Exploring Different Types of Firewood

Exploring Different Types of Firewood: Which is Right for You?

Choosing the right firewood can make all the difference when it comes to heat output, efficiency, and overall enjoyment. From hardwoods that burn long and hot to eco-friendly options and convenient kiln-dried logs, there’s a perfect match for every home and fireplace. In this post, we break down the key differences between firewood types to help you make an informed choice.

👉 Explore our full range of seasoned, kiln-dried, and softwood firewood bundles here.

Seasoned vs. Unseasoned Firewood: Pros and Cons

Seasoned firewood has been air-dried for 12–24 months, reducing moisture to below 20%. This makes it easy to light, clean-burning, and safe for your chimney. It’s ideal for regular use in stoves and fireplaces, providing consistent heat with minimal smoke.

Unseasoned (or green) firewood, on the other hand, contains high moisture levels and is not recommended for immediate burning. It can be harder to ignite, produce more smoke, and cause creosote build-up in flues.

For efficiency and safety, always opt for seasoned or kiln-dried firewood unless you have time and space to season it yourself.

Hardwood vs. Softwood: Choosing the Best Option for Your Needs

Hardwoods like oak, ash, and beech are dense, slow-burning, and produce long-lasting heat. They’re perfect for wood burners and overnight use when a sustained fire is desired. Hardwood also creates less residue, making it cleaner to use indoors.

Softwoods such as pine or spruce ignite quickly and burn hotter but faster, making them ideal for kindling or short evening fires. They’re often more cost-effective and can be a great option for occasional use or outdoor fire pits.

Many households find the best results using a combination of both.

Sustainable Firewood Options: Eco-Friendly Choices for Your Fireplace

At Timber Flames, we’re committed to sustainability. Our firewood is sourced from responsibly managed UK woodlands and processed with minimal environmental impact. We also offer eco-firelighters and kiln-dried wood, which burn cleaner and reduce harmful emissions.

Look for firewood suppliers (like us!) who are certified or actively promoting reforestation and responsible harvesting. Choosing local wood with low moisture content helps reduce carbon emissions linked to transport and inefficient burning.

Sustainable doesn’t mean sacrificing quality – it means burning better, smarter, and greener.

Firewood Storage Tips: How to Properly Store Your Firewood for Optimal Burning

Proper storage is key to maintaining dry, ready-to-burn firewood. Keep logs in a well-ventilated area, ideally under cover but off the ground. Stacking your wood neatly with airflow between logs helps prevent mold, rot, and insect infestations.

Avoid storing wood inside your home unless it’s fully dry and intended for immediate use. For outdoor storage, a log store with a slanted roof and open sides is perfect for both seasoned and kiln-dried logs.

Keeping your firewood dry ensures hotter, cleaner burns and protects your investment.

Specialty Firewood: Unique Varieties to Enhance Your Fireplace Experience

Looking to elevate your fire experience? Specialty firewood like silver birch, cherry, or hornbeam can add a touch of luxury and aroma to your fire. Birch burns with a bright flame and pleasant scent, while cherry wood produces a mild, sweet smoke perfect for cosy evenings.

These premium woods are great for special occasions, open fires, or wood-fired cooking. While slightly more expensive, their unique burning characteristics make them a worthwhile addition to your log pile.

Check out our specialty bundles and limited-edition varieties on the Timber Flames shop.