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Josh Bagnall

What Type of Wood Should I Buy to Heat My Home?

Updated: Dec 4, 2024

Choosing the right firewood to heat your home is about more than just picking up any old logs. The type of wood you burn affects your fire’s heat, burn time, and efficiency. In this blog, we’ll help you decide which firewood to buy, focusing on oak, ash, and birch—three popular options. Plus, we’ll cover common firewood questions and why MyFuels is the best choice for buying firewood in the UK.


What is the best firewood to burn?


When it comes to firewood, hardwoods like oak, ash, and birch are some of the best options for heating your home. Why? They burn hotter and longer than softwoods, making them more efficient for keeping your house warm.

  • Oak is a top-notch choice for long-lasting heat.

  • Ash is versatile and burns cleanly.

  • Birch lights easily and produces quick heat, great for getting your fire going.


Are there different types of firewood?


Yes! Firewood is typically divided into hardwoods and softwoods:

  • Hardwoods: Denser, burn longer, and produce more heat (e.g., oak, ash, birch).

  • Softwoods: Easier to light, burn quickly, and make great kindling (e.g., pine, spruce).


How do different types of firewood rank against each other?

Here’s a quick look at how oak, ash, and birch stack up:

  1. Oak:

    • Heat Output: High (27 million BTUs per cord).

    • Burn Time: Long (5–8 hours).

    • Best For: Long-lasting, steady heat.

  2. Ash:

    • Heat Output: Medium-high.

    • Burn Time: Moderate (similar to oak).

    • Best For: Quick seasoning and clean burning.

  3. Birch:

    • Heat Output: Medium.

    • Burn Time: Shorter than oak or ash.

    • Best For: Quick lighting and mixing with other woods.


Kiln dried firewood or seasoned? What is the difference and what are the pros and cons?

  • Kiln Dried Firewood:

    • Moisture Content: Below 20%.

    • Pros: Burns hotter, cleaner, and is ready to use immediately.

    • Cons: Slightly more expensive.

  • Seasoned Firewood:

    • Moisture Content: Varies but ideally below 20%.

    • Pros: Affordable if properly seasoned.

    • Cons: Requires longer drying time (6–24 months) and careful storage.


For the best results, kiln-dried firewood is the way to go, especially if you want a hassle-free option that burns efficiently.


Why does firewood not burn sometimes?

If your firewood won’t burn, it’s likely due to:

  1. High Moisture Content: Wet logs won’t catch or sustain a flame.

  2. Poor Airflow: Fires need oxygen—stack your logs loosely for better airflow.

  3. Wrong Type of Wood: Green or unseasoned wood won’t burn well.


Buying Your Firewood in the UK?

Look no further than MyFuels, the UK’s trusted firewood supplier. Here’s why:

  • Free Delivery: Enjoy free delivery on orders over £150.

  • Local Delivery: Free delivery on all local orders.

  • Wide Range: From kiln-dried oak to birch and kindling, we’ve got it all.

  • Eco-Friendly Options: We prioritise sustainably sourced wood for a greener choice.

  • Customer Service: Our friendly team is always ready to help with your firewood needs.

Heating your home has never been easier or more reliable than with MyFuels.

 

FAQs About the Best Firewoods

What are the best firewoods for heating your home? The best firewoods are hardwoods like oak, ash, and birch. They burn hotter and longer than softwoods, providing efficient and reliable heat.

Why is oak considered one of the best firewoods? Oak is dense, burns slowly, and produces a lot of heat. It’s also widely available and creates minimal smoke or sparks when seasoned properly.

Is birch a good choice for firewood? Yes! Birch lights easily and burns hot, making it an excellent fire-starter or for mixing with slower-burning woods like oak or ash.

How does ash compare to other hardwoods? Ash burns cleanly, produces consistent heat, and seasons quickly compared to denser woods like oak. It’s also easy to split, making it a convenient option.

Can I mix different types of firewood? Absolutely! Mixing fast-burning woods like birch with slow-burning woods like oak or ash can give you the best of both worlds—a quick start and long-lasting heat.


FAQs About MyFuels

Where does MyFuels deliver? We deliver across the UK, with free delivery on orders over £150 and free local delivery for all orders.

What types of firewood do you offer? Our range includes kiln-dried oak, ash, birch, softwood kindling, and more.

Is your firewood sustainably sourced? Yes! We ensure our wood is responsibly harvested for an eco-friendly choice.


When it’s time to heat your home, choosing the right wood is crucial—and so is choosing the right supplier. Whether you prefer oak’s long burn, ash’s versatility, or birch’s quick ignition, MyFuels has the best firewood for your needs. Order today and experience the difference!

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