Firewood Types: The Complete Guide

Firewood is more than just a source of heat — the type you choose affects burn efficiency, heat output, ease of lighting, longevity and even the cleanliness of your appliance.
Whether you’re heating your home, firing up a pizza oven, or enjoying a firepit in the garden, understanding firewood types is essential for safety, cost-efficiency and performance.

In this guide, we’ll explore every major firewood type, including kiln dried, seasoned, hardwood, softwood, and speciality logs, so you can make an informed choice based on your needs.

1. The Main Categories of Firewood

Firewood can be categorised in several ways:

• By moisture content: Kiln dried vs. seasoned vs. green
• By wood species: Hardwood vs. softwood
• By preparation form: Logs, kindling, briquettes, compressed heat logs
• By intended use: Indoor stoves, open fires, outdoor pizza ovens, firepits

Let’s break down each in detail.

2. Moisture Content: Kiln Dried, Seasoned & Green Wood

Kiln Dried Logs

• Definition: Logs dried in a controlled kiln to a moisture content typically below 20% (often 12–18%).
• Advantages:
  • Lights easily and burns efficiently.
  • Produces maximum heat output.
  • Minimal smoke and soot, helping to protect chimneys and flues.
  • Ready to burn immediately as dry firewood.
• Best for: Wood burning stoves, multi-fuel stoves, pizza ovens, open fires.
• Considerations: Often slightly more expensive than seasoned wood, but more cost-effective in the long run due to higher efficiency.

Seasoned Logs

• Definition: Logs air-dried naturally for 6–24 months to reduce moisture content (ideally below 20% for “Ready to Burn” compliance).
• Advantages:
  • Cheaper than kiln dried logs.
  • Can be sourced locally and sustainably.
• Drawbacks:
  • Moisture levels can be inconsistent, especially if stored poorly.
  • Takes longer to light and produces less heat than kiln dried logs.
• Best for: Open fires or outdoor use; indoor stoves if fully dry and compliant.

Green (Unseasoned) Wood

• Definition: Freshly cut wood with high moisture content (often 40–60%).
• Drawbacks:
  • Hard to light and burns inefficiently.
  • Produces excess smoke, tar, and creosote — dangerous for chimneys.
  • Not legal to sell for immediate burning in England under the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) Regulations.
• Best for: Storage and seasoning yourself (1–2 years) before use.

3. Wood Species: Hardwood vs. Softwood

Hardwood

• Examples: Oak, ash, beech, birch, hornbeam, sycamore.
• Advantages:
  • Dense and slow-burning, producing long-lasting heat.
  • Higher energy content per log compared to softwood.
  • Produces stable, steady flames — ideal for stoves and ovens.
• Best for: Overnight burns, high heat output needs, indoor heating.
• Considerations: More expensive and heavier to handle.
• Tip: For optimal results, choose quality firewood hardwood to ensure a longer-lasting burn.

Softwood

• Examples: Pine, spruce, fir, larch, cedar.
• Advantages:
  • Lights quickly and produces bright flames.
  • Ideal for starting fires.
  • Generally cheaper and lighter than hardwood.
• Drawbacks:
  • Burns faster and produces more resin, which can create creosote deposits.
• Best for: Kindling, quick fires, outdoor use or mixing with hardwood.

4. Popular Firewood Species and Their Characteristics

5. Specialty Firewood Types

• Fire Logs: Compressed sawdust or wax logs for quick, convenient burning. Easy to store and ideal for emergency use.
• Pizza Oven Logs: Typically small hardwood logs (like ash or birch) for quick heat and steady flames.
• Kindling: Small split pieces of softwood or hardwood to help start fires.
• Heat Logs / Briquettes: Compressed sawdust logs, very dry, high heat output, consistent shape for stacking.
• Aromatic Woods: Apple, cherry, or oak for smoking food or creating a pleasant aroma.

6. Matching Firewood to Its Purpose

For Wood Burning Stoves

• Kiln dried hardwood (oak, ash, birch) is ideal.
• Provides steady heat and minimal residue.

For Open Fires

• Mix of hardwood and softwood for bright flames and heat.
• Birch and beech create a lively, attractive flame.

For Pizza Ovens

• Kiln dried hardwood with low smoke output.
• Birch or ash for quick, even heat.

For Firepits

• Softwood for quick, bright flames, or mixed hardwood for longer sessions.

7. Environmental Considerations

• Sustainably sourced wood reduces environmental impact.
• Look for FSC-certified suppliers.
• Avoid burning treated or painted wood — it releases harmful chemicals.
• Use “Ready to Burn” certified fuel to comply with UK air quality regulations.

8. Storing Firewood Properly

• Store off the ground to prevent moisture absorption.
• Keep covered but ensure good airflow.
• Avoid wrapping in plastic — condensation can cause mould.
• Rotate stock so the oldest logs are used first.

9. Final Thoughts

The type of firewood you choose directly affects performance, cost, and environmental impact.
For most UK households using a stove, kiln dried hardwood offers the best combination of efficiency, heat, and convenience.
For outdoor fires or occasional use, a hardwood-softwood mix can be more cost-effective.

By understanding the different firewood types, you’ll not only enjoy a warmer home but also save money and protect your appliance.