Hardwood Logs: What to Burn and How to Use Them Properly
Before anything else: only ever burn Ready to Burn wood.
Ready to Burn logs are tested to have a moisture content of 20% or less and will clearly state Ready to Burn on the bag. If the bag doesn’t say this, don’t assume it’s suitable.
If you want more detail on what qualifies as legal firewood in England, check the Ready to Burn website, which sets out the requirements sellers must meet.
Burning wood that isn’t Ready to Burn leads to poor combustion, heavy soot deposits, creosote build-up, and an increased risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide problems.
Hardwood logs are ideal for stoves and open fires, but different types behave differently.
Oak
Oak is a very dense hardwood. Once dry, it burns slowly and gives long-lasting heat, which is why people like it. The downside is that it needs good airflow — if you restrict the air too much, it will smoulder and leave heavy deposits in the flue.
Use oak when:
You already have a good fire established and want steady heat over a longer period.
Avoid: using it on low air or for fire lighting.
Ash
Ash is one of the easiest hardwoods to live with. It lights readily, burns evenly, and gives consistent heat without being fussy. When Ready to Burn, it’s clean-burning and predictable.
Use ash when:
You’re lighting a fire or topping one up. It’s a safe, everyday choice for most stoves.
Beech
Beech sits between ash and oak. It burns hotter and quicker than oak but longer than birch. It performs well in most appliances, provided airflow is set correctly.
Use beech when:
You want good heat without the long burn time of oak. Best added once the fire is established.
Birch
Birch is lighter and burns faster than other hardwoods. It produces a lively flame and gets heat into the stove quickly, but it doesn’t last long on its own.
Use birch when:
You’re lighting a fire or boosting heat quickly. It works well mixed with denser hardwoods rather than used on its own all evening.
How to Burn Hardwood Logs Correctly
Only burn logs that clearly state Ready to Burn on the bag
Use enough airflow to keep the fire burning properly
Don’t overload the stove
Avoid long periods of low-air burning
Poor burning habits allow soot and creosote to build up inside the chimney. These deposits are corrosive, restrict the flue, and are outright dangerous if left untreated.
The Takeaway
Different hardwoods do different jobs. Use the right wood at the right time, burn Ready to Burn fuel only, and the chimney stays cleaner and safer.
