Ash, oak, birch or cherry: the best hardwood for your wood burner
All hardwoods burn well when they are dry, but each species has its own character. Our logs are mixed local hardwoods, and the best fires usually use a bit of each. Here are four you'll often find in a bag.
| Wood | Lighting | Burn | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ash | Easy | Steady flame, good heat | An all-round evening fire |
| Birch | Very easy | Bright and quick | Getting a fire going |
| Oak | Slower | Dense, slow, long heat | Keeping a stove in for hours |
| Cherry | Easy | Burns well, sweet smell | A cosy fire with a lovely aroma |
Ash
Ash is often called the king of firewood. It splits cleanly, lights without fuss and gives a steady, even flame. If you only had one wood to burn all winter, ash would be a very good choice.
Birch
Birch lights easily and burns bright and fast, which makes it ideal at the start of a fire or when you want a quick blast of heat. Its papery bark is a natural fire starter.
Oak
Oak is dense and heavy, so it burns slowly and gives long-lasting heat once it is going. It takes longer to dry than other hardwoods, which is why properly seasoned oak is worth having. Add it once the stove is hot.
Cherry
Cherry burns well with a gentle, sweet smell that fills the room. It is a favourite for open fires and evenings when the fire is part of the atmosphere.
How to build a fire with a mix
- Start with kindling and a couple of smaller pieces of birch.
- Once it is burning well, add ash or cherry to build a bed of embers.
- When the stove is properly hot, add oak for long, slow heat.
Our barn dried logs are all moisture tested under 20%, so whichever wood you reach for, it will burn hot and clean.
