Burn Smarter, Not Harder: What Wood Should You Use in Your Stove? 🔥

Let’s talk logs. Because while it might seem like you can just toss any old stick into your stove and call it a night, not all firewood is created equal—and your stove definitely deserves better than soggy offcuts or smoky softwood. 

Whether you’re a seasoned stove owner or brand new to the world of wood burners, here’s your friendly guide to what kind of wood burns best, what to avoid, and how to get the most out of your fire. 

The Golden Rule: Dry Wood Is Happy Wood 

First things first—moisture matters. Burning wet or “green” wood is bad news for your stove. You’ll get more smoke, less heat, and a flue that needs cleaning far more often than it should. 

Instead, go for wood that’s been seasoned (dried naturally for at least 1-2 years) or kiln-dried, which is dried in a controlled environment and ready to burn right away. How can you tell? Dry wood sounds hollow when tapped, has visible cracks at the ends, and should have a moisture content of under 14%—you can even grab a moisture meter to check if you’re unsure. Want to know the best way to season wood? Read our blog.

Hardwood vs. Softwood: What’s the Difference? 

Here’s a quick breakdown of your firewood options: 

Hardwoods 

These are the go-to logs for a good, long-lasting burn. They’re denser, which means they burn slower and hotter. 

Oak – Dense and slow-burning. Needs to be well seasoned, but totally worth it. 

Silver Birch - A favourite in our showroom, a great wood with a low water content.

Beech, Hornbeam, Hawthorn – Also top-tier hardwoods for consistent heat output.

Ash - A stove owner's favourite. Burns beautifully, with a steady flame and great output. 

💡 Best for long, even burns and cosy evenings in. 

Softwoods 

These lightweights burn faster, give off more smoke, and can be a bit sticky (literally—resins!). But they’re great for kindling or getting your fire started. 

Pine, Fir, Spruce – Burn quickly and hot, but not ideal for keeping the heat going. 

💡 Use them to kick things off, then swap to hardwood for the long haul. 

The Don’ts: What Not to Burn 

🚫 Wet or unseasoned wood – Too smoky, too inefficient, and too much mess. 

🚫 Treated or painted wood – Releases nasty chemicals and damages your flue. 

🚫 Driftwood – Contains salt, which is corrosive to your stove and flue system. 

Basically, if it smells like chemicals, is oddly coloured, or came from a DIY project—don’t burn it. 

Final Thoughts: Treat Your Stove Right 

The better the wood, the better the burn. Using the right logs helps your stove run more efficiently, keeps your home warmer, and saves you from unnecessary cleaning and maintenance. 

If you’re unsure what to go for, pop into our showroom for a chat—we love talking firewood (seriously). And if you need storage or a moisture meter to get started, we’ve got you covered on that too. 

🔥 Ready to level up your log game? Let’s make this burning season your best yet.