top of page
Search

How to Choose the Best Type of Firewood for Your Needs

Writer's picture: Scottish WoodScottish Wood

When selecting firewood, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options

available. Hardwood or softwood? Seasoned or kiln-dried? Each type comes with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. At Scottish Wood, we believe that choosing the right firewood for your needs is essential for efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly heating.


Among the many firewood options, Larch stands out as one of the best choices, and we’re proud to offer it as our predominant firewood type. While other kiln-dried hardwoods, such as Scottish Oak, may occasionally be mixed in, Larch remains our top recommendation for a variety of reasons.


This blog will explore why Larch is superior to many other types of firewood and why it’s the perfect choice for your home.


Understanding Firewood Basics


To determine the best firewood, it’s important to understand a few key terms:


  • ¾ Hardwood vs Softwood: Hardwoods like oak, ash, and beech are often considered the gold standard for firewood because they are dense and burn longer. However, softwoods, such as Larch, ignite faster

  • ¾ Calorific Value: This refers to the amount of energy a material can produce when burned. Firewood with a high calorific value burns hotter and more efficiently, making it a better choice for heating your home.

  • ¾ Kiln-Dried vs Seasoned: Kiln-dried firewood has a much lower moisture content than seasoned firewood, meaning it burns cleaner, with less smoke and creosote build-up.


Although Larch is classified as a softwood, it defies many common stereotypes associated with this category. Here’s why Larch is arguably one of the best firewoods you can buy:


Exceptional Hardness and Density


Unlike most softwoods, Larch is notably harder, with a density that is a strong contender to some hardwoods. This makes it burn longer and hotter than you might expect from a softwood. For homeowners seeking a balance between quick ignition and long-lasting heat, Larch offers the best of both worlds.


High Calorific Content


Larch’s calorific value is higher than many traditional hardwoods. This means it provides a substantial amount of heat, making it an excellent choice for keeping your home warm

during the colder months. A high calorific value also ensures you’re getting the most energy for your money, making Larch a cost-effective, practical firewood option for those seeking a balance of easy ignition and sustained heat at a lower cost.


Clean and Efficient Burning


When kiln-dried, Larch has a low moisture content, ensuring a clean burn with minimal smoke. This not only makes it more environmentally friendly but also reduces the risk of creosote build-up in your chimney or stove. Over time, this can save you money on maintenance and repairs.

 

Larch is lightweight compared to many hardwoods, making it easier to transport and stack. If you regularly move or store firewood, this practical benefit shouldn’t be overlooked.


Sustainably Sourced in Scotland


At Scottish Wood, our firewood is sustainably sourced, from Larch trees

grown here in Scotland. By choosing locally sourced firewood, you’re supporting sustainable forestry practices and reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting wood from further afield.


Comparing Larch to Other Firewood


While hardwoods like oak and ash are often praised for their longevity and heat output,

they can be more difficult to ignite and take longer to reach optimal burning temperatures.

Larch, on the other hand, ignites quickly while still offering a long burn time, making it an ideal choice for busy households.


Some softwoods, such as pine, burn quickly and produce a lot of smoke due to their high resin content. Larch, however, burns cleanly and steadily, without the excessive smoke or often associated with other softwoods.


Additional Benefits of Kiln-Dried Larch


The benefits of Larch are further amplified when it’s kiln-dried. At Scottish Wood, we ensure our firewood is kiln-dried to achieve an optimal moisture content of 20% or less. This process enhances the wood’s performance, ensuring a cleaner, hotter, and more efficient burn. Kiln-dried Larch also has the added advantage of being ready to use immediately. Unlike for those who need a reliable source of firewood without the wait.


At Scottish Wood, we’re passionate about providing high-quality firewood that meets the needs of our customers. Our Larch firewood is carefully kiln-dried to ensure it performs exceptionally well, whether you’re heating your home with a wood-burning stove, an open fireplace, or an outdoor firepit.


While you may find some of our firewood contains kiln-dried Scottish Oak and other

hardwoods, the inclusion of Larch remains consistent due to its availability and unbeatable qualities. By choosing Scottish Wood, you’re not only selecting premium firewood but also supporting a business committed to sustainability and quality.


Ready to Experience the Benefits of Larch?


If you’re looking for firewood that combines excellent heat output, clean burning, and cost efficiency, Larch is the clear winner. At Scottish Wood, we make it easy for you to enjoy the benefits of this remarkable firewood with our high-quality kiln-dried products.

Don’t settle for less when it comes to heating your home. Explore our range of Larch firewood today and discover why it’s the best choice for your needs.


Our Firewood is in constant demand and best to stock early before winter. We offer a selection of Firewood available for COLLECTION onsite. Information can be found on our website - www.scottishwood.co.uk/firewood


24 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page