Guide to Choosing Firewood
Everything you need to know about selecting the best firewood for your needs
Quick Summary
Best for heat: Hardwoods like oak, ash, and beech
Moisture content: Below 20% for kiln dried, below 25% for seasoned
Best value: Compare price per kg across suppliers
Types of Firewood
Hardwood
Hardwoods come from deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves). They're denser, burn hotter, and last longer than softwoods.
✓ Best For:
- • Long, sustained heat
- • Overnight burning
- • Maximum efficiency
- • Wood burners & open fires
Popular Types:
- • Oak (excellent heat, long burn)
- • Ash (easy to split, burns well)
- • Beech (great heat output)
- • Birch (quick to light, good flames)
Softwood
Softwoods come from coniferous trees (evergreens). They light easily and burn quickly with good flames, but don't last as long.
✓ Best For:
- • Quick heat-up
- • Kindling
- • Starting fires
- • Spring/autumn use
Popular Types:
- • Pine (fast lighting)
- • Spruce (good flames)
- • Larch (dense for softwood)
- • Cedar (pleasant aroma)
Mixed Wood
A combination of hardwood and softwood. Great for general use - the softwood lights quickly while the hardwood provides sustained heat. Often the most economical choice.
Treatment & Drying
Kiln Dried (Best)
Dried in a kiln to below 20% moisture content. Ready to burn immediately. Produces the most heat, least smoke, and minimal creosote buildup.
Seasoned / Air Dried
Naturally dried outdoors for 1-2 years. Typically 20-25% moisture. Good for burning, though not quite as efficient as kiln dried.
Green / Unseasoned (Not Recommended)
Freshly cut wood with high moisture content. Needs seasoning for 1-2 years before use. Produces smoke, less heat, and causes creosote buildup.
Common Quantities
Net Bags (8-15kg)
Small mesh bags. Perfect for trying wood, occasional use, or transporting in a car. Most expensive per kg.
Regular Bags (20-40kg)
Larger bags. Good for regular users. Better value than nets. Easy to store.
Bulk Bags (200-350kg)
Large builders bags. Best value per kg. Ideal for regular winter use. Requires storage space.
Cubic Metre (300-500kg)
Loose load. Professional measurement. Weight varies by wood type and stacking. Good for bulk buyers.
Buying Tips
Compare Price Per Kg
Don't just look at total price. Use Log Hub to compare standardised price per kg across all suppliers in your area.
Check Moisture Content
Look for moisture readings below 20% for kiln dried, below 25% for seasoned. Many suppliers provide certificates.
Consider Log Length
Typical lengths are 25cm (10"), 30cm (12"), or 40cm (16"). Measure your stove/fireplace before ordering.
Look for Certification
Ready to Burn certification, Woodsure, or HETAS approval indicate quality wood meeting UK standards.
Buy Local
Local suppliers often offer better delivery costs and you're supporting your local economy.