Choosing the right logs for log burners

There are many different logs for log burners out there but choosing the right type of wood is paramount to how your fire burns.

What type of firewood you choose is going to depend on a few factors such as:

• How long you want the fire to last
• If you want it to catch quickly or have a slow burn
• How often you use your wood burner

We’re going to take you through the differences between using hardwood and softwood logs in your log burner and what the best type of wood is better for each one.

Hardwood v softwood

We’ve already gone into detail about kiln dried firewood and why it is better to use wood that has been kiln dried in your log burner but what about the differences between hardwood and softwood?

Hardwoods tend to have a longer burn than softwood and even though they can be a bit more expensive to buy they’ll probably work out cheaper over time. This is because you won’t need to use as much to keep your fire going.

Softwood burns quicker so they will generally be easier to get the fire started with but they won’t last as long as many hardwoods.

Best hardwood logs for your log burner

Kiln Dried Ash Logs

Ash logs are among the best you can get for your log burner because they offer longevity and a steady flame. They reach very high temperatures too so you’ll get a hot fire with Ash logs which is perfect for the winter months.

Kiln Dried Birch Logs

Even though Birch logs are a hardwood they’ll burn quicker than Ash. That being said, they give off a pleasant aroma and if you’re just using your wood burner for short periods of time then they are a great choice of firewood.

Best softwood logs for your log burner

Kiln Dried Yew Logs

Yew is technically a softwood but it is harder than most in this category which means you’ll get a longer burn than many others.. If you’re looking for softwood logs for your log burner then Yew is a very good choice.

Kiln Dried Cedar Logs

Cedar firewood is another softwood that should burn pretty well in a log burner. It offers a good output of heat so you should get a hot fire and if your fire is set up correctly you should have a fairly long lasting fire with this softwood.

Choosing the right logs for log burners

There are many different types of hardwood and softwood that you can buy to start a fire with at home.

Ash and Birch are the best type of hardwood to use while we’d recommend Yew and Cedar for quicker fires that you don’t want to last as long.

You should steer clear of hardwoods such as Chestnut and Willow as they don’t burn well and softwoods like Douglas Fir can leave deposits in the flute while Spruce will burn very quickly without giving off much heat.

If you aren't 100% sure what logs you should use in your log burner, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us and we can help you with our expert advice.