If you're buying firewood, you’ll likely come across the three most popular hardwood species: birch, ash and oak. They’re all premium choices — especially when kiln dried — but they don’t all perform the same.
Understanding the difference helps you choose the right logs for how you burn — whether that’s a slow, overnight heat, a quick flame for cooking, or an all-rounder that just gets the job done.
Here’s a quick guide to the strengths of each species.
Oak – slow and steady heat
Oak is a dense hardwood, meaning it burns slowly and steadily. It’s not the quickest to light, but once it’s going, it gives off long-lasting heat with minimal flame. Because it burns slowly, you’ll use fewer logs over time — especially in enclosed appliances like woodburners and stoves.
Oak is ideal for anyone who wants a slow, consistent burn with maximum efficiency.
Best for: woodburners, stoves, overnight heat, hot tubs
Burn time: Long
Lighting speed: Slow
Flame: Low and steady
Heat output: High (per log)
Ash – a reliable all-rounder
Ash is one of the most highly rated firewoods in the UK. It lights more easily than oak but still burns hot and for a good amount of time. It produces little smoke and creates a stable flame, making it perfect for both open fires and stoves. If you want consistent results and flexibility, ash is a great go-to.
Best for: stoves, fireplaces, chimineas, BBQs
Burn time: Medium–long
Lighting speed: Moderate
Flame: Balanced
Heat output: Excellent
Birch – quick to light, great flame
Birch is known for its bright, lively flame and quick ignition. It burns faster than ash or oak, so you’ll go through it a little more quickly — but it’s brilliant for visual effect, quick heat, or when you want to get a fire going fast. Its light bark also makes it ideal for kindling or starting pizza ovens.
Best for: open fires, pizza ovens, fire pits, chimineas
Burn time: Short
Lighting speed: Fast
Flame: Bright and lively
Heat output: Moderate
How to choose the best for your setup
If your goal is to:
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Get the longest, most efficient burn → Choose oak
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Have a versatile, balanced performer → Go for ash
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Light fires quickly with great flame → Try birch
For most homes and businesses, a mix works best. For example, birch gets the fire going quickly, ash keeps it going strong, and oak can take over for long, low-maintenance heat.
Pair with kindling and natural firelighters
No matter what hardwood you choose, always use kiln dried kindling and a reliable firelighter to get started. Birch, ash and oak all perform best when lit cleanly and given the right airflow early on.
And remember — all firewood from The Logsmith is kiln dried to under 15% moisture, giving you better combustion, less smoke and a cleaner burn, whichever species you choose.
Need help deciding?
If you’re not sure what type of firewood is right for your stove, fire or appliance, we’re happy to help. Whether you're heating a home or fuelling a pizza oven at your restaurant, we’ve got the right mix of ultra dry logs for you.