19 12 2025
Hardwood vs Softwood Firewood — What’s the Best Choice for Your Home?
Choosing the right type of firewood affects heat output, efficiency and the overall performance of your stove or fireplace.
This guide explains the differences between hardwood and softwood firewood, how they burn and which option is best for your home.
What Is Hardwood Firewood?
Hardwood comes from slow-growing species such as oak, ash, birch and beech. These trees produce dense timber, resulting in a long, steady burn.
Characteristics of Hardwood Firewood
- Dense structure for longer burn times
- High, consistent heat output
- Minimal smoke when properly dried
- Ideal for wood-burning stoves and fireplaces
For best performance, choose kiln-dried hardwood with moisture content below 20%, such as the Ready to Burn certified hardwood supplied by Snowdon Timber.
What Is Softwood Firewood?
Softwood comes from faster-growing trees such as pine, spruce and fir. Because it is lighter and less dense, softwood lights quickly and produces bright, strong flames.
Characteristics of Softwood Firewood
- Quick to ignite
- Bright and lively flame
- Burns faster than hardwood
- More affordable
- Excellent for kindling
Softwood is the ideal fire-starter and pairs perfectly with hardwood for efficient heating.
Hardwood vs Softwood: Key Differences
Heat Output
Hardwood provides slow, sustained heat.
Softwood gives rapid heat, but for shorter periods.
Burn Duration
Hardwood burns significantly longer and requires fewer refills.
Softwood burns quickly and is most effective for initial ignition.
Smoke and Residue
Ready to Burn hardwood from Snowdon Timber burns cleanly with minimal smoke.
Softwood may produce more resin if not fully dried.
Cost
Hardwood is more expensive but offers better long-term efficiency.
Softwood is budget-friendly and ideal for short burns or kindling.
Why Ready to Burn Certification Matters
UK regulations require wood sold in small quantities to be Ready to Burn certified, ensuring it meets strict moisture standards for clean and efficient burning.
All firewood sold by Snowdon Timber is certified under:
Ready to Burn Scheme
Company: Snowdon Timber Products Ltd
Certificate No: WS5238/00001
This certification guarantees:
- Moisture content below 20%
- Cleaner and more efficient burning
- Reduced smoke and improved air quality
- Better performance in modern stoves
- Compliance with UK law
This provides confidence for homeowners that they are purchasing legally compliant, high-quality firewood.
Which Firewood Should You Choose?
Choose Hardwood if:
- You want long-lasting heat
- You prefer fewer fire refills
- You use a wood-burning stove regularly
- You want maximum energy efficiency
Choose Softwood if:
- You want fast ignition
- You are starting a fire
- You prefer more affordable firewood
Most homeowners find that the best results come from using softwood to start the fire and hardwood to maintain heat.
Why Buy Firewood from Snowdon Timber?
- Fully Ready to Burn certified (Certificate No: WS5238/00001)
- High-quality kiln-dried hardwood and softwood
- Consistent moisture levels
- UK-wide delivery
- Competitive prices
- You can get expert guidance and more information by contacting our customer service team.
Explore our full range of firewood:
