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Choosing the best firewood for your log burner or wood burner makes a real difference to heat output, safety and running costs. The right logs burn hotter, last longer and produce less smoke. Poor firewood, by contrast, can waste energy, damage your stove and increase the risk of chimney fires.
This guide explains which UK firewood species are best for wood burners, how long they need to season, and how to get the most efficient burn.
Not all logs are suitable for stoves. Softwoods such as pine or spruce may light quickly but they burn fast, produce tar and creosote, and can clog your chimney.
Well-seasoned hardwoods are the safest and most efficient option. They are denser, produce more heat per log, and burn with less smoke. For best results, always choose wood that is Ready to Burn certified with a moisture content below 20 %.
Apple, pear, hawthorn, hazel and blackthorn all burn well. Many fruit woods add a pleasant fragrance, making them popular for both log burners and open fires.
| Wood Type | Heat Output | Burn Time | Seasoning Needed | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak | Very high | Very long | 18–24 months | Overnight burns, main fuel |
| Ash | High | Long | 12–18 months | Everyday burning |
| Beech | High | Long | Up to 3 years | Steady winter heat |
| Birch | Moderate | Short | 6–12 months | Kindling, quick top-ups |
| Sycamore | Medium | Medium | Around 12 months | Milder days, mixed stacks |
| Elm | Medium-high | Long | 18–24 months | Long, steady burns |
| Maple / Cherry | Medium | Medium | 12–18 months | Pleasant aroma, occasional use |
| Fruit woods | Medium | Medium | 12–18 months | Fragrance, mixed loads |
| Wood Type | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oak | 5 | Long-lasting, best for overnight use |
| Ash | 5 | Reliable all-rounder |
| Beech | 4 | Excellent but slow to season |
| Birch | 3 | Quick to light, burns fast |
| Sycamore | 3 | Easy to season, moderate heat |
| Elm | 3 | Long burn but slow to dry |
| Maple / Cherry | 3 | Pleasant aroma, steady heat |
| Hazel / Hawthorn | 3 | Good hedgerow hardwoods |
| Softwoods (pine, spruce) | 2 | Only for kindling, quick burn |
Different woods have different strengths. For the most efficient use of your wood burner, it helps to combine them.
If you own a multi-fuel stove, you can burn both seasoned logs and authorised smokeless coal. The most efficient approach is to use wood to establish a good flame, then add smokeless coal for a longer, more consistent burn.
Avoid ordinary house coal – it produces excessive smoke and soot, and is not suitable for modern appliances. Instead, combine a DEFRA-approved smokeless fuel with hardwood logs such as oak or ash for the best balance of heat and efficiency.
If you need installation help or are setting up a new appliance, see our stove flue packages and stove fitting kits.
Is ash better than oak for log burners?
Both are excellent choices. Oak produces the longest-lasting heat but takes longer to season. Ash seasons faster and is easier to split, making it the more convenient option for many households.
Can I burn freshly cut (green) wood in my wood burner?
No. Freshly cut wood contains too much moisture, which causes excess smoke, poor heat output and a build-up of creosote. Always season logs until they are below 20 % moisture, or buy kiln-dried logs.
What is the difference between seasoned and kiln-dried logs?
Seasoned logs are air-dried naturally, often for 1–3 years. Kiln-dried logs are dried in controlled conditions and usually reach the correct moisture level more quickly. Both are suitable for stoves if the moisture content is under 20 %.
Which wood burns the longest in a woodburner?
Dense hardwoods such as oak, beech and elm last the longest. They are best for overnight burns and consistent heat during very cold weather.
Can I use these logs in a pellet stove?
No. Pellet stoves are designed to use compressed wood pellets, not logs. For pellet-ready fuel, explore our pellet stoves range.
At Log Burners, we have tried and tested most types of firewood in our own log burners and wood burning stoves, so we know first-hand what works best. Dense hardwoods such as oak, ash and beech are ideal for long, efficient burns, while quicker-burning logs like birch or sycamore are useful for getting the fire going or for milder evenings.
Our advice is to keep a good mix. Use oak or ash when you want steady overnight heat, and keep some birch on hand to get the fire lit with ease. If you enjoy a touch of character, try fruit woods like apple or cherry – they add a gentle aroma to your room as they burn.
Whatever you choose, make sure your logs are properly seasoned or kiln-dried with less than 20% moisture. A simple moisture meter is a worthwhile tool to confirm your wood is safe to burn.
If you’re looking for quality, Ready to Burn certified logs for your log burner, wood burner, multi-fuel stove, or even an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, explore our range here at Log Burners – we deliver seasoned hardwood firewood across the UK.
