Not all firewood burns the same way. If you’ve ever wondered why some logs light effortlessly while others smoulder and spit, the answer usually comes down to the species of wood and how it was dried. When it comes to wood burning stoves, hardwoods are generally the gold standard — they’re denser, burn hotter, and last longer than softwoods.
At Local Seasoned Logs, we stock a wide range of premium kiln-dried hardwoods. In this guide, we’ll walk through our top picks and what makes each one special — so you can choose the right wood for your stove, fireplace, or fire pit.
Why Hardwood Is Better for Wood Burning Stoves
Wood burning stoves are designed to burn efficiently with low-moisture, dense fuel. Hardwoods tick both boxes:
- Higher density = more energy per log = longer, hotter burns
- Lower resin content = less creosote build-up in your flue
- Slower combustion = fewer refuelling trips
- Cleaner burn = less maintenance and better air quality indoors
1. Ash — The All-Rounder
Ash is widely considered the best all-purpose firewood in the UK. It burns cleanly with a steady, strong flame and produces impressive heat output with very little smoke. One of its best qualities is that it can be burned slightly greener than most hardwoods — though kiln-dried Ash still vastly outperforms.
Best for: Wood burning stoves, open fireplaces, overnight burns
Heat output: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of lighting: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Smoke: Very low
2. Hard Maple — The Long Burner
Hard Maple is one of the densest hardwoods available, which means it takes a little longer to get going but rewards you with an exceptionally long, hot, and consistent burn. It’s ideal for cold winter evenings when you want your stove to hold heat for hours.
Best for: Wood burning stoves, all-day heating, winter fires
Heat output: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of lighting: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Smoke: Very low
3. Hickory — The BBQ Favourite
Hickory is one of the hardest and heaviest hardwoods available, giving it exceptional heat output and burn duration. It also produces a rich, bold smoky aroma that makes it a favourite not just for stoves but for outdoor cooking and smoking meat. If you want serious heat and a memorable scent, Hickory delivers.
Best for: Wood burning stoves, fire pits, BBQ smoking
Heat output: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of lighting: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Aroma: Rich, bold, smoky
4. Birch — The Easy Starter
Birch is a lighter hardwood that ignites exceptionally easily and burns bright with a beautiful, lively flame. It has a pleasant, mild aroma and is ideal for getting a fire established quickly. The trade-off is that it burns faster than denser hardwoods like Hickory or Hard Maple — so it’s often best used alongside a slower-burning species.
Best for: Fireplaces, fire pits, mixing with slower-burning hardwoods
Heat output: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of lighting: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Aroma: Mild, pleasant
5. Cherry — The Aromatic Choice
Cherry firewood is prized for its beautiful flame and distinctive sweet, fruity aroma. It burns hot and clean with a moderate burn rate — not as fast as Birch but not as slow as Hickory. It’s also a favourite among BBQ enthusiasts, as it imparts a subtle sweet flavour to smoked meats.
Best for: Fireplaces, wood stoves, BBQ smoking, ambience fires
Heat output: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of lighting: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Aroma: Sweet, fruity — excellent for cooking
6. Beech — The Steady Performer
Beech is a dense, reliable hardwood that delivers excellent heat output and a long, consistent burn. Its clean flame and subtle aroma make it well suited for indoor fires where air quality matters. A solid choice for anyone who wants a dependable, no-fuss log.
Best for: Wood burning stoves, indoor fireplaces
Heat output: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of lighting: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Smoke: Minimal
7. Elm — The Slow and Steady
Elm is a tough, dense hardwood that burns slowly and produces long-lasting, strong coals. It’s not the easiest to light on its own but rewards patience with excellent sustained heat. A great choice for keeping a stove going through the night.
Best for: Wood burning stoves, overnight burns, mixing with faster-lighting woods
Heat output: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of lighting: ⭐⭐⭐
Burn duration: Excellent
Hardwood Comparison at a Glance
| Wood Type | Heat Output | Lights Easily | Aroma | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ash | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Neutral | All-round stove wood |
| Hard Maple | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Mild | Long winter burns |
| Hickory | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Bold/smoky | Stove + BBQ |
| Birch | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Mild | Quick fires, starters |
| Cherry | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sweet | Ambience + BBQ |
| Beech | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Subtle | Indoor stoves |
| Elm | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Neutral | Overnight burns |
Pro Tips for Getting the Most From Your Hardwood
- Mix species: Start with a quick-lighting wood like Birch or Cherry, then add denser logs like Hickory or Hard Maple once the fire is established.
- Always use kiln-dried wood: Moisture content above 25% makes any species harder to burn, regardless of density.
- Store indoors or under cover: Even kiln-dried logs can reabsorb moisture if left exposed to rain.
- Use a moisture meter: A cheap moisture meter (£10–£15) tells you instantly if wood is ready to burn. Aim for under 20%.
Order Your Kiln-Dried Hardwood Today
All of the hardwoods listed above are available from Local Seasoned Logs — kiln-dried to 10–20% moisture, split to a standard 16″ cut, and delivered to your door. Every order comes with our 100% satisfaction guarantee: if you’re not completely satisfied, we’ll give you a full refund — and you keep the wood.