All firewood is not created equal. Generally, softwoods make the best kindling and hardwoods are better for logs; with their density hardwoods burn for longer and with a higher heat, whilst the lighter, drier softwoods are quick to light and equally quick to burn away. You will likely have notice that firewood is sold as “seasoned” or “kiln dried”, with kiln dried wood being slightly more expensive. The key difference between the two is that seasoned wood has been allowed to dry naturally, whilst kiln dried wood has been processed in a kiln and dried out more quickly. It is never recommended to burn unseasoned wood – not only is it smoky and difficult to light, but it can fill your chimney with creosote and soot! If you have a source of firewood on your land, the best practice is to season logs by storing them under cover for as long as you are able. This will always yield a log which is easier to light and has a better quality burn, although in a pinch woods like ash, hawthorn and plane can be used unseasoned with good enough results. Although we no longer sell seasoned and processed logs, we do sell unprocessed timber for conversion to logs and we are always happy to stack any timber on site for you from your own trees if the opportunity arises and this is something you would like – just mention your preferences to us and we will be happy to oblige!
BEST
· Apple – Fragrant scent and long lasting burn
· Ash – Burns very well, needs little processing to be useful
· Beech – Best when well seasoned, burns reliably well
· Birch – Best when well seasoned, burns reliably well
· Cherry – Has a pleasant scent and burns well when established, but can be tricky to catch. Good for a fire that is already going
· Hawthorn – Very hot and bright, needs little processing to be useful
· Hornbeam – Provides a long lasting, reliable burn
· Oak – Great burn and long lasting, although the smoke can be irritating. Best in stoves or log burners because of this
· Pear – Good long lasting burn
· Plane – Burns very well, needs little processing to be useful
· Yew – When properly seasoned an excellent burning log which gives out a lot of heat; can be prone to spluttering so best used in a log burner or similar rather than a grate
Acceptable
· Cedar – Pleasantly scented but an indifferent burn
· Cypress – Fragrant but does not give out much heat
· Elm – When seasoned very well this can be a great burning wood, however if any moisture remains it can be sulky and prone to smouldering
· Larch – Good for kindling but poor for logs; prone to sparking.
· Maple – Needs to be well seasoned to be useful
· Pine – Makes great kindling but poor logs as it burns very quickly and emits sparks
· Sycamore – Must be well seasoned to be useful
AVOID
· Alder – Produces little heat even when seasoned
· Sweet Chestnut – Burns poorly
· Horse Chestnut – Burns poorly
· Lime – Difficult to light and tends to smoulder and give little heat
· Poplar – Smoky and not very hot
· Spruce – Sparks frequently and tends to smoulder
· Willow – Produces little heat and tends to smoulder.
If you have any questions about sourcing, seasoning or storing your timber and logs please feel free to get in contact with our office team who will be happy to provide some informal advice to suit your needs!