Choosing the right firewood can be the difference between a roaring, cosy fire and a smoky struggle.

At Dawsons Fuels, we often get asked: "Which type of wood is best for my stove?"

The honest answer? It depends on what you need. Are you looking for a quick burst of heat to take the chill off, or a long, slow burn for a cold winter night?

In this guide, we compare the four "titans" of firewood—Birch, Ash, Oak, and Hornbeam—so you can choose the perfect fuel for your home.

Quick Verdict: Which Wood Should You Buy?

Short on time? Here is the fast answer for the best burn.

• Best for Quick Heat & Lighting: Kiln-Dried Birch Ideal for: Short fires, getting a fire started quickly, and pizza ovens.

• Best All-Rounder: Kiln-Dried Ash Ideal for: Consistent heat, low smoke, and everyday stove use.

• Best for Long Burns: Kiln-Dried Oak Ideal for: Wood burners and keeping the house warm all evening.

• Best for Maximum Heat & Overnight: Kiln-Dried Hornbeam Ideal for: The coldest nights, overnight burning, and maximum efficiency.

1. Kiln-Dried Birch: The "Fire Starter"

Birch is famous for its silvery, paper-like bark which acts as a natural firelighter. If you want a fire that roars to life instantly, Birch is your best choice.

Why Choose Birch?

• Instant Heat: Because it is slightly less dense than Oak or Ash, it catches fire quickly and provides rapid warmth. Perfect for when you walk in from the cold.

• Bright Flames: Birch burns with a lively, bright flame and a sweet aroma, making it aesthetically pleasing for open fires.

• Easy to Control: It burns completely and cleanly, leaving little ash.

The Trade-off: It burns faster than the others. You will need to refuel your stove more often.

> Shop Medium Crate of Kiln-Dried Birch

2. Kiln-Dried Ash: The "Reliable All-Rounder"

Ash is often cited as the "King of Firewood." It strikes the perfect balance between ease of lighting and burn duration.

Why Choose Ash?

• Steady Burn: Ash is dense enough to last a long time but not so dense that it struggles to light.

• Cleanest Burn: It naturally has a low moisture content (even before kiln drying), meaning it produces very little smoke or sparks.

• Flexible: Whether you have an open fire, a modern wood burner, or a pizza oven, Ash performs brilliantly.

The Trade-off: It is slightly harder to light than Birch, but once it is going, it requires very little attention.

> Shop Crate of Kiln-Dried Ash Logs

3. Kiln-Dried Oak: The "Slow Burner"

Oak is the heavyweight champion of firewood. It is incredibly dense, meaning a single log packs a huge amount of energy.

Why Choose Oak?

• Longest Burn Time: If you want to load the stove and relax for hours without getting up, Oak is the answer. It is ideal for "banking up" the fire for a long evening.

• Maximum Heat Efficiency: Because it burns so slowly, you use fewer logs to generate the same amount of heat over an evening.

• Glowing Embers: Oak doesn't produce huge leaping flames; instead, it creates a bed of intense, glowing embers that radiate heat for hours.

The Trade-off: Oak needs a hot fire to get started. We recommend starting your fire with kindling and a few Birch logs to build up heat before adding Oak.

> Shop Medium Crate of Kiln-Dried Oak Logs

4. Kiln-Dried Hornbeam: The "Ironwood Titan"

Often called "Ironwood" due to its incredible density, Hornbeam is the ultimate fuel for high heat output and longevity. If you thought Oak was dense, Hornbeam takes it a step further.

Why Choose Hornbeam?

• Unrivalled Heat Density: Hornbeam is widely considered the hardest firewood available in the UK. It burns hotter and longer than almost any other wood.

• Overnight Burning: Because it is so dense, it breaks down very slowly. This makes it the number one choice for keeping a stove warm overnight.

• Coal-Like Performance: The heat output is comparable to coal, providing a fierce, lasting warmth that is perfect for the coldest winter nights.

The Trade-off: Like Oak, Hornbeam is hard to light. It requires a well-established fire base to catch, so it is best added once your stove is already hot.

> Shop Nets of Kiln-Dried Hornbeam Logs

Why Quality Matters: The Dawsons Standard

Avoid the "Wet Wood" Trap

Not all wood is created equal. Freshly cut wood can contain up to 60% water. Burning this is inefficient and can damage your flue. We strongly recommend reading our guide on The Hidden Dangers of Unseasoned Logs to understand why moisture content is critical for your safety and wallet.

Certified "Ready to Burn"

All logs sold by Dawsons Fuels are certified under the Woodsure scheme. This guarantees a moisture content of below 20%, ensuring a hotter burn and cleaner air. > Learn more about the Woodsure Ready to Burn Scheme

Frequently Asked Questions

Which firewood burns the hottest? Hornbeam is generally considered the hottest burning firewood due to its extreme density, followed very closely by Oak. Both provide significantly more heat per log than Birch or Ash.

Can I mix different wood types? Absolutely. A popular "pro tip" from our customers is to mix Birch and Hornbeam (or Oak). Use the Birch to get the fire roaring quickly, then add Hornbeam logs to sustain the intense heat for the rest of the evening.

How are the logs delivered? We offer convenient delivery across the UK. Our crates are delivered on pallets to ensuring your fuel arrives safe and dry. For full details on kerbside delivery and timelines, please check our Delivery Information page.