When it comes to the best type of wood to burn in your fireplace or wood burner, not all woods are created equal.
The ideal wood for burning is hardwood.
Why is hardwood the best type of wood to burn?
Hardwoods like oak, maple, ash, beech, and birch are denser and generally burn more efficiently than softwoods. They produce more heat and burn for longer periods, providing a steady and consistent source of warmth. Softwoods like pine, fir, and spruce ignite quickly but burn faster and can create more creosote buildup in the chimney due to their resin content. For this reason, we don’t recommend they be used in log burners.
The best type of wood to burn on your woodburner is seasoned or kiln-dried hardwood.
What does this mean?
It means that the wood has been properly dried. It’s wood that has been cut and left to dry for at least 12-18 months so that its moisture content is reduced to around 20% or less, or it has been put through a drying process. Dry wood burns more efficiently, producing more heat and less smoke compared to green or unseasoned wood, which contains excess moisture and can be harder to ignite.
The best types of Hardwood to burn.
Among hardwoods, some species stand out for their excellent burning qualities. Oak, known for its high energy content, burns slowly and produces long-lasting heat. Maple and ash also burn well, providing a good amount of heat. Ash is our favourite though – only slightly less dense than oak means that it is easier to “get going” in a fire, but still produces an excellent amount of heat. Abbey Fire Customers can get a £10 discount on Ash Fire Wood here at Instant Logs. Just use the code ‘ABBEY’ when making your purchase to receive your discount.
Types of wood to avoid burning
You should avoid burning any wood that is treated or painted as it releases harmful chemicals and toxins when burned, posing health risks and potentially damaging your stove or fireplace – essentially it is just not worth it!
The best way to prepare the wood
What size should I burn?
Wood should be cut into appropriately sized pieces, usually around 3-6 inches in diameter and usually no longer than 9 inches long, to fit comfortably in your stove or fireplace. Split larger logs to help them dry faster and ensure better airflow.
For any other questions about the best type of wood to burn, send us a message. We’re always happy to help or recommend tried and trusted retailers of logs.
Abbey Fire Centre has been proud to specialise in the manufacturing and installation of beautiful, unique fireplaces, gas fires and wood-burning stoves into homes all over Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham and the West Midlands for over 40 years. We are experts in all areas of solid fuel, gas fires and wood-burning stoves.
Contact us to find out more.