As the colder months descend upon the UK, many of us look forward to curling up in front of a crackling log burner. There’s something inherently cosy about the flicker of flames and the warmth that only a real wood fire can bring. But to truly enjoy your log burner, you need to consider what type of wood you’re feeding it. The choice of wood isn’t just about the ambience or the heat—it’s also about safety, efficiency, and adhering to UK regulations.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best types of wood for your log burner, why the moisture content matters, and the importance of following UK laws and guidelines.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Wood
Before we delve into the specific types of wood, it’s crucial to understand why the choice of wood matters. It’s not just about burning whatever you have lying around; different woods burn at different rates, produce varying levels of heat, and leave behind different amounts of residue. Moreover, the wrong type of wood can damage your log burner, lead to excess smoke, or even pose a health risk.
1. Efficiency and Heat Output
The type of wood you burn directly impacts how much heat your log burner produces. Some woods burn hotter and longer, giving you more warmth and a more efficient fire. Conversely, some woods burn too quickly or too slowly, leading to an inefficient fire that either needs constant tending or doesn’t produce sufficient heat.
2. Creosote Build-up
Creosote is a tar-like substance that can build up inside your chimney or flue when wood is burned. It’s a by-product of incomplete combustion and can pose a significant fire risk if allowed to accumulate. Different woods produce different amounts of creosote, so your choice of wood affects how often you need to clean your chimney.
3. Environmental and Health Considerations
Burning the wrong type of wood can release harmful pollutants into the air, which is bad for both the environment and your health. Certain woods produce more smoke and harmful particles, contributing to air pollution. Following UK regulations and choosing the right wood helps minimise these negative effects.
Understanding Wood Moisture Content
One of the most important factors in choosing wood for your log burner is its moisture content. In the UK, the moisture content of wood you burn should be below 20%. This is not just a recommendation; it’s a legal requirement under the Clean Air Strategy 2019 and enforced by the UK government.
Why Does Moisture Content Matter?
Efficiency: Wet wood doesn’t burn efficiently. A significant amount of energy is wasted in evaporating the moisture, resulting in less heat output and a smoky fire.
Pollution: Burning wet wood produces more smoke and harmful particles, contributing to air pollution.
Creosote Build-up: Wet wood leads to higher levels of creosote in your chimney, increasing the risk of a chimney fire.
How to Ensure Low Moisture Content
To comply with UK regulations and to ensure a good fire, you should always use seasoned wood—wood that has been dried for at least a year, ideally two. If you buy wood, look for the 'Ready to Burn' logo, which certifies that the wood has a moisture content of 20% or lower.
Alternatively, you can use a moisture meter to check the wood yourself. These handy devices are inexpensive and can give you a clear indication of whether your wood is ready to burn.
The Best Woods for Your Log Burner
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the specifics. Not all wood is created equal when it comes to burning. Here’s a rundown of some of the best types of wood to use in your log burner in the UK.
1. Oak
Heat Output: High
Burn Time: Long
Creosote Production: Low
Ease of Lighting: Moderate
Oak is one of the best woods for log burners. It burns slowly and produces a high amount of heat, making it ideal for long, cold nights. Oak is a dense hardwood, meaning it takes a bit longer to get going, but once it’s burning, it will provide steady, strong heat for hours. It’s also low in creosote production, which means less residue in your chimney.
However, because of its density, oak can be harder to light. It’s often best to use it in conjunction with a softer wood for kindling.
2. Ash
Heat Output: High
Burn Time: Long
Creosote Production: Low
Ease of Lighting: Easy
Ash is another excellent choice for log burners. It has a high heat output and burns cleanly, producing a nice, steady flame with minimal smoke. Unlike oak, ash is easier to light, which makes it a favourite among many wood burners. It’s also known for producing less creosote, which is a bonus for chimney maintenance.
One of the standout features of ash is that it can be burned when it's green (unseasoned), although it’s always better to use seasoned wood. Green ash burns surprisingly well compared to other woods, but you’ll still get the best results from seasoned ash.
3. Beech
Heat Output: High
Burn Time: Long
Creosote Production: Moderate
Ease of Lighting: Moderate
Beech is a great all-rounder. It burns hot and long, making it a reliable choice for sustained heat. It’s a hardwood like oak, so it’s dense and slow-burning. Beech can be a bit harder to split than some other woods, but it’s well worth the effort.
It’s best used in a well-maintained log burner, as it can produce more creosote than oak or ash. However, with regular chimney cleaning, beech is an excellent choice for keeping warm.
4. Birch
Heat Output: Medium to High
Burn Time: Moderate
Creosote Production: High
Ease of Lighting: Easy
Birch is a softer hardwood that lights easily and burns brightly. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for quick heat and a bright flame. However, because it burns quickly, it’s not ideal for those long winter evenings unless you’re prepared to keep adding logs to the fire.
Birch has a higher creosote production than oak or ash, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your chimney if you use this wood regularly.
5. Hawthorn
Heat Output: High
Burn Time: Long
Creosote Production: Low
Ease of Lighting: Moderate
Hawthorn is a lesser-known but highly effective wood for log burners. It’s a dense hardwood that burns very hot and lasts a long time. Like oak, it can be a bit harder to get started, but it rewards you with a slow, consistent burn.
Hawthorn produces very little creosote, making it an excellent choice for reducing the risk of chimney fires. It’s not as widely available as some other woods, but it’s well worth seeking out if you can find it.
6. Apple
Heat Output: High
Burn Time: Long
Creosote Production: Low
Ease of Lighting: Moderate
Apple wood is not just for smoking meats; it’s also a fantastic choice for your log burner. It’s a dense hardwood that burns slowly and produces a lovely aroma. The heat output is excellent, and it leaves behind very little ash or creosote.
Apple wood is often a bit pricier and harder to find, but it’s a real treat if you can get your hands on some. It’s also a great option for adding a pleasant fragrance to your home while enjoying the warmth of your fire.
7. Cherry
Heat Output: Medium to High
Burn Time: Moderate
Creosote Production: Moderate
Ease of Lighting: Easy
Cherry wood is another option that burns beautifully and smells great. It’s a bit easier to light than denser hardwoods like oak or apple, and it burns with a bright flame. The heat output is respectable, though not as high as oak or ash.
Cherry wood does produce more creosote than some other hardwoods, so regular chimney maintenance is essential. However, the lovely aroma and steady burn make it a popular choice for those who want a bit of character in their fire.
8. Elm
Heat Output: Medium
Burn Time: Long
Creosote Production: High
Ease of Lighting: Difficult
Elm is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to log burners. On the one hand, it burns for a long time and can produce decent heat. On the other hand, it’s notoriously difficult to split and light, and it produces a fair amount of creosote.
Elm is best used when well-seasoned and mixed with other woods that are easier to light. It’s not the first choice for many, but it can be useful as a supplementary wood once your fire is already established.
Woods to Avoid
While we’ve covered the best woods to burn, it’s equally important to know which woods to avoid. Burning the wrong type of wood can cause damage to your log burner, produce excessive smoke, and lead to higher levels of pollution.
1. Pine and Other Softwoods
Softwoods like pine, spruce, and fir should generally be avoided in log burners. These woods contain a lot of resin, which can produce large amounts of creosote and lead to a smoky, inefficient fire. They also burn very quickly, meaning you’ll go through a lot of wood without getting much heat in return.
2. Green (Unseasoned) Wood
As mentioned earlier, burning wood with a moisture content above 20% is not just inefficient—it’s illegal in the UK. Green wood is heavy and damp, leading to a fire that produces more smoke than heat. It also increases the risk of creosote build-up, which can lead to chimney fires.
3. Painted or Treated Wood
Never burn painted, varnished, or treated wood in your log burner. These types of wood release toxic chemicals when burned, which are harmful to your health and the environment. The fumes can also damage your log burner.
4. Driftwood
It might be tempting to use driftwood, especially if you live near the coast, but it’s a bad idea. Driftwood is often saturated with salt, which can corrode your stove and flue. It also releases harmful chemicals when burned, making it dangerous for both your home and the environment.
Compliance with UK Regulations
As part of the UK’s commitment to improving air quality, new regulations have been introduced that directly impact what you can burn in your log burner.
The Clean Air Strategy 2019
The UK government’s Clean Air Strategy includes measures to reduce the pollution caused by domestic burning. One of the key aspects of this strategy is the introduction of standards for firewood, which ensure that only dry, low-emission wood is sold and burned.
The ‘Ready to Burn’ Scheme
Under the Ready to Burn scheme, all wood sold in small quantities (less than 2m³) must be certified as having a moisture content of 20% or lower. This scheme makes it easier for consumers to choose wood that complies with the law and burns efficiently.
If you’re buying wood in larger quantities, it’s up to you to ensure that the wood is seasoned and dry before burning. Using a moisture meter is a good way to check this.
Smokeless Zones
In some parts of the UK, particularly in urban areas, there are restrictions on what you can burn due to the Clean Air Act. If you live in a designated Smoke Control Area, you must use either an approved smokeless fuel or burn wood in an approved stove. Make sure your log burner is DEFRA-exempt, which means it’s approved for use in these areas.
Tips for Storing and Preparing Wood
To get the most out of your log burner, it’s not just about choosing the right wood; you also need to store and prepare it correctly.
1. Store Wood Properly
Wood needs to be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area to season properly. Ideally, it should be off the ground and covered on the top but open on the sides to allow air circulation. Storing your wood properly will ensure that it dries out and is ready to burn when you need it.
2. Split Logs to Size
Before burning, make sure your logs are split to a manageable size for your log burner. Smaller logs are easier to light and burn more efficiently.
3. Use a Log Basket or Crate
Keep a small supply of logs indoors in a basket or crate near your log burner. This will allow the wood to acclimatise to the indoor environment and ensure it’s as dry as possible before burning.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wood for your log burner isn’t just about heat; it’s about safety, efficiency, and compliance with UK regulations. By selecting the best types of wood, ensuring they are properly seasoned, and following the guidelines set out in the Clean Air Strategy, you can enjoy a warm, cosy fire that’s both environmentally friendly and safe.
So, next time you’re stocking up for winter, remember: not all wood is created equal. Choose wisely, and your log burner will reward you with many warm and cosy nights to come.
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