The Best Wood for Fire Pits

Free Delivery On Logs – Compare Volumes – FAQs

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Firewood Bundles

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Kindling & Firelighters 

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Light It Right: The Best Wood for Fire Pits and Chimineas

Choosing the best wood for a fire pit or chiminea makes the difference between a smoky, difficult fire and bright flames that establish quickly and burn consistently.

Whether you call them fire pit logs, firepit logs, outdoor fire logs or simply wood for a fire pit, the most important factors are moisture content, wood species and log size. FirewoodFund’s kiln dried logs contain less than 20% moisture and are Ready to Burn certified, helping you create a cleaner, more reliable outdoor fire.

Choose from convenient smaller quantities for occasional garden gatherings or larger bulk bags, pallets and crates for regular use—all available to order online for delivery to your home.

What Is the Best Wood for a Fire Pit?

For most people, the best fire pit wood is kiln-dried hardwood. Dense hardwood species generally burn for longer than softwood, produce sustained heat and create the steady flames people want when relaxing or entertaining outdoors.

Oak, ash, birch and beech can all make excellent logs for fire pits, but each provides a slightly different fire:

Oak

Oak is dense and slow burning, making it a good choice when you want a longer-lasting fire with steady heat. It can take a little longer to establish, so start with dry kindling before adding your oak logs.

Ash

Ash combines reliable heat with a consistent flame. It is a versatile hardwood for fire pits, chimineas and other suitable wood-burning appliances.

Birch

Birch lights relatively quickly and creates an attractive, lively flame. It is an excellent option for shorter evening fires or occasions when appearance and fast ignition matter.

Beech and Mixed Hardwood

Beech and mixed-hardwood logs provide dependable heat and a sustained burn. A mixture of species can offer a useful balance between easy lighting, bright flames and burn duration.

Kiln-Dried Larch

Kiln-dried larch is a dense British softwood that lights readily and produces an impressive flame. It generally burns faster than the densest hardwoods, but it can be an attractive and good-value choice for outdoor fires.

Our range includes both British and European-sourced logs, depending on the individual product. Check the product description for its precise species, provenance, quantity and specification. Our guide to hardwood versus softwood firewood provides more help comparing the two.

Why Kiln-Dried Logs Make Better Fire Pit Wood

Moisture has a major effect on how firewood performs. Wet or inadequately seasoned logs must first use energy to evaporate the water they contain. This makes them more difficult to light and can result in excessive smoke and smouldering.

Kiln-dried firewood offers several practical advantages:

• Less than 20% moisture
• Easier and more reliable ignition
• Brighter, more consistent flames
• Less smoke than wet or poorly seasoned wood
• More useful heat from the fuel
• No need for months of additional seasoning

If you are deciding between the two, read our comparison of kiln-dried and seasoned logs.

Choosing Fire Pit Logs by Size and Quantity

The best logs for an outdoor fire pit must fit comfortably inside the appliance without overhanging its edges. Smaller fire bowls and chimineas may require shorter logs, while larger open fire pits can accommodate a wider range of sizes.

Always check your appliance’s dimensions and manufacturer’s instructions before ordering.

The right quantity will depend on how frequently you use your fire pit:

• Small bags of logs are convenient for occasional garden fires, parties or topping up an existing supply.
• Small kiln-dried logs can be especially useful for compact fire pits and chimineas with narrow openings.
• Kiln-dried logs in bulk bags suit regular users who have suitable outdoor storage.
• Kiln-dried log crates provide a larger supply of neatly stacked hardwood firewood.

Use our firewood volume comparison chart to compare bags, bulk bags and crates before ordering.

The Best Logs for Chimineas

Kiln-dried logs are also an excellent choice for chimineas. Their low moisture content makes them easier to establish without filling your seating area with unnecessary smoke.

Log size is particularly important. Chiminea logs must fit easily through the opening and sit securely inside the fire chamber. Do not force oversized firewood through the opening or overload the appliance.

Build the fire gradually, particularly when using a clay chiminea, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Begin with firelighters and kindling, allow the initial fire to establish, and then add one suitably sized log at a time.

Is There Such a Thing as Smokeless Wood for Fire Pits?

No natural firewood is completely smokeless. Even the best kiln-dried fire pit logs can produce some smoke, particularly while the fire is being established or if airflow is restricted.

However, choosing firewood with less than 20% moisture and maintaining adequate airflow can significantly reduce smoke compared with burning wet, green or poorly seasoned wood.

If a normally clean-burning fire suddenly becomes smoky, check that:

• The logs are dry and have been stored correctly.
• The fire is receiving sufficient airflow.
• Too many logs have not been added at once.
• The flames have not been smothered.
• The firewood is untreated and suitable for burning.

Learn more about choosing the correct firewood moisture content.

What Not to Burn in a Fire Pit or Chiminea

Never assume that any spare piece of timber is suitable fire pit wood. Avoid burning:

• Green or wet wood: difficult to light and likely to produce excessive smoke.
• Painted, stained or treated timber: coatings and chemical treatments can release harmful fumes.
• Plywood, MDF, chipboard or laminated wood: these manufactured materials may contain resins, glues and other chemicals.
• Household or garden waste: fire pits and chimineas should never be used as rubbish incinerators.
• Wood treated with creosote or preservatives: this includes many old fence posts and railway sleepers.
• Lighter fluid, petrol or other accelerants: these can cause sudden and dangerous flare-ups.

Use suitable firelighters, dry kindling and properly prepared firewood instead.

How to Light Fire Pit Logs

1. Place one or two firelighters in the centre of the fire pit or chiminea.
2. Arrange dry kindling around the firelighters, leaving gaps for airflow.
3. Light the firelighter furthest away from you first.
4. Allow the kindling to establish a stable flame.
5. Add one small kiln-dried log without smothering the fire.
6. Wait until the first log is burning properly before adding more.
7. Continue adding logs gradually to maintain the desired flame and heat.

Our complete guide explains more about how to light firewood.

Never leave an outdoor fire unattended, and keep children, pets and combustible furniture at a safe distance.

Fire Pit Logs Delivered to Your Home

Ordering fire pit logs online saves you from transporting heavy bags of firewood yourself. FirewoodFund supplies smaller bags, bulk bags, pallets and log crates for delivery across most mainland UK addresses.

Larger orders are generally delivered on a pallet using a tail-lift vehicle and pallet truck. Pallet deliveries may be kerbside, and final placement depends on safe vehicle access, ground conditions and the delivery method selected.

Weekday pallet delivery is included for most mainland UK addresses, and an available delivery date can be selected during checkout. Please review our full log delivery information before ordering, particularly if your address has a narrow road, gravel driveway, restricted access or a steep slope.

Storing Your Outdoor Firewood

Keep your logs dry, raised off the ground and protected from rain while allowing air to circulate around them. A covered, ventilated log store is preferable to tightly wrapping the entire supply in plastic, which can trap moisture.

If the outside of a log becomes damp, bring the quantity you intend to use under cover before lighting it. Read our guide to storing logs outside for practical storage advice.

Firewood That Helps Support UK Tree Planting

Every online order placed with FirewoodFund also helps support tree planting in the UK. Money is donated towards UK tree-planting projects for every order placed through the website.

It is one of the reasons customers choose FirewoodFund when comparing otherwise similar fire pit wood and fire logs. Find out more about FirewoodFund’s tree-planting commitment.

Why Buy Your Fire Pit Wood from FirewoodFund?

• Kiln-dried logs containing less than 20% moisture
• Ready to Burn certified firewood
• Hardwood and British larch options
• British and European-sourced products, depending on the option selected
• Quantities suitable for occasional and regular fire-pit users
• Secure online ordering
• Home delivery across most mainland UK addresses
• Money donated towards UK tree planting with every online order
• Independently collected FirewoodFund customer reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best wood to burn in a fire pit?

Kiln-dried hardwood is generally the best wood for a fire pit when you want sustained heat and a longer burn. Oak, ash, birch, beech and mixed hardwood can all perform well. Kiln-dried larch is another option for customers who prefer quick ignition and a lively flame.

Are hardwood or softwood logs better for fire pits?

Hardwood logs generally burn more slowly and provide sustained heat. Kiln-dried softwood usually lights quickly and creates a strong flame but may need replenishing more frequently. The best choice depends on whether you prioritise burn duration, flame appearance or value.

Can I use kiln-dried logs in a chiminea?

Yes, provided the logs fit comfortably inside the fire chamber and the manufacturer permits wood as a fuel. Smaller chimineas may require specially selected short logs. Build the fire gradually and avoid overloading the appliance.

Which fire pit wood produces the least smoke?

Properly stored kiln-dried logs containing less than 20% moisture generally produce considerably less smoke than wet or green wood. No natural firewood is completely smokeless, and adequate airflow is still essential.

Can fire pit logs be used in a pizza oven?

Some kiln-dried hardwood logs may be suitable for wood-fired cooking, but always check the product and appliance specifications. If cooking is your main purpose, explore our dedicated wood for pizza ovens.

Is cheap fire pit wood good value?

The lowest headline price does not necessarily represent the best value. Compare the actual firewood volume, moisture content, species, packaging and delivery charge. Dry logs that burn efficiently may provide better value than cheaper wet wood that is difficult to light and produces excessive smoke.

Where can I buy fire pit logs online?

FirewoodFund supplies kiln-dried fire pit logs in smaller bags, bulk bags, pallets and crates. Browse the products above, select the quantity and species that suit your fire pit or chiminea, and order online for delivery to your home.

Order the Best Wood for Your Fire Pit

Choose from the fire pit logs displayed above and match the species, log size and quantity to the way you use your outdoor fire.

Whether you need a few convenient bags for an upcoming garden gathering or a larger supply for regular evenings around the fire pit, FirewoodFund makes it straightforward to order kiln-dried wood online with dependable home delivery.