Choosing the right wood for your log burner is key to it working efficiently and giving you maximum heat.
Not all wood is created equal and different types will give you more or less heat, how often you need to refuel and how much creosote builds up in your chimney.
Choosing the right wood will also impact your stove’s long-term performance.
Using the right wood will reduce the wear and tear on your log burner and keep it running smoothly. In this guide UK Stove Installers will look at why seasoned wood is important, the difference between hardwoods and softwoods and which woods to avoid to get the best from your stove.
Seasoned Wood
Seasoned wood is wood that has been left to dry out over time and has a moisture content of below 20%. This is important because wood with high moisture takes longer to ignite, produces more smoke and gives less heat.
Seasoned wood burns more efficiently, gives more warmth and produces less creosote which can build up in your chimney and cause blockages or even chimney fires.
Using unseasoned or “green” wood can make your log burner perform poorly.
The extra moisture in green wood creates steam during combustion which produces smoke and tar which can damage your stove.
So always use well-seasoned wood to get a cleaner burn and a more efficient stove.
Hardwoods vs Softwoods: Which is Best?
Hardwoods like oak, ash and beech are often the best choice for log burners because of their density. These woods burn slowly and give more heat over a longer period, perfect for overnight burning or when you need consistent heat.
Because they burn hotter they are also less likely to cause creosote buildup.
Softwoods like pine and cedar burn much quicker and at lower temperatures. They are great for getting a fire started but need more frequent refuelling and don’t give the same long-lasting heat as hardwoods.
Softwoods also contain more resin which can increase the risk of creosote buildup. But they are still a viable option for kindling or short-term fires.
Top Hardwoods for Log Burners
Ash is considered one of the best woods for log burners because it burns clean and efficiently. It has high heat output and minimal smoke so is a favourite among stove owners.
Even when freshly cut ash can burn reasonably well seasoning is still recommended for best performance.
Oak is another great choice for log burners, it burns slowly and has high heat output. Because of its density, it needs thorough seasoning – up to 2 years or more – but once seasoned it gives long-lasting warmth.
Beech and birch are also popular hardwoods for stoves, birch burns quicker but has good heat output so is great for short bursts of warmth.
Softwoods That Work
Softwoods like pine and cedar may not give the same long-lasting heat as hardwoods but are great for starting fires.
Pine is easy to light and ignites quickly so is perfect for kindling. But it burns quickly and produces resin which can cause creosote build up so use it with caution.
Cedar with its lovely aroma also lights easily and burns clean so is good for a quick fire. Softwoods are not as efficient as hardwoods for long-term burning but can still have a use in your log burner setup, especially in combination with hardwoods for a balanced and efficient fire.
Woods to Avoid
Do not burn green wood or any freshly cut wood in your log burner. Greenwood has high moisture content which causes poor combustion, excess smoke, reduced heat output and creosote buildup in your chimney. Over time this can increase the risk of chimney fires and damage to your stove.
Also, resinous softwoods like spruce and fir should be used sparingly as they will create more creosote and need more frequent chimney cleaning.
Never burn treated or painted wood as it can release toxins into your home and damage your stove. Stick to naturally seasoned wood for a safe and efficient fire.
Storing and Preparing Firewood
To have firewood ready to burn you need to store it correctly. Wood should be stored in a dry well ventilated area, off the ground and covered to protect it from rain but allow air to circulate.
Proper storage helps wood season more effectively so it’s ready to use when you need it.
To check the moisture content of your firewood use a moisture meter or look for visual cues, cracks in the wood and lighter weight than freshly cut logs.
Seasoned wood burns more efficiently and reduces the need for frequent chimney cleaning so your log burner is easier to maintain.
Summary
The type of wood you use in your log burner makes a big difference to its performance and lifespan. Hardwoods like ash and oak give longer burn times and more heat output, softwoods like pine and cedar are great for kindling and quick fires.
By using seasoned wood and not unseasoned or treated wood you can have an efficient, safe and clean burning stove.
Make sure to store your wood correctly and always use seasoned logs for best results. A bit of extra care when choosing and preparing your firewood will give you a warmer, cosier home and a more efficient log burner.
If you are interested in a new log burner for your home, please reach out to us today. We have a free-to-use calculator for our log burners here on our website.