If you are planning on using your wood-burning stove or open fire for the first time this winter, you may find that purchasing fuel initially appears to be a complicated matter. Suppliers of firewood, Kent based and in other UK locations, will offer you a wide array of choices : softwood, hardwood, green, seasoned, air dried and kiln-dried. To enable you to make the right choice and buy firewood which will burn efficiently, offer value for money, and most importantly keep you warm, read on for quick guide to different firewood types.

Softwood

Softwood is the term used to describe wood sourced from needle-leaved trees such as pine and spruce. With a lower density than hardwood, softwood is quick burning and easy to ignite. However, it also has its downsides. Some varieties of softwood release large amounts of creosote which can block your chimney outlets and create a fire risk. Additionally, softwood releases a fairly low level of heat as it is burned.

Hardwood

Hardwood describes firewood originating from trees such as oak, ash, beech and maple. Heavier by volume than softwood, hardwood may take a little more effort to light than softwood, but tends to burn for longer. Hardwood also has a greater BTU potential, which means that it produces more heat.

Green

If firewood is described as green, it means that it has been felled during the previous 12 months, and retains a high water content. Green wood is notoriously difficult to burn, as the water inside the wood must evaporate before the wood can ignite. This results in very smoky fires which are frustratingly difficult to start. Green wood should be avoided unless you plan to season it before use.

Seasoned

Seasoned firewood is any wood which has been stored for over 12 months, allowing the humidity of the wood to drop below 40%. Seasoned wood feels lighter than green wood, and is always much easier to burn.

Air Dried Firewood

Air dried firewood is wood which has been chopped and seasoned in the open air. Air dried wood is often cheaper than its kiln-dried equivalent but exposure to the elements may mean that the humidity level is uneven. You may also find that air dried firewood brings unwanted visitors into your home – insects and spiders love to make their homes in outdoor woodpiles!

Kiln-dried Firewood

Kiln-dried firewood is seasoned using a high temperature quick-drying process inside an enormous oven. This efficient technique maintains an even low-humidity level through every batch. Users of kiln-dried firewood report that it burns well, creating no residues of creosote and little ash, while producing excellent amounts of heat.

Conclusions

To conclude, it is fairly clear that the best firewood is that which is hardwood, and seasoned by the kiln-drying process. Some people find that it is possible to combine both soft and hardwood in a fire – for example using softwood as kindling to help the slower burning hardwood to catch. However, it makes more sense to opt for wood which will both ignite well, and burn for an extended period – which is exactly what kiln-dried wood does.

When buying firewood, it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper, green or softwood option, though in the long run you will find better value for money when you purchase quality firewood which has been processed through a kiln-drying system.

Want to buy kiln-dried firewood to keep you feeling cosy this winter? http://www.firewooddeliveredkent.co.uk suppliers of firewood Kent area, deliver at your convenience and offer quantities of firewood starting at 10kg.