Not all firewood is the same. At Calido, we supply kiln dried logs in three main species: Oak, Ash and Birch. Each has different burning qualities, so the right choice depends on your stove, your heating needs and how you like your fire.
Oak Firewood
-
How to identify: Oak logs are very dense and heavy compared to other species. The bark is rugged and ridged, while the wood has a light to medium brown colour with a distinctive grain.
-
Burning qualities: Oak is one of the slowest-burning hardwoods, producing steady, long-lasting heat. It takes more time to get going, but once established, it gives an excellent overnight burn.
-
Best for: Larger stoves or times when you want sustained heat over many hours.
- Tip for your stove: Use birch or kindling to establish the fire, then add oak once the fire is burning strongly. It is ideal for winter nights when you want the fire to keep going without frequent refuelling.
Shop Oak Kiln Dried Logs
Ash Firewood
-
How to identify: Ash logs are usually lighter in weight than oak but still dense. The bark is smoother, often grey with a distinct diamond or ridged pattern and the wood is pale in colour.
-
Burning qualities: Ash is widely considered one of the best all-round firewood species. It lights easily, burns evenly and produces a bright flame with good heat output.
-
Best for: Everyday use in any size of wood burning stove. Ash is easy to manage and burns well on its own.
- Tip for your stove: Ash is versatile – you can rely on it for quick evening fires as well as longer burns.
Birch Firewood
-
How to identify: Birch is easy to spot thanks to its thin, papery bark, which can range from white to silver-grey, often peeling away in layers. The wood itself is lighter in density and colour.
-
Burning qualities: Birch lights quickly and produces lively flames with good heat, though it burns faster than oak or ash. It has a pleasant aroma, making it a favourite for creating atmosphere as well as warmth.
-
Best for: Quick, hot fires to take the chill off a room, or mixing with oak for a balance of easy ignition and longer burn.
-
Tip for your stove: Birch is perfect for smaller stoves or for anyone who enjoys the visual effect of bright flames. Pair with denser hardwoods for efficiency.
Which Firewood Should You Choose?
-
For long, slow burns: Oak is the best choice.
-
For everyday reliability: Ash is the most versatile option.
- For quick heat and dancing flames: Birch is ideal.
All of our oak, ash and birch are supplied kiln dried, with a moisture content under 20%. This ensures your firewood burns hotter, cleaner and more efficiently than seasoned or wet wood, keeping your stove in excellent condition.
About the author: John Farrell is a qualified forester with over 10 years of experience in sustainable timber and firewood production. He founded Calido Logs to bring premium quality firewood directly to homes across the UK.
