A wood burning fireplace is indispensable in the winter. It adds warmth and cosiness to your home, but there are some considerations when choosing the right wood for your burner.
The best wood for log burners can increase efficiency, which helps to decrease your bills and your home’s environmental impact. Follow these tips for investing in the right wood this winter.
Why Choosing the Right Wood Matters
Not all logs for wood burners are equal. They burn differently depending on factors such as moisture, density and the tree species. Kiln-dried or seasoned wood burns hotter than freshly cut wood, otherwise known as green wood.
Kiln-Dried Wood
Kiln-dried wood dries more consistently throughout the logs and faster than seasoned wood. They feature a lower moisture content, which can be as little as 9%.
That means you’re more likely to have a safe, clean burn that lasts longer. It’s a good choice for both indoor and outdoor wood burners because it ensures minimal smoke and blackening of the glass.
The fact that there’s less moisture means that you won’t need as many logs to keep your fire burning. It saves money, time and is more energy efficient.
Seasoned Wood
Seasoned wood is dried through a natural air drying process. There’s no kiln or specialised machinery involved. While it sounds efficient, the process can lead to moisture inconsistency in the wood. It may not dry evenly, which can lead to harder-to-light fires or fires that burn out faster.
Because of the moisture, you could end up using more logs to keep your fire burning.
Fresh Wood
Fresh wood or unseasoned wood can have a much higher moisture content of around 25% or more. When the wood is cut freshly from a tree and not dried, it’s not ideal for a wood-burning stove.
In fact, it can pose risks. As the water inside the wood mixes with other gases, the condensation can create creosote, which then hardens to form a tar-like substance in your chimney.
The tar can damage your chimney if too much accumulates and your chimney is unlined. In the worst-case scenario, it can cause a chimney fire if there is too much buildup.
Hardwoods vs Softwoods: The Key Differences
Hardwood has a high density, which means it burns more slowly and produces reliable, steady heat. It’s ideal for long winter days when you need to rely on your wood burner. Some hardwoods include oak, ash and beech.
Softwood lights easily and can be good for a quick source of heat, but it burns faster than hardwood. Common softwood logs include pine, spruce and fir.
Hardwood is the best wood for log burners because it’s efficient and leads to less creosote buildup. Although it can cost more upfront, it burns for longer.
Tips for Maximising Efficiency and Savings
Avoid burning varnished or treated wood, such as pieces of old furniture. Buy wood that’s specially processed for wood burners. Burning the wrong wood can jeopardise your air quality, which can be hazardous.
Always use seasoned or kiln-dried logs for wood burners and store them in a dry place.
Why Choose Humphrey & Crockett
Choosing the right wood can mean balancing the cost and energy efficiency. We are here to advise you and carry out the installation of wood burners, ongoing maintenance and chimney sweep services.
