Hardwood vs Softwood Firewood
Choosing the right firewood can affect how easily your fire lights, how long it burns and how much heat it produces.
Hardwood and softwood are the two main types of natural firewood. Hardwood is generally denser and tends to provide a longer-lasting burn, while softwood is usually easier to light and can produce heat more quickly.
There are also compressed wood fuels, such as birch briquettes. These offer an alternative to traditional logs and can be useful when storage space is limited or when you want a concentrated wood fuel.
For the best results, the type of wood is only part of the decision. Moisture content is also extremely important. Dry, properly prepared firewood will generally burn more efficiently than damp or poorly stored timber.
Quick Answer
- Hardwood logs: Best for longer-lasting fires and sustained heat.
- Softwood: Often useful for quick lighting and shorter burns.
- Birch kindling: Ideal for building the initial flame.
- Birch briquettes: A compact alternative that can provide intense, sustained heat.
- Kiln-dried fuel: A practical choice when you want reliable lighting and lower moisture content.
For a traditional fire, a useful combination is to start with kiln-dried birch kindling before adding larger kiln-dried hardwood logs. Compressed birch briquettes may also be suitable where the appliance manufacturer permits their use.
What Is Hardwood Firewood?
Hardwood comes from broadleaf trees such as birch, ash and oak.
Hardwood is generally denser than softwood, meaning it contains more wood material within the same volume. This often allows it to burn for longer and provide a steady supply of heat.
Hardwood logs are commonly used in:
- Log burners
- Wood-burning stoves
- Open fireplaces
- Suitable firepits
- Some outdoor cooking appliances
Hardwood can take longer to light than smaller pieces of kindling, particularly when the logs are large. Once the fire is established, however, hardwood is well suited to maintaining heat.
For customers looking for a traditional fuel for longer fires, Elixir’s kiln-dried hardwood firewood logs are a practical option.
Advantages of Hardwood
- Generally longer burn times
- Steady heat output
- Useful for extended fires
- Suitable for larger log burners and stoves
- Can provide a good bed of embers
What Is Softwood Firewood?
Softwood comes from trees such as pine, spruce and fir.
It is generally less dense than hardwood and often catches fire more quickly. This makes it useful for starting a fire or producing a quick burst of heat.
Softwood can be suitable for some wood-burning appliances when it is properly dried and approved for use by the appliance manufacturer.
However, because it often burns faster than hardwood, it may need to be replenished more frequently.
Advantages of Softwood
- Often easy to light
- Useful for starting fires
- Can produce heat quickly
- Suitable for kindling and smaller pieces of wood
- May be less expensive than some hardwood options
Although this article focuses on hardwood, softwood and compressed fuels, using a reliable supply of dry birch kindling can make the lighting process easier regardless of which main fuel you choose.
Hardwood vs Softwood: Main Differences
| Feature | Hardwood | Softwood |
|---|---|---|
| Density | Generally denser | Generally less dense |
| Lighting | May take longer to light | Usually catches quickly |
| Burning speed | Generally slower | Generally faster |
| Burn time | Usually longer | Usually shorter |
| Heat delivery | Steady and sustained | Quick heat and strong flames |
| Best use | Maintaining a fire | Starting a fire or shorter burns |
Why Dry Firewood Matters
Regardless of whether you choose hardwood or softwood, the fuel should be properly dried.
Wet wood can be difficult to light and may produce:
- More smoke
- Less useful heat
- Sizzling or hissing
- Increased deposits in the flue
- Less efficient combustion
Firewood with a moisture content of 20% or less is generally recommended for modern wood burning appliances, unless the manufacturer states otherwise.
Kiln-dried hardwood firewood logs can be a convenient option when you want traditional logs with a consistently low moisture content. For starting the fire, kiln-dried birch kindling provides smaller, dry pieces of wood that can help establish the initial flame.
How to Start a Fire Using Hardwood Logs
A simple way to use hardwood logs is to build the fire gradually.
Step 1: Prepare the Fire
Make sure the grate, firebox or burning area is clean and ready for use.
Step 2: Add Birch Kindling
Arrange a small amount of kiln-dried birch kindling to allow air to circulate around the material.
Step 3: Light the Kindling
Use a suitable firelighter if required and allow the kindling to develop into a strong flame.
Step 4: Add Smaller Logs
Once the kindling is burning well, add one or two smaller pieces of kiln-dried hardwood firewood.
Step 5: Add Larger Logs
When the fire is established, add larger hardwood logs as required.
Avoid adding too much fuel at once. Follow the appliance manufacturer’s instructions for loading and air control.
Can You Use Hardwood Logs and Briquettes Together?
In some suitable appliances, hardwood logs and compressed birch briquettes can be used together. However, this depends on the stove, burner or fireplace and its manufacturer’s instructions.
Briquettes can be denser than ordinary logs and may produce considerable heat. They may also expand or break apart as they burn.
If your appliance permits their use:
- Start the fire with dry kindling.
- Establish a strong flame before adding larger fuel.
- Add briquettes carefully and in small quantities.
- Avoid overloading the appliance.
- Monitor the heat output.
- Follow all manufacturer guidance.
You may wish to compare Birch Superheat RUF ECO Briquettes with Birch Round Briquettes to find the format that best suits your storage space and appliance.
Never assume that every stove or fireplace is suitable for every type of compressed fuel.
Which Fuel Should You Choose?
Choose Kiln-Dried Hardwood Logs If:
- You want traditional firewood.
- You prefer longer-lasting logs.
- You use a wood burner or stove regularly.
- You want steady heat over an extended period.
- You have suitable storage space for logs.
View kiln-dried hardwood firewood logs.
Choose Birch Kindling If:
- You need help lighting a fire.
- You want a reliable supply of dry kindling.
- You are starting a fire from cold.
- You need small pieces of wood before adding larger logs.
View kiln-dried birch kindling.
Choose Birch Briquettes If:
- You want a compact fuel.
- Storage space is limited.
- You are looking for an alternative to traditional logs.
- You want a compressed wood fuel with low moisture content.
- Your appliance is approved for briquette use.
Compare Birch Superheat RUF ECO Briquettes and Birch Round Briquettes before choosing your preferred format.
Firewood Storage Tips
Proper storage helps protect your fuel from rain and damp conditions.
- Store firewood off the ground
- Keep it under cover
- Allow air to circulate around the logs
- Avoid sealing damp wood in airtight containers
- Keep logs away from standing water
- Store kindling somewhere dry
- Bring only the amount of fuel needed indoors
Even kiln-dried wood can absorb moisture if it is left exposed to rain or stored in a damp area. This applies to hardwood logs, birch kindling and compressed briquettes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming hardwood is always better
- Assuming softwood is bad fuel
- Ignoring moisture content
- Burning logs above 20% moisture
- Assuming oak is ready because it has been stored for a year
- Assuming kiln-dried means hardwood
- Assuming seasoned means softwood
- Confusing Ready to Burn with a tree species
- Comparing equal sized logs without considering density
- Comparing price by bag without comparing volume
- Comparing weight without considering water content
- Using wet hardwood instead of dry softwood
- Expecting softwood to burn as long per volume as dense hardwood
- Ignoring the usefulness of softwood for kindling
- Trying to start a cold stove with very large dense hardwood logs
- Wrapping seasoning wood airtight
- Stacking logs directly on damp ground
- Allowing Ready to Burn logs to get soaked
- Testing moisture only on the outside
- Relying only on cracks in the ends
- Burning painted hardwood
- Burning treated softwood
- Burning MDF because it contains wood fibre
- Assuming all pallets are untreated
- Burning fresh conifer branches
- Blaming resin for problems caused by wet fuel and poor combustion
- Ignoring chimney maintenance
- Overloading the stove to make softwood last longer
- Using logs that are too large for the appliance
- Ignoring the stove manufacturer’s fuel guidance
Kiln-Dried Hardwood Firewood Logs
Elixir Kiln-Dried Hardwood Firewood Logs are a practical choice for customers looking for traditional firewood with a longer-lasting burn.
The logs are made from a mixed hardwood selection, typically including birch, ash and oak. They are kiln-dried to a moisture content of less than 20% and carry Ready to Burn certification.
They are available in 22-litre and 40-litre nets, making them suitable for both occasional fires and regular use.
Best For
Customers looking for traditional hardwood logs for log burners, wood-burning stoves, open fireplaces and suitable outdoor fires.
Why Choose This Product
- Mixed hardwood containing birch, ash and oak
- Kiln-dried to less than 20% moisture
- Ready to Burn certified
- Designed to provide intense, sustained heat
- Uniformly sawn for easier stacking and handling
Recommended When
You want a dependable supply of traditional firewood for longer evenings, regular stove use or maintaining a steady fire during colder weather.
Kiln-Dried Birch Kindling
Starting a fire is often easier when you use small, dry pieces of wood before adding larger logs.
Elixir Kiln-Dried Birch Kindling is designed to help build the initial flame in log burners, stoves and open fireplaces.
The kindling is kiln-dried to less than 20% moisture and supplied in a compact 4kg net. Its smaller, uniform pieces make it easy to handle and store.
Best For
Lighting fires quickly and creating a strong initial flame before adding larger logs or other suitable fuels.
Why Choose This Product
- Made from kiln-dried birch
- Moisture content of less than 20%
- Ready to Burn certified
- Designed to ignite quickly
- Uniformly cut pieces
- Compact and easy to store
- Suitable for stoves, log burners and open fireplaces
Recommended When
You are struggling to get a fire started, need a reliable supply of dry kindling or want to avoid relying on excessive firelighters.
Once the kindling is burning well, you can gradually add larger kiln-dried hardwood logs to build and maintain the fire.
Birch Superheat RUF ECO Briquettes
Elixir Birch Superheat RUF ECO Briquettes offer a compact alternative to traditional firewood logs.
These briquettes are made from compressed birch sawdust, shavings and wood chips produced as by-products of the sawmill process. The material is compressed into dense blocks designed to provide intense heat and a sustained burn.
The briquettes have a moisture content of less than 10%, making them a low-moisture fuel option. Their compact shape can also be useful where storage space is limited.
Best For
Customers looking for a compact, compressed wood fuel that can provide strong heat and a longer-lasting burn.
Why Choose This Product
- Made from compressed birch wood by-products
- Produces a sustained burn
- Compact and easy to store
- Uniformly compressed for consistent handling
Recommended When
You have limited storage space, want an alternative to traditional logs or need a compact fuel for a suitable log burner, stove or fireplace.
Always check your appliance instructions before using briquettes, as compressed fuels can behave differently from ordinary logs and may produce significant heat.
Birch Round Briquettes
Elixir Birch Round Briquettes provide another compact alternative to conventional firewood.
Their rounded shape makes them easy to handle and store, while the compressed wood format is designed for use as a heating fuel in suitable appliances.
Best For
Customers looking for an alternative compressed wood fuel in a compact, easy-to-store format.
Why Choose This Product
- Compressed birch wood fuel
- Compact shape for convenient storage
- Easy to handle
- Suitable for use in compatible log burners, stoves and fireplaces
- Useful as an alternative to traditional firewood logs
Recommended When
You want to try compressed wood fuel or need a convenient option where storage space is limited.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your appliance before burning birch round briquettes.
Summary
Hardwood and softwood both have useful roles in fire lighting and heating.
Hardwood is generally preferred for longer-lasting fires and sustained heat, while softwood and kindling are often useful for getting a fire started quickly.
Compressed birch briquettes provide another option for customers looking for compact wood fuel with a low moisture content and strong heat output.
For a practical firewood setup, consider using kiln-dried birch kindling to start the fire, followed by kiln-dried hardwood logs to maintain it. Birch Superheat RUF ECO Briquettes or Birch Round Briquettes may also be suitable where the appliance manufacturer permits their use.
Whatever fuel you choose, make sure it is dry, suitable for your appliance and stored correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hardwood better than softwood firewood?
Hardwood is generally better for longer-lasting fires and sustained heat, while softwood is often useful for quick lighting and shorter burns.
What is the best wood for starting a fire?
Dry kindling, such as kiln-dried birch kindling, is often ideal for creating the initial flame before larger logs are added.
Are kiln-dried logs better than wet logs?
Kiln-dried logs are generally easier to light and burn more efficiently than wet logs. They can also produce less smoke when used correctly.
Can I burn birch briquettes in my stove?
Only use birch briquettes if your stove or appliance manufacturer confirms that compressed wood briquettes are suitable. Always follow the operating instructions.
Do hardwood logs burn longer than softwood?
Generally, yes. Hardwood is usually denser, so it often burns more slowly and provides heat for longer.
Are briquettes better than firewood logs?
Briquettes are not automatically better. They offer a compact alternative and can provide strong, sustained heat, but their suitability depends on your appliance, storage needs and preferred fuel type.
How should I store kiln-dried firewood?
Store it off the ground, under cover and in a well-ventilated area. Protect it from rain while allowing air to circulate.
Follow the Instructions
Every gardening product is designed to be used in a specific way. Always read the product label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before use. Correct preparation, application and timing help ensure the best possible results while promoting safe and responsible use.
Wear Appropriate PPE
Some products may require suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) during handling or application. Depending on the product, this may include gloves, eye protection or protective clothing. Always check the product label to determine the recommended safety precautions before use.
Application Rates
Using more product than recommended will not usually improve performance and may lead to unnecessary waste or undesirable results. Measure accurately, apply evenly and follow the recommended application rates and guidance provided on the product label.
Rhys Nield
As one of our resident product experts, Rhys has spent the last 2 years helping keen gardeners and growers from within our customer services department. Remember to save this page, or visit the Advice Centre, for the latest tips, articles, and expert knowledge, to help you make your garden the best it can be.
Kiln-Dried Hardwood Firewood Logs (22L & 40L Nets)
£10.47 £538.81Price range: £10.99£10.47 through £565.75£538.81 incl. VATex. VAT
Kiln-Dried Birch Kindling (4kg Net)
£13.10 £56.09Price range: £13.75£13.10 through £58.89£56.09 incl. VATex. VAT
Birch Superheat RUF ECO Briquettes (10 Pack)
£13.32 £61.42Price range: £13.99£13.32 through £64.49£61.42 incl. VATex. VAT
Birch Round Briquettes (4 Pack)
£11.32 £85.70Price range: £11.89£11.32 through £89.99£85.70 incl. VATex. VAT
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