Whether you're heating your home with a wood-burning stove, enjoying an open fire, or gathering around a fire pit, choosing the right firewood can make a huge difference to heat output, efficiency and overall performance.
If you've been searching for firewood for sale, buy firewood online, kiln-dried logs, or Ready to Burn® firewood, this guide explains everything you need to know before placing your order.
At The Northern Firewood Co, we're passionate about supplying premium-quality firewood that burns hotter, cleaner and lasts longer, helping customers across the UK enjoy the perfect fire every time.
What is Firewood?
Firewood is timber prepared specifically for burning in domestic and commercial heating appliances such as wood-burning stoves, open fires, pizza ovens and chimineas.
The quality of firewood depends on several important factors, including:
- Moisture content
- Wood species
- Drying process
- Storage conditions
- Log size
Choosing premium-quality firewood means more heat, better value for money and less maintenance for your stove or chimney.
Why Kiln-Dried Firewood is the Best Choice
Kiln-dried firewood has become the preferred choice for homeowners throughout the UK because it burns significantly better than freshly cut or poorly seasoned logs.
Using specialist drying kilns, moisture is reduced to below 20%, producing logs that ignite quickly and burn efficiently.
Benefits include:
- Higher heat output
- Easier to light
- Longer burn times
- Less smoke
- Less ash
- Cleaner stove glass
- Reduced creosote build-up
Every log produces more usable heat, meaning you'll burn fewer logs while keeping your home warmer.
What Does Ready to Burn® Mean?
Ready to Burn® is the UK certification scheme for firewood.
Certified logs contain less than 20% moisture, making them suitable for immediate use while helping reduce harmful smoke emissions.
Buying Ready to Burn® certified firewood gives you confidence that you're receiving a premium-quality product that's clean-burning, efficient and fully compliant with UK regulations.
Hardwood vs Softwood Firewood
Many people ask whether hardwood or softwood is better.
Hardwood
Hardwood logs are denser, providing:
- Longer burn times
- Excellent heat output
- Fewer refills
- Steady, consistent heat
Popular hardwoods include:
- Birch
- Oak
- Ash
- Beech
Softwood
Softwood burns faster and is excellent for:
- Lighting fires
- Kindling
- Shorter burns
- Outdoor fires
Many households use softwood to start the fire before adding hardwood logs for longer-lasting heat.
Why Moisture Content Matters
One of the biggest factors affecting firewood performance is moisture.
Freshly cut timber can contain more than 50% water.
When burned, much of the fire's energy is wasted evaporating this moisture instead of producing heat.
Kiln-dried logs contain less than 20% moisture, allowing them to:
- Burn hotter
- Burn cleaner
- Produce less smoke
- Leave less ash
- Improve efficiency
How to Store Firewood Correctly
Even premium kiln-dried logs should be stored properly.
The best method is to:
- Keep logs off the ground.
- Store them in a dry, ventilated log store.
- Cover only the top.
- Allow airflow around the sides.
- Avoid damp sheds or garages with little ventilation.
Correct storage helps maintain the low moisture content and keeps your logs ready to burn.
Common Firewood Buying Mistakes
Many people accidentally buy poor-quality firewood.
Avoid logs that:
- Feel heavy with moisture
- Have visible mould
- Produce excessive smoke
- Are not Ready to Burn® certified
- Have been stored outdoors without protection
Although cheaper logs may seem like a bargain, they often burn less efficiently and provide much lower heat output.
Which Appliances Can Burn Firewood?
Premium kiln-dried logs are suitable for:
- Wood-burning stoves
- Open fires
- Multi-fuel stoves
- Chimineas
- Fire pits
- Pizza ovens
- Outdoor fireplaces
Always follow your appliance manufacturer's recommendations regarding fuel type and log size.
Why Buy Premium Firewood?
Investing in premium-quality firewood provides several long-term benefits.
You can expect:
- Better value for money
- Greater heat output
- Cleaner combustion
- Reduced chimney maintenance
- Less smoke and ash
- Easier fire lighting
- A more enjoyable fire every time
Why Choose The Northern Firewood Co?
At The Northern Firewood Co, we believe every customer deserves premium-quality firewood.
We supply:
- Premium kiln-dried logs
- Ready to Burn® certified firewood
- Sustainably sourced timber
- Convenient net bags and bulk quantities
- Reliable delivery
- Excellent customer service
Whether you're ordering a single bag or stocking up for the winter, we're committed to delivering high-quality firewood you can rely on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best firewood?
Kiln-dried hardwood logs with a moisture content below 20% are widely regarded as the best option for domestic heating.
Are kiln-dried logs worth buying?
Yes. They burn hotter, produce less smoke and provide significantly better efficiency than wet or poorly seasoned logs.
How long do kiln-dried logs last?
When stored correctly in a dry, ventilated location, kiln-dried logs can remain in excellent condition for years.
Why do my logs smoke?
Excessive smoke is usually caused by high moisture content or insufficient airflow inside the stove.
Can I buy firewood online?
Yes. Buying firewood online is a convenient way to receive premium-quality logs delivered directly to your home.
Order Premium Firewood Online
If you're looking for premium firewood, kiln-dried logs, Ready to Burn® certified logs, or high-quality firewood delivered to your door, The Northern Firewood Co has you covered.
We carefully source, prepare and supply premium firewood to help you enjoy cleaner, hotter and longer-lasting fires throughout the year.
Browse our full range of kiln-dried logs, kindling and winter fuel today and discover why more customers are choosing The Northern Firewood Co for their firewood needs.