The Short Answer
All four are good hardwoods for a log burner. They each have slightly different burning characteristics, which is why our kiln-dried hardwood is a mix of ash, oak and birch — you get the best of each.
Ash
Ash is often called the king of firewood. It burns hot, lights relatively easily, and has a low moisture content even when freshly cut (though you should still dry it properly).
- Burns: Hot and steady
- Lights: Easily for a hardwood
- Smoke: Low
- Sparks: Few
Oak
Oak is dense and heavy — it burns very slowly and gives off a long, steady heat. It's excellent for keeping a stove going all evening, but it's harder to light than ash.
- Burns: Slow and long
- Lights: Needs good kindling
- Smoke: Low
- Sparks: Few
Birch
Birch is lighter and burns faster than oak or ash. It lights very easily and burns with a bright, lively flame — great for getting the fire going quickly.
- Burns: Bright and fast
- Lights: Very easily
- Smoke: Low
- Sparks: Moderate
Beech
Beech is similar to ash — burns hot and steady with a good flame. It can be a bit harder to find as firewood in our area.
- Burns: Hot and steady
- Lights: Moderate
- Smoke: Low
- Sparks: Can spark more than others
Why We Mix Them
Our kiln-dried hardwood is a mix of ash, oak and birch. The birch helps you get the fire going, the ash gives you good steady heat, and the oak keeps it burning long into the evening.
What About Softwood?
Softwood (pine, spruce) burns faster and hotter than hardwood — great for kindling and getting the fire started, but not ideal as your main fuel. We sell kiln-dried softwood for exactly this purpose.
Where to Buy
Browse our hardwood range — all cut, split and dried at our yard in Haslington. We deliver across Cheshire: Crewe, Nantwich, Sandbach, Congleton and more. Pay the driver on delivery — cash or card.