Choosing the right firewood is key to creating a warm, efficient, and hassle-free fire. The type of logs you burn can affect everything from heat output to the amount of smoke and ash produced. With the right choice, you’ll enjoy better heating, lower costs, less chimney maintenance, and a smaller environmental footprint. Here’s what you need to know to make the best choice for your fire.

Kiln-Dried Hardwood
Experts agree that kiln-dried hardwood logs are the top choice for firewood. Popular options include oak, birch, and ash.

Hardwood logs are denser than softwoods, which means they burn hotter and longer. They also produce minimal smoke and leave little ash behind, making them efficient and clean-burning. In contrast, softwoods like pine burn out faster, produce more smoke due to their high sap content, and are less heat-efficient.

Moisture Content Below 20%
Moisture content is a critical factor when choosing firewood. Kiln-dried logs with less than 20% moisture content burn hotter, longer, and with less smoke than wet or seasoned logs.

Freshly cut wood can contain up to 60% moisture, which must be reduced before burning. Wet wood is hard to light, burns inefficiently with low heat output, and produces excessive smoke and soot. Opting for properly dried wood ensures a more enjoyable and efficient fire.

Efficiency
For the most efficient burn, choose kiln-dried hardwoods like oak, birch, or ash. These species offer high heat output, low ash production, and extended burn times, making them ideal for heating your home.

Burning Properties

• Ash is a popular choice due to its high heat output, long burn time, and ease of lighting. It’s also easy to split and produces minimal ash residue, making it a practical option for beginners.
• Birch logs are easy to light, burn beautifully, and release a pleasant aroma. While they offer moderate heat output, they don’t burn as hot or as long as oak or ash.
• Beech provides a steady, long-lasting burn with significant heat output and a delightful aroma. Although it burns through faster than oak or ash, it leaves a hot bed of embers that continue to radiate warmth.

Burn Times
Dense hardwoods like oak and ash offer the longest burn times, providing 60–90 minutes of consistent heat. This is significantly longer than most other types of firewood.

Avoid log splitting
Standard firewood logs are typically 25cm (10 inches) long, suitable for most wood-burning stoves and fireplaces.

If you have a smaller stove or fireplace, consider shorter logs. Short kiln-dried logs, measuring 20cm (8 inches) and split thinner than standard logs, are ideal for compact burners and fireplaces.

In summary
By selecting the right type, moisture level, and size of firewood, you can enjoy a warm, efficient, and environmentally friendly fire all winter long.