Potentially any type of wood can be used in a log burner, but it is important to carefully consider the wood you choose before getting it. Your thought process should be guided by what it is that is required from your firewood and log burner. For example, is the log burner your home's main heating method or is it just for making a comfortable, cosy atmosphere in a room? Different woods have varying attributes and will meet different needs, and beech logs are just one of several options.
Should you choose beech logs or something lighter for your log burner?
The reality is that there are pros and cons to both heavier and lighter types of wood. Your needs should dictate which type is a better fit for you.
Lighter types of wood are easier to work with when it comes to fire ignition. The flip side is that it burns quicker, so you will have to add logs more frequently to keep the fire burning.
Beech logs and other heavier wood can be harder to ignite because the types of gases they give off need to be lit more slowly than those of lighter wood types. However, once alighted, the heating value is greater, and the logs will stay alight and continue giving off the heat for longer.
What types of wood are available?
The wood varieties that can be used for a fire are diverse. The most common choices are as follows:
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- Beech
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- Ash
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- Oak
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- Birch
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- Different hardwood types
In general, most log buyers expect the amount of heat produced by 1kg of wood remains constant regardless of the specific logs being used. It is a fact though, that the density per cubic metre between woods does vary from one wood to the next.
As the weight of wood increases per cubic metre, the higher its heating value tends to be. This means you will receive an increased amount of heat out of a batch of beech logs than you would from the same quantity of pine wood. Beech is one of the heaviest wood varieties, while pine is considerably lower on the scale. Essentially, it equates to the fact you will need to place an increased quantity of logs into your burner and add them more often when you are burning a lighter wood variety.
Logs are often priced in relation to their heating value, so heavier wood is usually more expensive.
Further information about the most common types of wood
These short descriptions should help give you an idea of the type of logs that will meet your needs:
Beech
Beech is a type of hardwood that has a layer of very thin bark. Beech logs can be challenging to ignite at times when attempting to start a fire, so you will need kindling and try lighting alongside lighter and less dense varieties of wood. Suitable for log burning boilers and stoves and excellent for long-term heating.
Ash
This is another hardwood with a thin layer of bark. Ash is lit fairly easily, though it may help to use kindling and a lighter wood type. Like beech logs, ash can be burnt in boilers and stoves and works for long-term heating.
Oak
Oak is another hardwood variety, which has a thick bark. Oak logs are difficult to light a fire with, so most people use oak mixed with lighter wood types. It burns best when there is a good draught.
Birch
This medium-hard wood has a thin layer of bark. This is lit easily and is a good fit for wood-burning stoves and Russian ovens. It is also commonly used in open fireplaces.
Mixed hardwood
This is made up of lighter types of wood that have a thin layer of bark. It is best for use in a fire where you are trying to create a cosy atmosphere.
What requirements should your logs fulfil?
The log type you choose should be a match for your requirements. If your log burner is used to make a room feel cosy, you could save money by using the lighter wood types. That being said, it is important to keep in mind that using lighter woods such as birch may require more storage space compared to denser woods like beech.
Where a home is primarily heated by your log burner, it would be wise to invest in a heavier type of wood. Though they cost more to purchase, your heating needs are greater, and the more potent heating value would be beneficial for you.
One useful tip is to but some beech logs as well as some lighter ones like pine or willow. By having both options at hand, you can use the lighter wood to initiate the fire and subsequently incorporate the beech wood to maintain the fire burning for a longer period.
It is not wise to light a fire with anything other than logs
The UK suffers from a significant wood shortage, leading some people to burn material that is not supposed to go into a log fire. The consequences can include large fines and substantial damage to the environment.
Materials like magazines, egg trays, chipboard and pressure treated wood contain toxic chemicals that are released into the atmosphere when burnt. They can be damaging to people even in small quantities. In accordance with Environment Agency regulations, you cannot legally burn:
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- General home waste
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- Construction/demolition waste
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- Inorganic agricultural waste
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- Waste cables
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- Animal waste and manure from farms and stables
You should also be aware of the fact that many UK regions of are subject to smoke control rules, meaning there are specific things you are and are not permitted to burn. For instance, you may not be able to burn logs in a log burner except of course, it is exempt from DEFRA regulations.
Final thoughts
As you can see, beech logs certainly are good for log burners, but the question of whether they are your best option depends on your needs. Above all, be considerate to your neighbours and to nature. Smoke output from a chimney reveals tell-tale signs to people of what you are burning. The smoke needs to be white, clear, or translucent as it rises. Dark, thick smoke has a strong odour and can have health implications and be irritating to neighbours and harmful to the environment.
