Hardwood vs Softwood: Which Burns Better?

For a wood burner or open fire, hardwood is usually the better choice: it's denser, so it burns longer and gives off more heat per log. Softwood lights faster and burns hot but quick, which makes it brilliant for kindling and getting a fire going. The ideal set-up uses both — softwood to start, hardwood to keep it going.

Here's what actually separates the two, so you know when to reach for which.

What's the difference?

Hardwoods come from broadleaf trees like oak, ash, beech and birch. Softwoods come from conifers such as pine and spruce. The names are about the tree, not literally how hard the wood is — but in practice hardwoods tend to be denser, and that density is what matters at the fireside.

Heat and burn time

• Hardwood is denser, so a single log holds more energy. It burns slower and longer, giving a steady heat — ideal for an evening by the fire or topping up before bed.
• Softwood is lighter and less dense. It catches quickly and burns with a lively flame, but it's gone sooner, so you'll be reloading more often.

Smoke, soot and resin

Softwoods contain more resin, which can lead to more soot and deposits in your flue — especially if the wood is damp or burned too cool. That's not a reason to avoid softwood, but it does mean it needs to be properly dry and burned hot. Well-dried hardwood tends to run cleaner over a long evening.

Cost and value

Softwood is generally cheaper per load, but because it burns faster you get through more of it. Hardwood costs a little more up front but lasts longer, so for a main fuel it often works out better value.

The best of both

You don't have to pick a side. Use a little softwood kindling and a firelighter to get things going, then switch to hardwood for the long burn. Our firelighters and kindling make lighting easy, and a basket of mixed hardwood keeps the heat coming afterwards.

Stock up on ready-to-burn logs

Whichever way you lean, dry wood is what really counts. Browse our kiln dried logs — all dried below 20% moisture and ready to burn from the first light.