What Wood Can You Burn in a Log Burner? A Guide for UK Homes

In the UK, many homes enjoy the warmth and comfort of a log burner, especially during the cold winter months.

A log burner not only provides heat but also adds a cozy atmosphere to any room.

However, the key to a good fire lies in choosing the right type of wood to burn.

Selecting the best wood for your log burner is essential for several reasons.

The right wood choice ensures your fire burns efficiently and safely, and it’s also better for the environment.

As we become more aware of the importance of air quality and sustainable living, knowing which woods are ideal for burning becomes increasingly important.

In this guide, we will explore the various types of wood that are best for use in log burners in the UK.

This information will help you make informed choices for enjoyable and responsible wood burning in your home.

Best Types of Wood for Log Burners in the UK

When it comes to fueling your log burner, not all wood is created equal.

The type of wood you choose can greatly impact the efficiency of your fire, the heat it produces, and even the amount of smoke and pollutants released.

In the UK, the best types of wood for log burners generally fall into two categories: hardwoods and softwoods.

Hardwoods

• Oak: Known for its slow burning and long-lasting heat, oak is a popular choice for log burners. It has a high heat output, making it ideal for those long winter nights. However, oak needs a considerable amount of time to season, often up to two years.
• Ash: Ash is often considered the best wood for burning. It produces a steady flame and good heat output, even when not fully seasoned. However, with the ash dieback disease affecting UK trees, it’s important to source ash wood responsibly.
• Beech: Beech burns very well, but it must be properly seasoned as it holds a lot of moisture. It’s known for its bright flame and good heat output, making it a great choice for a cozy fire.

Softwoods

• Birch: Birch is easy to light and burns with a strong, bright flame. It’s not as long-lasting as hardwoods but is perfect for kindling or a quick, hot fire.
• Pine and Spruce: These softwoods are plentiful and burn quickly with a pleasant aroma. However, they tend to crackle and spit, and have a high resin content, which can lead to creosote buildup in your chimney. They’re better used for outdoor fires.

Sustainability Considerations

It’s also important to consider the sustainability of the wood you use. Locally sourced, sustainable wood is the best choice for the environment.

This reduces transport emissions and supports local ecosystems. Look for wood from sustainably managed forests or suppliers who practice responsible woodland management.

Moisture Content

Regardless of the type of wood, the moisture content is crucial. Wood with a high moisture content (green wood) burns inefficiently and produces more smoke and pollutants.

For the best burning experience, use wood with a moisture content of less than 20%. Seasoned or kiln-dried wood usually meets this standard.

Understanding Wood Burning Basics

It’s important to grasp the fundamental aspects of wood burning.

• Moisture Content: The efficiency of wood burning largely depends on its moisture content. Wood with high moisture content, often called ‘green wood’, burns poorly and produces more smoke and tar. These byproducts can harm your chimney and pollute the air. The ideal wood for burning has a moisture content below 20%, ensuring a cleaner, more efficient burn.
• Heat Output: Different types of wood have varying heat outputs, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Hardwoods generally have a higher BTU than softwoods, meaning they release more heat and burn longer, making them more suitable for colder nights.
• Combustion Process: Understanding the combustion process helps in maintaining a safe and efficient fire. Good combustion requires the right balance of fuel (wood), oxygen, and heat. Efficient combustion minimizes smoke and maximizes heat output.

Benefits of Seasoned or Kiln-Dried Wood

• Seasoned Wood: Seasoning is the process of allowing wood to dry naturally over time. This usually takes about 1-2 years. Seasoned wood has lower moisture content, burns more efficiently, and produces less smoke.
• Kiln-Dried Wood: Kiln drying is a quicker method where wood is dried in a controlled environment. This process reduces the wood’s moisture content rapidly, ensuring it burns efficiently and cleanly.
• Environmental Impact: Using seasoned or kiln-dried wood not only improves the performance of your log burner but also reduces environmental impact. It minimizes smoke and harmful emissions, contributing to better air quality.

While both seasoned and kiln-dried woods are excellent choices, the type of wood still matters.

Hardwoods like oak and ash burn slower and are more suitable for extended use, while softwoods like pine are great for quick heating.

Understanding these differences allows you to choose wood that meets your specific heating needs and environmental considerations.

Woods to Avoid and Why

While many types of wood are excellent for burning in log burners, some should be avoided for various reasons, including health concerns, environmental impact, and the safety of your log burner.

Treated, Painted, or Varnished Wood

• Health Hazards: Treated wood, which often includes construction scraps or old furniture, can release harmful chemicals when burned, such as arsenic and chromium. Painted or varnished wood similarly releases toxic fumes, which are dangerous to inhale and contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution.
• Damage to Your Log Burner: These chemicals can also corrode your log burner and flue, leading to costly damages and potential safety hazards.

Wet or Green Wood

• Inefficient Burning: Wet or green wood, which hasn’t been properly seasoned, contains a high moisture content. This leads to inefficient burning, where more energy is used to evaporate the water in the wood rather than producing heat.
• Increased Smoke and Creosote: Burning wet or green wood results in more smoke and a higher buildup of creosote, a tar-like substance, in your chimney. This buildup can lead to chimney fires and requires more frequent cleaning.

Non-Native or Invasive Species

• Ecological Impact: While it might be tempting to burn non-native or invasive wood species, it’s important to consider their ecological impact. Transporting wood from other regions can contribute to the spread of pests and diseases that affect local ecosystems.
• Sourcing Concerns: Additionally, these woods may not always be sourced sustainably, contributing to deforestation and habitat destruction in their regions of origin.

Fruit Woods and Driftwood

• Fruit Woods: While not necessarily harmful, woods from fruit trees like apple or cherry can be scarce and expensive. They are often better used for smoking food due to their aromatic properties.
• Driftwood: Driftwood should be avoided as it contains salt, which can corrode your stove and flue and release harmful chlorine gases when burned.

The key to a safe and efficient fire in your log burner lies not only in choosing the right wood but also in avoiding the wrong ones.

Stay away from treated, painted, or varnished wood, wet or green wood, non-native species, and certain specialty woods like driftwood.

Environmental Impact and Regulations

The burning of wood, while a natural and renewable source of energy, can have negative impacts on air quality.

When wood burns, it releases particulate matter and other pollutants, which can contribute to air pollution.

This is particularly concerning in urban areas, where air quality is already a challenge.

The UK government has recognized this and implemented regulations to help reduce the impact of wood burning on air quality.

One key regulation is the requirement for stoves to be “DEFRA approved” in certain areas.

DEFRA, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, sets standards for log burners to ensure they burn wood more cleanly and efficiently, producing fewer pollutants.

If you live in a Smoke Control Area, you must use a DEFRA approved stove and burn only authorized fuels.

The UK government encourages the use of “Ready to Burn” logs, which are woods with a moisture content of 20% or less.

This initiative aims to reduce the amount of smoke and pollutants produced by burning wet or green wood.

By choosing Ready to Burn logs, you not only comply with regulations but also contribute to better air quality.

It’s also worth considering the broader environmental impact of wood burning. While wood is a renewable resource, its sustainability depends on how it is sourced.

Burning wood from sustainably managed forests helps reduce the environmental footprint.

This sustainable management ensures that for every tree cut down, others are planted, maintaining the balance of the forest ecosystem.

Tips for Efficient Wood Burning

Maximizing the efficiency of your log burner not only enhances your experience but also reduces your environmental footprint.

Here are some tips to ensure that your wood burning is as efficient and safe as possible.

Proper Storage and Seasoning of Wood

The way you store and season your wood plays a critical role in its burning efficiency. Wood should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area to allow it to season naturally. If you’re seasoning your own wood, split it before stacking and cover the top to protect it from rain while ensuring good air circulation. This process can take one to two years, but the result is wood that burns cleaner and more efficiently.

Using the Right Wood

Choosing the right type of wood is crucial. Hardwoods like oak and ash are ideal for longer, slower burns, while softwoods like pine are better for quicker, hotter fires. Regardless of the type, the wood should be dry with a moisture content below 20%.

Efficient Burning Practices

To burn wood efficiently, start with smaller kindling and gradually add larger pieces of wood. Ensure that your log burner receives adequate airflow, as this is essential for proper combustion. Regularly remove ash from the burner to maintain good air circulation.

Choosing the Right Log Burner

Not all log burners are created equal. Modern burners are more efficient and environmentally friendly than older models. If you’re in the market for a new log burner, look for one with a high efficiency rating and low emissions. In Smoke Control Areas, make sure the burner is DEFRA approved.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your log burner and chimney is essential for efficient and safe operation. Have your chimney swept at least once a year to prevent the buildup of soot and creosote, which can lead to chimney fires. Regularly check your log burner for any signs of wear or damage.

Monitoring Your Fire

Pay attention to the fire and the smoke coming out of your chimney. A well-functioning log burner should produce minimal smoke. Excessive smoke could indicate that the wood is too wet, the burner isn’t getting enough air, or there’s a problem with the chimney.