Sourcing wood to provide the best log burner experience at an affordable price is a topic hot on the agenda as winter nears each year. Below, the Sales Director at Logs Direct, Stephen Talbot, explains how to combine different wood types to help maximise the log burner experience.
Log burners and wood-burning stoves are the heart of homes around the UK, providing warmth, comfort, ambience and a truly authentic aesthetic feel.
Sourcing wood to provide the best log burner experience at an affordable price is a hot topic as winter nears each year. But did you know that the type of wood you opt for can significantly impact the efficiency of your burner? It can also affect the heat output and even the atmosphere created by our log burners, which we have all come to love.
If you want to get the best possible output from your log burner, learning to combine different wood types can elevate your experience—here’s everything you need to know.
Why Does the Type of Wood Matter?
Why is your wood choice so crucial when combining wood types? There are several factors to consider:
Heat Output
Different woods will produce varying levels of heat. You will find that with some wood, often softwood, you experience a quick, hot heat, while others – hardwood – can burn slower and generally more efficiently once your log burner is at an optimal temperature. All these considerations impact the warmth your log burner can generate and at what pace.
Burn Time
Hardwoods are the best option for longer fires, making them the more ideal log for overnight fires, while softwoods are favoured for their ability to ignite and heat quickly.
Fir is one of the most popular softwoods used in wood burners and fireplaces. Other commonly used softwoods for burning include pine, cedar, spruce, and balsam.
Smoke Production
When hardwood logs are properly seasoned to a moisture content of less than 20%, they burn hotter and longer than softwood. This results in less soot and smoke, keeping your log burner cleaner while also improving efficiency.
Logs Direct’s Stephen Talbot says, “For less smoke whilst burning, high-quality hardwood logs made from Birch, Ash, Beech, Cherry, and Alder are the ideal options as they’re all under 20% moisture content and given ‘Ready to Burn’ status.”
Aroma
Softwoods are favoured for their availability, easy lighting, and pleasant aroma when burned. This sensory dimension to your fire makes them great for combining with hardwood when utilising your log burner to its maximum capability.
Fir is one of the most popular softwoods used in wood burners and fireplaces. Other commonly used softwoods for burning include pine, cedar, spruce, and balsam.
How to Combine Wood Types for Optimal Results
Hardwoods will burn more slowly, producing a high and constant heat, while softwoods will burn hotter and faster – but what about combining the two, and how can you do this to achieve optimal heat and efficiency?
Stephen notes, “You should start your fire with a softwood, which will catch more quickly and burn intensely.
“The softwood will leave your stove at a high temperature and will achieve this feat faster than hardwood whilst also providing a certain amount of immediate heat.
“Once your fire has fully established, you can then add hardwood to maintain the heat for a longer duration, allowing for a consistent and efficient heat throughout the day and evening, without the need for constantly adding more fuel to the log burner.”
Common Wood Combinations
The best wood combinations to make the most of your log burner whilst looking out for the pennies:
Oak and Pine
Pine will give you that quick fire and is a great kindling-type wood. Then, once the heat is at optimal temperatures, switch to the oak logs for a long-lasting warmth.
Beech and Birch
If you are one of those people who thrive on having their house smell of that sense of warmth, cosiness, and nostalgia, then try using beech for a speedy burn before adding birch for the aroma.
Ash and Fir
Known for its reliable, steady burn, ash is a great choice when mixed with fir, which will get your stove burning at high temperatures in next to no time.
Maple and Cherry
Want a balanced fire with a pleasant aroma from both woods? Then opt for the sweetness of maple and fruity fragrance of cherry logs for a wonderful log-burning experience.
Key Things to Keep in Mind When Combing Wood Types for Your Log Burner
Log Size Matters
Naturally, different wood sizes will burn differently. For example, a larger log will burn more slowly than a smaller one, which will be more likely to burn fast and heat up quicker.
A mix of both is the real winner if you are aiming for the most efficient results from your log burner.
Storage and Drying
It’s vital that you have sufficient wood storage at home to ensure your wood burns efficiently, safely, and without causing any damage to your log burner. Also, be sure to keep your logs dry and well-ventilated to avoid dampness.
Seasoned Wood is Key
Check that your logs are seasoned appropriately—between 6 and 12 months is the optimum. Wet wood and green wood can be difficult to burn, produce excessive smoke, and are far more likely to leave a creosote buildup in your stove.
Crafting the Perfect Log Burner Experience
Combining different types of wood for your log burner isn’t just about optimising efficiency – it’s also about creating the optimal fire for your space.
Whether it’s high temperatures, a burn time that stems over a long period of time, or a particular fragrance from the combination of logs, researching the various wood species and how they can complement each other will elevate your log burner experience at home.