When it comes to getting the most heat from your stove, the type of firewood you choose matters more than you might think. Some logs burn hot and slow, while others burn fast with less heat. Choosing the right kind can make your stove more efficient, save you money, and keep your home cosy all winter.

Not all wood is created equal. Moisture content, density, and wood type all affect how well it burns. If you’re not sure where to begin, this guide will help you understand which firewood types work best and how to make the most of your stove.

In Dorset, kiln-dried hardwood logs are a top choice for efficient, low-smoke heating. These logs burn cleanly and deliver steady, long-lasting heat, making them ideal for both open fires and modern wood-burning stoves. You can find high-quality options from this Logs Supplier in Dorset.

Why the Right Firewood Matters

Burning the wrong type of wood can lead to poor heat output, creosote build-up in your chimney, and even damage your stove over time. Wet wood or softwood can spit, smoke heavily, and produce little usable heat. On the other hand, seasoned or kiln-dried hardwood burns hot and clean, making it a safer and more economical choice.

Stoves are designed to work best with dry wood, ideally with a moisture content under 20%. Kiln-dried logs meet this standard and provide reliable performance every time you light your fire.

Hardwood vs Softwood: What’s the Difference?

Hardwood

Hardwood comes from slow-growing trees like oak, ash, and beech. It’s dense, meaning it burns for longer and produces more heat. Hardwood is ideal for stoves because it creates a steady, long-lasting burn with minimal smoke.

Top hardwoods for stoves include:

• Ash: One of the best woods to burn. It gives off steady heat and burns well, even when slightly green.

• Oak: Dense and long-burning. Needs to be properly seasoned or kiln-dried to burn efficiently.

• Beech: Burns hot and clean. Great for stoves, though it needs thorough seasoning.

• Hornbeam: A very dense wood that produces excellent heat and lasts a long time on the fire.

Softwood

Softwood, like pine, spruce, and fir, comes from faster-growing trees. It’s less dense, burns quickly, and gives off less heat. It can be useful for kindling or getting a fire started, but it’s not ideal for long burns or high heat.

Key points about softwood:

• Burns fast, which means you'll need to refill your stove more often.

• Produces more smoke and sap, which can lead to chimney deposits.

• Not as cost-effective for heating in the long run.

Best Firewood Options Ranked

Here’s a breakdown of popular firewood types and how they perform in a stove:

1. Ash

Ash is often considered the king of firewood. It burns well even when not fully seasoned and produces a steady, long-lasting heat. It lights easily and gives off minimal smoke. If you’re unsure what to use, ash is a reliable option.

2. Oak

Oak takes a long time to season, at least two years, but it rewards you with a slow, strong burn. Once dried properly, it burns hot and lasts a long time, making it ideal for overnight stove use.

3. Beech

Beech produces high heat and burns cleanly, but it can be difficult to split and takes longer to season. It’s worth the wait for the excellent heat output.

4. Birch

Birch burns quickly but produces a strong flame and decent heat. It’s ideal for quick fires or for mixing with denser logs like oak to get the fire going faster.

5. Hornbeam

One of the densest native hardwoods in the UK. It burns hot and slow, perfect for longer heating sessions. Like oak, it needs proper seasoning or kiln-drying.

6. Pine (Softwood)

Pine burns quickly and makes good kindling. It has a high resin content, so it can spit and smoke more. Use it to get a fire going, but don’t rely on it for sustained heat.

Kiln-Dried vs Seasoned Firewood

Kiln-Dried Firewood

Kiln-dried logs are dried in a controlled environment to a moisture content below 20%. This process ensures a cleaner burn, better efficiency, and less creosote build-up. They’re ideal for immediate use and offer the most reliable performance.

Seasoned Firewood

Seasoned logs are air-dried over 12–24 months. While they can burn well if properly stored and dried, they can still hold moisture depending on storage conditions. They are more variable in quality compared to kiln-dried logs.

How to Store Firewood Properly

Even the best wood won’t burn well if it’s stored incorrectly. Keep your logs off the ground in a dry, ventilated area. Cover the top but leave the sides open for airflow. Avoid stacking against walls that trap moisture. Proper storage will help maintain low moisture levels and ensure your firewood stays ready to burn.

Signs You’re Using the Right Logs

• Your stove glass stays clear, not blackened with soot.

• The fire burns steadily without excessive smoke.

• You don’t need to constantly refuel.

• You’re getting consistent heat and minimal ash.

If you notice too much smoke, low heat, or trouble lighting the fire, it may be time to check the quality and dryness of your logs.

Final Thoughts

For clean, reliable heat in your stove, hardwoods like ash, oak, and beech are the best choices. They burn hotter and longer than softwoods and produce less smoke. Kiln-dried logs offer the most consistent performance and are ready to burn right away. Choosing high-quality logs can improve your stove’s efficiency, reduce maintenance, and keep your home warmer for longer.