Hardwood vs Softwood: Which is Best for Firewood?

When it comes to firewood, people often ask us about hardwood vs softwood. Customers want to know: What are hardwoods? Are they really better than softwoods? What’s the best type of wood to burn in my stove or fire pit?

The truth is, both hardwood and softwood will burn, but they behave very differently in a fire. In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between soft and hard wood, how each performs when burned, and why most people choose kiln dried hardwood logs for reliable, clean heat.

What Are Hardwoods?

In simple terms, hardwoods come from broadleaf, usually deciduous trees (like oak, ash, beech, and birch). These trees grow slower, so their wood is denser and heavier. That extra density is what makes hardwoods the best choice for burning; they produce longer-lasting heat and less smoke.

Types of hardwoods we supply include:

• Ash logs – steady heat, a favourite for stoves
• Silver birch logs – quick to light, bright flame
• Beech – hot-burning, perfect for pizza ovens
• Hornbeam – dense, slow-burning, great for overnight fires

What Are Softwoods?

Softwoods come from different types of trees known as evergreen conifers, such as pine, spruce, and fir. They grow faster, making them cheaper and more readily available. But the fast growth means the wood is lighter and less dense.

That’s why, in the softwood vs hardwood debate, softwood doesn’t usually come out on top for firewood. It burns quickly, gives off less heat per log, and often produces more smoke and resin, which can leave deposits in your chimney if not managed properly.

The Difference Between Soft and Hard Wood

So what’s the real difference between soft and hard wood when it comes to firewood?

• Density: Hardwood is denser, so it burns longer and hotter.
• Moisture retention: Hardwood dries down more consistently in a kiln; softwood can hold sap and resin that cause extra smoke.
• Flame: Hardwood gives a steady flame; softwood burns faster with more flicker but less staying power.
• Heat output: Hardwood logs give more usable heat per load, ideal for keeping your home warm.

It’s worth noting that there are exceptions. For example, yew (a softwood) is very dense, while balsa (a hardwood) is extremely light. But for everyday burning in the UK, hardwood is almost always the better option.

Why Hardwoods Are Better for Burning

Across the UK, most households that heat with wood turn to hardwood fire logs – and for good reason. Hardwoods are denser, heavier, and slower growing than softwoods, which means they pack more energy into every log. The result is a fuel that’s reliable, efficient, and far cleaner to burn.

Here’s why hardwoods stand out when it comes to firewood:

• Higher energy value: Because they’re denser, hardwoods contain more energy per cubic metre. That means each log gives off more usable heat, helping you get the most out of every load.
• Longer burn times: With more substance in each log, hardwood burns slower than softwood. You spend less time topping up the fire and more time enjoying the steady warmth.
• Cleaner burning: Especially when kiln dried, hardwood produces very little smoke and tar. This helps keep your chimney cleaner, reduces the risk of soot build-up, and makes for a healthier, more efficient fire.
• Versatility: Hardwoods are well suited for almost any fire – from log burners and open fireplaces to pizza ovens and outdoor fire pits. Different species have different strengths, which means you can choose the right wood for the job.

If you’re still wondering about the best hardwood to burn, here are our top picks:

• Ash – Often called the all-rounder, ash gives a steady heat and balanced flame, making it a top choice for log burners and stoves.
• Beech – A dense, hot-burning hardwood that’s ideal for cooking in pizza ovens and outdoor kitchens, where a strong, consistent heat is essential.
• Oak – Known for its long, slow burn. You can keep a fire going overnight with oak logs, though you need a bit of patience to get them started. Once they’re away, they produce excellent heat.
• Birch – One of the quickest hardwoods to light, thanks to its thin bark. Birch gives off a lively, bright flame, making it a favourite for fire pits and chimineas where atmosphere matters as much as heat.

The beauty of hardwoods is that you don’t have to compromise. Whether you want logs that light quickly for a cheerful out

The Role of Kiln Drying

Whether it’s hardwood or softwood, moisture is the biggest factor in how wood burns. Fresh-cut logs can contain over 50% water, which means smoke, steam, and wasted energy.

That’s why we only sell kiln dried hardwood logs. Our firewood kiln drying process brings the moisture content down to under 20%, so you get:

• Logs that light quickly
• Hot, steady flames
• Far less smoke
• Fires that meet DEFRA’s Ready to Burn standard

With kiln drying, you’re guaranteed wood that’s ready to burn properly, no guesswork, no damp surprises.

When to Use Softwood

While hardwood is best for long, hot burns, there are times softwood can be handy:

• Kindling: Softwood splits easily and lights fast, so it’s great for getting a fire started.
• Short, quick fires: If you just want a bit of flame and don’t need hours of heat, softwood does the job.
• Outdoor ambience: For garden fires or chimineas, softwood’s quick flame can add atmosphere.

But for keeping your home warm, hardwood is the smarter choice.

Sourcing Your Hardwood Firewood

Both hardwood and softwood are renewable resources, what matters most is sourcing. We only supply logs from well-managed, sustainable forests, and all of our hardwood is Woodsure certified. That way, you know your fuel is efficient, safe, and responsibly produced from sustainable sources.

When it comes to hardwood vs softwood, the answer is simple: hardwood is the better fuel for steady heat, long burns, and clean fires. Softwood has its uses, especially for kindling, but if you want logs that keep your home warm without the hassle, kiln dried hardwood logs are the way to go.

Explore our full range of high quality hardwood logs – delivered locally across the Ribble Valley and nationwide.