Choosing the Right Firewood Species
Not all logs are equal. The species of wood has a significant effect on burn time, heat output, and how easy the fire is to light. At Stack & Burn, we offer three premium hardwood species — oak, ash, and birch — each with its own character. Here’s how to choose the right one for your stove, fireplace, or fire pit.
Oak: The Long-Burning Workhorse
Oak is one of the densest hardwoods available in the UK. This density means it burns slowly and steadily, producing sustained, high heat output over a long period. It’s ideal for overnight burns in wood-burning stoves or for keeping a living room warm for hours without constantly reloading.
Best for: Wood-burning stoves, all-evening fires, large open fireplaces.
Character: Slow to light, but long-lasting and very hot once established.
Aroma: Subtle, classic woodsmoke.
→ Shop our Large Crate Kiln-Dried Oak Logs
Ash: The All-Rounder
Ash is widely regarded as the best all-round firewood in the UK — and for good reason. It’s easier to light than oak, burns with a bright, clean flame, and produces excellent heat. It splits cleanly and has a low moisture content even when air-dried, which makes kiln-dried ash exceptionally ready to burn.
Best for: Open fires, evening fires in stoves, general everyday use.
Character: Easy to light, bright flame, consistent heat output.
Aroma: Mild and pleasant.
→ Shop our Large Crate Kiln-Dried Ash Logs
Birch: The Quick-Start Favourite
Birch burns fast and bright, making it a popular choice for getting a fire going quickly. It’s lighter than oak or ash, so it ignites more easily and produces an immediate, cheerful flame. However, it burns through faster than the denser hardwoods — so it’s often best used alongside oak or ash logs, or as your ‘first load’ to get the fire established.
Best for: Quick evening fires, fire pits, layering with oak to balance burn time.
Character: Fast to light, bright and lively flame, shorter burn time.
Aroma: Pleasantly sweet and distinctive.
→ Shop our Large Crate Kiln-Dried Birch Logs
Which Should You Buy?
If you’re heating a living room or lounge with a wood-burning stove and want maximum burn time, oak is your go-to. If you want an easy, versatile fire that’s effortless to manage, ash is hard to beat. And if you love a quick, bright blaze — especially for fire pits or shorter evening fires — birch delivers.
Many of our customers mix species: oak and birch is a classic combination that gives you a quick start with lasting heat. Browse our full Large Crate range to stock up before the season begins.