Ash vs Birch: Which Firewood Burns Better in Your Stove?

 

 

When it comes to choosing the right firewood for your log burner or stove, not all logs are created equal. Two of the most popular options among UK households are Ash and Birch — and for good reason. Both are hardwoods, both are readily available, and both are known for their clean, hot burns. But which one is best for your needs?

In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of Ash vs Birch firewood, looking at burn quality, heat output, lighting ease, and overall value — so you can make the right choice for your stove and your budget.

 

What Makes a Good Firewood Log?

 

Before diving into the specifics of Ash and Birch, it’s worth understanding what actually makes a good log for burning. Whether you’re using a log burner, multi-fuel stove or open fire, you want firewood that is:

• Dry: Moisture content under 20% is essential. Kiln-dried logs light faster, burn hotter, and produce less smoke.
  
  
• Dense: Denser hardwoods give a longer-lasting, more efficient burn than softwoods.
  
  
• Clean: Low bark and debris means less mess and less chimney soot.
  
  

At Ravensby Firewood, all of our logs — including Ash and Birch — are kiln-dried and Woodsure Ready to Burn certified, so you can trust they’re up to the job.

 

 

Ash Firewood: The Premium Choice

Ash is often considered the gold standard of UK firewood — and it’s easy to see why.

 

Pros of Ash Logs:

• High heat output: Ash burns slowly and evenly, giving off consistent heat over a long period.
  
  
• Easy to light: Even though it’s dense, Ash catches well due to its low moisture content when properly dried.
  
  
• Low smoke: Perfect for enclosed stoves and log burners in smoke-control areas.
  
  
• Minimal residue: Produces very little ash or tar, reducing stove maintenance.
  
  

Ideal For:

Frequent burners, long winter nights, and anyone who wants top-tier performance from their stove.

Fun Fact: Ash has such a low natural moisture content that it can burn even when freshly felled — though kiln-dried Ash is still far superior in terms of efficiency and clean air compliance.

 

Birch Firewood: The Hot, Fast Burner

Birch is a lighter, faster-burning hardwood with beautiful flame patterns and a sweet aroma — making it a customer favourite for fire pits and quick room heat-ups.

 

Pros of Birch Logs:

• Quick to light: Birch bark acts like a natural firelighter — great for getting fires going fast.
  
  
• Bright, hot flame: Birch burns hot and gives off strong, visual flames.
  
  
• Less dense = cheaper: Birch is more economical per bag, making it a great budget-friendly choice.
  
  

Cons of Birch Logs:

• Faster burn: Because it’s less dense than Ash, it burns more quickly and needs more frequent top-ups.
  
  
• Slightly more ash: Not excessive, but Birch leaves more residue than Ash.
  
  

Ideal For:

Casual burners, weekend fires, fire pits, pizza ovens, and those wanting a visually satisfying burn.

 

 

Ash vs Birch: Quick Comparison Table

 

 

 

Which One Should You Choose?

 

The answer depends on how and why you’re using your firewood:

• Go for Ash if you burn regularly throughout the winter and want efficient, long-lasting heat with fewer top-ups.
  
  
• Go for Birch if you light occasional fires for atmosphere or short-term warmth, or want something budget-friendly.
  
  

Many customers mix the two — using Birch to get the fire started and Ash to maintain a long, steady burn through the night.

 

 

What Our Customers Say

 

“The Ash logs from Ravensby burn like a dream — they’re clean, dry, and last all evening in our stove. Worth every penny.” – Dundee

“I love the Birch logs for our pizza oven and weekend fire pit. They light instantly and give off an amazing flame.” – Fife

We also offer mixed hardwood loads, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds in one delivery.

 

 

How to Order Ash or Birch Firewood

 

At Ravensby Firewood, we offer both Ash and Birch in a range of delivery options:

• Bulk Bags – Perfect for regular home heating
  
  
• Crates – Kiln-dried, stacked, and wrapped for protection
  
  
• Giant Nets – Ideal for convenient, compact storage
  
  
• Loose Tipped Loads – Great value for larger properties
  
  

All logs are kiln-dried, under 20% moisture, and delivered fast across Angus, Dundee, Fife, Perthshire, and the Scottish Islands.

Ordering is easy — just choose your delivery area and firewood type on our website, then check out online.

 

 

Final Thoughts: Ash or Birch — You Can’t Go Wrong

 

Both Ash and Birch are excellent firewoods when properly dried — it’s really about finding the right fit for your stove, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Need help deciding? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to recommend the best log type for your home or setup.

Ready to order? Browse Ash and Birch firewood online