The Do’s and Don’ts of Sourcing Fuel for a Wood Burning Stove

With energy prices on the rise, more people across the UK are turning to wood burning stoves to help reduce their heating bills. While wood stoves can provide an efficient and eco-friendly way to heat your home, it’s important to source the right type of fuel to get the most out of your stove. Follow these do’s and don’ts when selecting fuel for your wood burner.

Choose Good Quality Hardwoods

The number one rule when sourcing fuel for your stove is to burn good quality hardwoods like oak, ash, birch, and beech. Hardwoods have a higher density than softwoods like pine, spruce, and larch, meaning they will burn slower, produce more heat, and leave less creosote buildup in your stove or chimney. Stay away from resinous softwoods like pine which burn very hot and fast, increasing the risk of chimney fires. 

Buy Kiln Dried or Seasoned Wood

Only ever burn kiln dried or well-seasoned wood which has a moisture content below 20%. Freshly cut ‘green’ wood contains a lot of water which reduces heat output and causes more smoke and tar deposits in your flue. Well-seasoned wood should have been left to air dry for at least 12 months. Kiln dried wood is artificially dried in a kiln and is ready to burn straight away. 

Opt for Local Hardwood Tree Species

The best species of firewood are those that grow naturally in your local area. As a general rule, UK hardwoods like oak, birch, beech, and ash make for excellent firewood. Not only will it be easy to source locally, but native species are usually well suited to UK burning conditions. Avoid using exotic imported woods which may be difficult to obtain sustainably.

Purchase in Bulk from Reputable Suppliers

It’s always best to buy firewood in bulk directly from reputable forestry merchants or tree surgeons rather than in smaller bags from petrol stations or supermarkets. Purchasing larger loads directly from suppliers means you’ll get better value for money. Make sure any suppliers can confirm the wood has been sustainably sourced. 

Avoid Pallet and Building Wood

Never be tempted to burn reclaimed wood from old pallets, building sites, or waste dumps. These can contain chemical preservatives, varnishes, or glues that release toxic fumes when burnt. You should only ever use untreated natural hardwood logs that have come directly from forests or tree surgeons.

Split Logs to Speed Up Drying

Splitting logs helps speed up seasoning as more surface area is exposed to the air. Always split logs soon after felling when the wood is freshest. Splitting just before burning drier logs may cause unnecessary cracking. Aim for evenly split logs no more than 10cm in diameter to allow for good air circulation.

Store in a Dry, Ventilated Area Before Use

Keep your wood supply in a covered log store that allows for plenty of airflow but protects from rain and snow. Stack wood off the ground on pallets or sleepers so air can circulate underneath to aid drying. Aim to season logs for at least 6-12 months before burning. Rotate new deliveries so the oldest logs get burnt first.

Following these basic do’s and don’ts will ensure you get the best performing and most efficient fuel for your wood burning stove. Burning well-seasoned hardwood logs will make for safer, cleaner, and more cost-effective heating over the cooler months.