slower burn translates to longer-lasting heat and more consistent temperature output, making them an excellent choice for sustaining a warm home environment. In contrast, softwoods like pine and spruce are better suited for kindling. They ignite more easily and burn faster, providing the quick burst of heat needed to get a fire going. For an efficient fire, it's best to use a combination of both: start with softwoods as your kindling base and then add hardwoods in a teepee arrangement to maintain a steady, long-lasting burn.
The Importance of Dried Firewood Logs
It's crucial to understand that not all wood is suitable for burning. For the most efficient fire and to minimise excessive smoke—reducing soot and creosote buildup in your chimney—opt for wood with a moisture content between 10% and 20%. Although most commercially available firewood is properly dried, always ensure your wood is seasoned before use. This practice not only enhances burning efficiency but also ensures a cleaner burn.
Oak – The Gold Standard of Hardwoods for Log Burning
If there's a king among hardwoods, it’s undoubtedly oak. Renowned for its slow-burning properties and high heat output, oak is perfect for heating a living room with a wood-burning stove or keeping a firepit blazing for an extended period. While it takes longer to season than other types of wood, the wait is well worth it, offering a reliable and robust source of home fuel.
Beech – Consistent and Clean
Beech is another excellent hardwood, prized for its steady and consistent heat output. One of its standout features is its minimal crackling and popping, making it a safer and quieter option for indoor fires. Additionally, beech produces less creosote than many other hardwoods, reducing the risk of chimney fires and decreasing the amount of fireplace maintenance required.
Ash – Ideal for DIY Enthusiasts
For seasoned log burners who prefer to prepare their own firewood, ash is a superb choice. It splits easily and seasons quickly, providing a steady flame and reliable heat output once burning. Available both seasoned and unseasoned, ash is versatile and practical, making it a favourite among DIY firewood enthusiasts.
Birch – Perfect for Kindling
Though softer than other hardwoods, birch excels as kindling due to its fast ignition properties. Its highly flammable bark makes it ideal for starting fires quickly. While birch burns rapidly, it serves as an excellent initial layer for your fire, especially when combined with the slower-burning hardwoods mentioned above.
Embracing Sustainable Log Burning
Selecting firewood isn't just about heat output or burn rate; sustainability is a critical consideration. Opting for locally sourced firewood reduces emissions from transportation and supports local businesses. Look for certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure your wood comes from responsibly managed forests.
Storage Tips for Optimal Log Burning
To maintain the quality of your firewood, proper storage is essential. Exposure to adverse weather can increase moisture content or promote the growth of moss and mould, compromising the wood's efficiency. Store your firewood in a cool, dry area, or consider building a log shed to keep it covered and protected. By understanding the properties of different woods and adopting sustainable practices, you can enjoy efficient, long-lasting, and environmentally responsible fires. Remember to store your wood correctly and choose locally sourced, responsibly managed firewood to ensure the best results for your home and the planet.
GET IN TOUCH
At Logs Direct, we’re experts in all things firewood and burning. If you have any questions about any of our logs or getting into seasoning them yourself, call our team on 01524 812476 or visit our contact page.
