When it comes to premium firewood, ash logs are often considered the gold standard, and for excellent reasons. Renowned for their exceptional heat output and slow, steady burn, ash logs are a top choice for anyone seeking efficiency and warmth from their wood-burning stove or open fire. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into everything you need to know about ash logs, from identification to their superior burning characteristics.

How to Identify Ash Firewood

Identifying ash firewood can be straightforward once you know what to look for. Here are the key features that distinguish ash logs:

Distinguishing Features of Ash:

• Distinctive Bark: Ash bark is typically a pale grey or light brown colour. On mature trees, it's often characterised by a network of deep, diamond-shaped ridges and furrows, giving it a coarse texture. Younger ash trees may have smoother bark.

• Creamy Wood and Coarse Grain: The wood itself is a light, creamy white or pale brown colour, sometimes with a slightly darker heartwood. It has a coarse, open grain which is generally straight, making it easy to split.

• Lack of Spitting: When properly seasoned or kiln-dried, ash wood is known for burning cleanly with minimal spitting, making it a safe and pleasant choice for open fires.

The Burning Properties of Ash Logs

Ash is widely celebrated as one of the best firewoods available, particularly for those who desire a long-lasting, intense heat.

Why Choose Kiln-Dried Ash?

• Outstanding Heat Output: Ash logs boast a very high calorific value, meaning they produce an impressive amount of heat. This makes them exceptionally efficient at warming your home, even during the coldest months.

• Long and Slow Burn: Unlike some faster-burning woods, ash logs burn slowly and steadily. This means fewer trips to refuel your stove, providing sustained warmth and convenience, especially overnight.

• Clean and Efficient Combustion: When you use properly seasoned, kiln-dried ash logs, you are guaranteed a remarkably clean and efficient burn. Our logs have a low moisture content (under 20%), which results in very little smoke, minimal creosote buildup, and a small amount of fine ash. This adherence to the Ready to Burn scheme ensures optimal performance and environmental benefits.

• Burns Even When Green (But Kiln-Dried is Best): Ash has a unique property where it can burn relatively well even when "green" (freshly cut), due to its lower sap content compared to other woods. However, for maximum efficiency, a hotter flame, and reduced smoke, kiln-dried ash logs are always the superior choice.

Getting the Best from Your Ash Firewood

To truly appreciate the benefits of ash, ensure you're using high-quality, kiln-dried logs.

• Ideal for Overnight Burns: Due to its slow-burning nature, ash is perfect for keeping your fire going through the night or for providing long periods of consistent heat without constant attention.

• Excellent for Main Heat Source: If your wood-burning stove is a primary heat source for your home, ash logs are an invaluable asset due to their high heat output and longevity.

• Complements Faster-Burning Woods: Ash logs pair perfectly with woods like birch (which lights easily and provides quick heat). Start your fire with birch, then add ash for a long, sustained burn.

At Dawsons Fuels, we are dedicated to supplying premium, kiln-dried ash logs that deliver exceptional performance. Our low moisture content ensures you get maximum heat, a clean burn, and excellent value with every purchase.

Ready to experience the superior warmth and efficiency of ash? Explore our range of high-quality kiln-dried ash logs today! 

Frequently Asked Questions about Ash Firewood

Is ash good firewood for a wood burner?

Ash is considered one of the best firewoods for wood burners. It offers a high heat output, burns slowly and consistently, and produces minimal smoke and ash when kiln-dried.

Does ash wood split easily?

Yes, ash wood has a generally straight and open grain, which makes it relatively easy to split, even by hand.

How does ash compare to oak or birch firewood?

Ash burns hotter and much longer than birch, making it ideal for sustained heat. Compared to oak, ash also burns very hot and for a long duration, but oak tends to be even denser and can burn slightly longer. Ash also benefits from being easier to light than oak.

Can I burn ash wood straight after cutting it?

While ash has a reputation for burning "green" better than many other woods, it is always recommended to burn seasoned or kiln-dried ash. Burning green wood leads to lower heat output, more smoke, and potential damage to your chimney due to creosote buildup. For optimal performance and safety, always choose kiln-dried ash.