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 for a longer burn. |
| Ash | Everyday all-rounder | Easy | 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. |
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 for a longer burn.
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: a dense hardwood for longer burn time 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
- Small carry bags: lighter individual packs with handles for convenient carrying and storage
- 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
How do oak logs compare with birch and ash?
Oak is the long-burn option. It’s a dense hardwood that gives deep, sustained heat, so it suits long evenings once the fire is established. Birch lights fastest, and ash is the steady all-rounder in between. Many customers combine them: birch to get going, oak to keep it going.
Why are oak logs slower to light, and how do I get them going?
The density that makes oak burn slowly also makes it slower to catch. Start the fire with kindling or a few birch logs, build a good bed of embers, then add oak. Keep the air open while it takes hold to avoid smouldering.
Are your oak logs dry enough to burn straight away?
Yes. All our kiln-dried oak is Woodsure® Ready to Burn, with a moisture content of 20% or less. Dense hardwoods like oak typically take much longer to season naturally, so kiln drying gets you a dependable log without the wait.
What oak options do you sell?
A 1.20m³ hand-stacked crate, the same crate with four nets of kindling, or a pallet of 40 × 40L boot bags. Crates are best value for regular burners. The bagged pallet is easier to handle and store.
Can I burn oak in my stove or on an open fire?
Yes. Kiln-dried hardwood is suitable for wood-burning stoves, and for multi-fuel stoves when burning wood. Always follow your appliance manufacturer’s guidance. On an open fire, performance depends on your fireplace and airflow, so use a fireguard where required and keep your chimney maintained. Check the product page for log length against your stove’s maximum.
How is it delivered?
Crates and pallets are delivered kerbside to the nearest safe accessible point, so please make sure there’s firm, level access. Free standard delivery applies to most UK mainland postcodes. See our delivery information.