
Firewood is more than just a source of heat—it’s a way to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere in your home. But with so many types of firewood available, how do you choose the best one for your needs? In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of firewood, share expert burning tips, and highlight the importance of sustainable sourcing. Whether you’re a seasoned firewood user or a beginner, this guide will help you make informed decisions for a warmer, eco-friendly home.
Types of Firewood
Firewood can be categorised into two main types: hardwood and softwood. Each type has unique characteristics that determine its suitability for different uses.
Hardwood
Hardwoods are denser and typically burn longer and hotter than softwoods. They are ideal for heating homes and are often preferred for indoor fireplaces and wood stoves. Here are some popular hardwood options:
- Olive Wood: Known for its dense properties, olive wood burns for a long time and generates a large flame. It is suitable for open fireplaces or wood-burning cookers, though it may be less commonly available in the UK compared to other hardwoods.
- Beech: Renowned for its intense heat and pleasant aroma, beech is perfect for cooking and heating. It burns longer than most hardwoods and is a popular choice in the UK.
- Ash: Considered an all-rounder, ash can be burned green or seasoned. It provides good heat with a steady flame, making it versatile for various heating needs.
- Birch: Ignites quickly, making it great for kindling. Birch burns moderately but provides good heat, making it a good option for starting fires.
Softwood
Softwood logs are not only an eco-friendly choice for heating, but they also ignite faster and burn hotter, giving you a cosy warmth in no time. They are perfect for quick fires and are often more affordable than hardwood varieties. Plus, their light weight makes them easy to handle and stack
Common softwoods in the UK include:
- Larch: A good British softwood option, larch is well-suited for use in wood-burning stoves when properly dried. It offers lower emissions compared to other softwoods.
- Pine: Easy to light with a bright flame, pine is best used outdoors due to its high smoke production.
- Spruce: Burns quickly and is often used as kindling. However, it produces a lot of smoke and is not recommended for indoor use.
Important Note: Always ensure that softwoods are thoroughly dried before burning to minimise smoke and emissions. Burning without proper drying can lead to inefficient combustion and increased pollution.
Why Choose Green Olive Firewood?

Our kiln-dried hardwood logs offer numerous benefits:
- Sustainably Sourced: Ethically harvested from meticulously managed woodlands.
- Expert Drying Process: Kiln-dried to achieve moisture levels below 20%, ensuring a clean and environmentally secure burn.
- Ready to Use: Arrives conveniently packaged for immediate enjoyment.
- Certified Quality: Endorsed through our Ready to Burn certification.
- Environmentally Friendly: Packaged in recyclable materials and sourced from woodlands dedicated to responsible management.
Conclusion
Choosing the right firewood can make all the difference in creating a warm, inviting space while minimising your environmental impact. From the long-lasting heat of hardwoods like olive to the quick ignition of softwoods like pine, understanding firewood types and burning tips ensures a better experience. With Green Olive Firewood’s Ready to Burn certified logs, you can enjoy maximum efficiency, sustainability, and convenience.
Don’t Get Left in the Cold! Discover the Best “Ready to Burn” Firewood Today!
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of firewood types, burning tips, and the importance of sustainability, it’s time to experience the warmth and comfort of a perfect fire! At Green Olive Firewood, we offer premium, “Ready to Burn” certified firewood that ensures:
- Maximum Efficiency: Our kiln-dried logs burn hotter and longer, providing exceptional value.
- Eco-Friendly Heating: Sourced from sustainable woodlands, our firewood helps reduce your carbon footprint.
- Hassle-Free Experience: Delivered directly to your door, ready to light up your fireplace or wood stove.
Ready to transform your home into a cosy retreat with the best firewood on the market? Don’t settle for less—choose Green Olive Firewood for a warm, sustainable, and hassle-free heating solution.
Explore our selection of “Ready to Burn” firewood now and make your next fire the best one yet!