What’s the difference between hardwood and softwood?
When it comes to burning wood, not all logs are created equal. The main distinction is between hardwood and softwood. It’s not about whether the wood feels hard or soft — it's about the tree’s growth and density.
Hardwoods like oak, ash and birch are slow-growing and denser. Softwoods such as pine, fir or spruce grow faster and have a much lower density. That difference impacts how the wood burns.
Why we only sell hardwood at The Logsmith
Hardwood logs burn longer and hotter than softwood. Because they're denser, you get more energy per log. According to HETAS and the Forestry Commission, properly kiln dried hardwood can deliver between 4,400–5,000 kWh per tonne. Softwood typically gives only 3,000–3,500 kWh per tonne — around 25–40% less heat energy.
That means hardwood logs provide more efficient heating, fewer top-ups, and better value in the long run.
Cleaner burns and less residue
Softwood contains more sap and resin, which can cause crackling, sparking, and sticky deposits inside chimneys or flues. That increases maintenance needs and can impact the performance of your stove or appliance.
Hardwoods burn more cleanly and evenly. When properly dried to below 15% moisture (like all our logs), they produce less steam, less soot, and lower particulate emissions. That’s better for your stove — and for air quality in your home.
Perfect for stoves, cooking and outdoor fires
Whether you’re running a woodburner, fuelling a chiminea, or firing up your pizza oven, hardwood performs better. It provides stable, high-heat flames ideal for long, consistent burns.
That’s especially important in cooking — where even heat helps control your grill, oven or smoker. Softwood, on the other hand, burns too quickly and unpredictably to give reliable results.
Hardwood species we stock
We sell three hardwood species: oak, ash and birch — each selected for their performance, consistency and sustainability.
Oak burns the longest with a slow, steady flame
Ash lights easily and burns hot with minimal smoke
Birch burns fast and bright — perfect for quick heat or cooking
All are ultra kiln dried to under 15% moisture for maximum energy and clean combustion.
What about softwood for kindling?
We do use sustainably sourced softwood for kindling and natural firelighters. It catches quickly and helps light your fire, but we wouldn’t recommend it as your main fuel source. That’s where hardwood really shines — and why we stick with it.
Better for heat, better for value
Hardwood may cost more per log or per cubic metre — but because it burns slower and produces more heat, you’ll use fewer logs over time. That means fewer deliveries, less storage, and ultimately lower cost per kWh.
When you buy from The Logsmith, you’re getting premium-grade firewood that lasts longer, burns cleaner, and performs better. That’s why we only sell hardwood — because it’s simply the better choice.