The Complete UK Guide to Firewood

Firewood remains one of the most popular and reliable fuel choices in the UK, whether you’re heating your home through winter, enjoying an open fire, or cooking outdoors. But with so many options available, different log types, moisture levels, delivery methods, and suppliers, choosing the right firewood can quickly become confusing.

This guide explains everything you need to know about buying firewood in the UK: what to look for, how delivery works, how to get the best value, and how to choose firewood that burns cleanly, efficiently, and reliably.

At Green Olive Firewood, we work with customers across the UK every day who are looking for reliable, good-value firewood they can depend on through the colder months.

What Is Firewood and How Is It Used in the UK?

Firewood is natural wood fuel used for heating and cooking. In the UK, it’s most commonly used for:

• Wood-burning stoves
• Open fireplaces
• Outdoor fire pits and chimineas
• Cooking applications, such as pizza ovens and barbecues

While firewood is often discussed in terms of species, what matters far more in practice is how the wood has been processed, dried, stored, and delivered. These factors directly affect heat output, smoke levels, and ease of use.

Related: How to Store Your Firewood

Buying Firewood in the UK: What Actually Matters

The firewood market has changed considerably in recent years. New standards, environmental awareness, and shifting expectations mean that not all logs are created equal. Understanding a few key factors will help you burn better, spend smarter, and avoid the frustrations of poor-quality wood.

From our experience supplying firewood nationwide, the biggest issues customers run into aren’t usually about the wood itself, they’re about moisture levels, inconsistent quality, unreliable delivery, and not knowing what they’re actually buying until it arrives.

Firewood Quality and Moisture Content

One of the most important factors when buying firewood is moisture content. Wet or poorly dried logs:

• Are harder to light – read: Reasons Why Your Firewood Wont Stay Lit
• Produce more smoke
• Give off less heat
• Can damage stoves and flues over time

In the UK, reputable suppliers provide extra-dry or “Ready to Burn” firewood, which has been dried to a moisture level suitable for immediate use. This ensures consistent performance and a cleaner burn, especially important during winter when demand is high.

Ready to Burn is a government-backed certification scheme that guarantees firewood has been tested and meets strict moisture standards. When you see this logo, you know the wood is dry enough to burn efficiently. Extra-dry logs go even further, often sitting at moisture levels of 15% or below.

Clean-Burning and Low-Smoke Performance

Clean-burning firewood is not just about efficiency, it’s also about comfort, air quality, and long-term appliance health. High-quality firewood produces:

• Less smoke
• Fewer sparks
• Lower residue build-up
• A steadier, more controllable flame

This is particularly relevant in residential areas and smoke-controlled zones, where excessive smoke can be a nuisance. Choosing properly dried firewood from a reliable supplier significantly reduces these issues.

British Firewood and Responsible Sourcing

Many customers now actively look for British firewood, valuing local sourcing, shorter supply chains, and responsible woodland management. UK-sourced firewood offers:

• Greater traceability
• More consistent availability
• Reduced transport distances
• Support for local forestry and businesses

When combined with correct drying and processing, British firewood can be an excellent choice for both performance and peace of mind.

Firewood Delivery in the UK

We deliver firewood across the UK, so customers aren’t limited to what’s available locally at short notice. This becomes especially important during autumn and winter, when demand increases and local supplies can be unpredictable.

We’re often asked whether firewood can be delivered quickly and reliably, particularly by customers searching for terms like “firewood near me” or “logs for sale near me”. The reality is that national delivery networks are now highly efficient, allowing quality firewood to be delivered across the UK within a few days, even to more remote areas. This gives customers the freedom to choose based on quality and value, rather than proximity alone.

During peak winter periods, reliable delivery infrastructure really matters. Suppliers with strong logistics and nationwide coverage are far better equipped to handle increased demand without long delays or stock issues. Ordering ahead can also make a big difference, firewood stores well, and having a supply in place means you’re not caught out during a cold snap when demand is at its highest.

Logs for Sale: Small Orders vs Bulk Buy Options

Not everyone needs the same amount of firewood, and understanding your options helps you get the best value.

Buying Firewood in Smaller Quantities

Smaller orders suit occasional users, those with limited storage space, or anyone who wants to try a supplier before committing to a larger purchase. It’s convenient and manageable, particularly if you only burn fires on weekends or during particularly cold spells.

The trade-off is cost. Buying in smaller quantities typically means paying more per kilogram, and you’ll need to reorder more frequently. For light users, this is perfectly reasonable. For anyone burning regularly throughout winter, however, the costs can add up.

Bulk Buy Firewood: Better Value for Winter

If you rely on a wood burner or open fire for heating, bulk buying firewood is usually the most practical option. We often recommend bulk orders to customers who use their fire regularly, as it offers better value over the season and removes the need to reorder during cold spells.

Buying in larger quantities typically lowers the cost per unit, reduces delivery charges, and ensures you have a consistent supply throughout winter. It also means fewer deliveries overall, which is more convenient and helps minimise unnecessary transport. Provided you have suitable storage, keeping logs dry and off the ground, bulk buying offers both peace of mind and long-term savings.

To secure better value and avoid winter shortages, browse our full firewood selection in the shop.

Firewood for Wood Burners, Open Fires & Outdoor Use

Different fires have different needs, and choosing the right firewood for your setup makes a noticeable difference.

Firewood for Wood Burners

Wood burners benefit most from firewood that is:

• Consistently dry
• Clean-burning
• Easy to control

Extra-dry logs help wood burners reach optimal temperatures quickly and maintain an even burn with minimal smoke.

Firewood for Open Fires

Open fires prioritise flame appearance and ease of lighting. Well-prepared firewood provides:

• A steady flame
• Reduced popping and sparking
• Less visible smoke

Firewood for Outdoor Fires and Cooking

Outdoor fire pits, pizza ovens, and barbecues require firewood that burns hot and clean, often with additional sensory qualities such as aroma. This is where specialist firewood options come into their own.

For high-heat, clean-burning performance designed specifically for outdoor cooking, explore our specialist firewood for pizza ovens and barbecues.

Olive Wood: A Signature Firewood Option

While most firewood discussions focus on traditional British hardwoods, there’s one specialist option worth highlighting: olive wood.

We’ve found that customers who choose olive wood are usually looking for performance and experience rather than just heat alone, which is why it has become such a popular choice for cooking applications.

Why Olive Wood Is Different

Olive wood is exceptionally dense, which translates to a long, slow burn and impressive heat output. It’s been used for centuries in Mediterranean regions, prized not just for its burning qualities but for the subtle, aromatic smoke it produces.

Unlike many other woods, olive wood burns very cleanly with minimal smoke or residue. The natural oils in the wood create a distinctive fragrance that enhances outdoor cooking and creates a memorable ambience around a fire. It’s not an everyday firewood, but for special occasions or serious cooking, it’s in a class of its own.

If you’re serious about flavour and performance, our olive wood logs are available here, perfect for pizza ovens, fire pits, and outdoor cooking.

Olive Wood vs Oak

Oak is often considered the benchmark for British firewood, so how does olive wood compare?

In terms of density, olive wood is denser than oak, which means it burns longer and produces more heat per log. Oak is excellent for everyday use, offering reliable, steady heat and wide availability. Olive wood, by contrast, is a premium option with a higher heat output and a unique character.

For cooking, particularly in pizza ovens or over open flames, olive wood has a distinct advantage. The aromatic smoke enhances flavour in ways oak simply doesn’t, making it a favourite among outdoor chefs and anyone serious about wood-fired cooking.

Both are excellent choices, but they serve slightly different purposes. Oak is your workhorse; olive wood is your showpiece.

Firelighters, Kindling and Getting a Reliable Burn

Even the best firewood won’t perform well if you can’t get it lit properly.

Good firelighters and kindling are essential. Natural firelighters ignite quickly, burn cleanly, and don’t introduce chemical smells or residues into your fire. They’re particularly important if you’re burning in a wood burner or using your fire for cooking.

Kindling provides the initial fuel to get your larger logs burning. Dry, well-prepared kindling catches easily and builds enough heat to ignite the main fuel. Skimping on quality here often means struggling with reluctant fires and wasted time.

Investing in reliable fire-starting materials might seem like a small detail, but it makes every fire easier, faster, and more enjoyable. It’s the difference between a fire that lights in minutes and one that smoulders frustratingly for half an hour.

Common Firewood Questions – FAQs

Choosing the Right Firewood Supplier

When comparing firewood suppliers, consider more than just price. Look for:

• Consistent product quality
• Clear delivery information
• Positive customer reviews
• Transparent sourcing and standards
• Reliable winter availability

A dependable supplier ensures better performance, fewer issues, and greater long-term value.

Our focus is on supplying firewood that performs as expected, arrives when it should, and offers good value over time, especially during the busiest winter months.

Final Thoughts

Firewood remains one of the most versatile and rewarding fuel options available in the UK. By choosing well-prepared, clean-burning firewood from a reliable supplier, you’ll enjoy better heat, lower smoke, and a more consistent experience, whether you’re heating your home, enjoying an open fire, or cooking outdoors.

This guide is designed to help you make informed choices and get the most out of your firewood all year round. And if you’re ever unsure what to choose, our team is always happy to help, get in touch with us and we’ll point you in the right direction based on how you plan to use your firewood.