At-a-glance comparison
| Wood | Best for | Lights | Heat style | Burn time | Flame | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birch | Easy starts / quick top-ups | Fast | Quick, bright heat | Short–medium | Lively | Excellent “starter” wood; combine with Oak/Hornbeam for longer burn. |
| Ash | Everyday all-rounder | Medium | Balanced, steady heat | Medium | Steady | A great default choice for most stoves; consistent and easy to manage. |
| Oak | Longer burn sessions / evening heat | Slow | Deep, sustained heat | Long | Strong | Best once the fire is established; likes a good bed of embers. |
| Hornbeam | Maximum burn time / dense heat | Medium | High, dense heat | Long | Controlled | Very dense hardwood; ideal after a Birch/Ash start for clean, long output. |
Performance varies by appliance, airflow and log size—use this as a quick guide, then choose the format that suits your storage and handling (boot bags for convenience, crates for best value). Start with Birch or Ash, then add Oak or Hornbeam for duration.
Compliance (England)
Firewood sold in quantities under 2m³ must be Ready to Burn certified —see GOV.UK guidance.
All our firewood logs are supplied as Ready to Burn (≤20% moisture).
How to choose kiln-dried logs
1) Pick the wood for the burn you want
- Birch: quick ignition and lively flames (great for fast warmth) Birch logs guide
- Ash: steady heat and easy stove control (excellent all-rounder) Ash logs guide
- Oak / Hornbeam: dense hardwoods for longer burn times and sustained heat (see our Oak logs guide for the long-burn approach).
2) Choose the format
- Boot bags: easy top-ups and occasional fires (weekend fire / trying us for the first time). Quick start option: 60L Boot Bag of Kiln-Dried Birch Logs
- Nets / small bags: convenient handling and regular use
- Hand-stacked crates: best value for stock-ups (more wood, less air gaps). Stock-up option: Medium Crate of Kiln-Dried Birch Logs
- 3) Store it right
Keep logs raised off the ground and under cover with airflow. Bring a few logs indoors 24 hours before use for the easiest lighting.
Need help? - Choosing logs: Guide to choosing kiln-dried logs
- Storage: How to store kiln-dried firewood logs
- Lighting: How to light kiln-dried firewood logs
- Do you live locally to our depot? Read about our local delivery service
Why buy from Dawsons Fuels?
- Fuelling the UK since 1895 – a long-established family business.
- Ready to Burn certified kiln-dried logs (≤20% moisture) for easier lighting and cleaner burning.
- Clear delivery options at checkout (pallet items delivered kerbside; local collection available)
- Helpful buying support if you’re unsure what to order
Need advice on what to order? Call 015396 20210.
FAQ - Click a question to expand
Are these logs Ready to Burn?
All of our kiln-dried logs are Ready to Burn certified (≤20% moisture), so they light easily and burn cleaner when stored correctly. Read our guide to the Ready to Burn Scheme
Which wood should I choose: birch, ash, oak or hornbeam?
Birch lights quickly and is ideal for fast starts. Ash is a reliable all-rounder with steady heat. Oak and hornbeam are dense hardwoods that tend to burn longer once the fire is established.
What size logs are they? Will they fit my stove?
Log length can vary by product and format (nets, boot bags, crates). Check the “Specs at a glance” or product description for the stated log length, then compare it to your stove’s maximum recommended log length—when in doubt, choose the shorter option.
How should I store kiln-dried logs?
Keep logs dry and protected from rain and ground moisture. Store under cover and off the ground where possible, and bring a small amount indoors 24 hours before use for the easiest lighting. Read our guide to storing logs.
Do you deliver nationwide?
Yes—many of our products are available for UK-wide delivery. Local deliveries and collections may also be available depending on the product and your postcode; delivery options are shown at checkout. See our UK delivery information for kerbside and crate access guidance.
What does “Ready to Burn” mean?
Ready to Burn is a Woodsure certification standard that indicates wood is dried to 20% moisture or less. Drier fuel is easier to light, burns cleaner, and delivers more usable heat in stoves.
What’s the difference between kiln-dried and seasoned logs?
Kiln-dried logs are dried in a controlled process to reach a consistently low moisture content. Seasoned logs are air-dried over time and can vary more depending on conditions and storage.
Are kiln-dried logs suitable for wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves?
Yes—kiln-dried hardwood logs are suitable for wood-burning stoves and for multi-fuel stoves when burning wood. Always follow your appliance manufacturer’s guidance and operate with good airflow.
Can I use these logs on an open fire?
Many customers do use kiln-dried logs on open fires, but performance depends on your fireplace setup and airflow. Use appropriate safety measures (including a fireguard where required) and ensure your chimney is maintained regularly.
How do I light kiln-dried logs properly?
Start with a suitable firelighter and kindling to build a hot flame, then add one or two smaller logs. Increase log size as the fire establishes, keeping airflow open during ignition to avoid smouldering. Read our guide to lighting the perfect fire.
Can I burn heat logs/briquettes instead of traditional logs?
Yes—heat logs and briquettes are manufactured for consistent size and density, which can make heat output more predictable. They’re a tidy option for steady heat and straightforward storage. Have a look at our range of Heat Logs.
Can I burn logs and heat logs/briquettes together?
Yes, if your appliance allows it. Use logs for flame and quick heat, then add a heat log/briquette once the firebed is established for steadier, longer-lasting warmth. See our Heat Logs collection