What wood can I burn in my wood burning stove?

Wood burning stoves are hugely popular amongst homeowners, and it’s easy to see why.

In addition to their charming, cosy aesthetic, they are highly efficient, affordable and extremely effective ways to heat a home. Plus, in addition to having a timeless appeal, they are also available in a huge range of different design styles, sizes and models, to suit every home’s requirements.

But, in order to get the most out of your wood burning stove, it is vital that you only burn the correct types of wood.

If not, you risk using the stove in an unsafe manner, and compromising its predicted lifespan.

So, if you have a wood burning stove, keep reading. Below, our team of fireplace experts have shared their full guide to using a wood burning stove, including what types of wood are safe to burn, and the current UK regulations for wood burning stoves.

Why is it important to burn the correct type of wood in a wood burning stove?

There are a number of critical reasons why it is important to burn the correct type of wood in a wood burning stove:

• Using your stove safely – most importantly, burning the right type of wood is one of the most effective ways to prevent chimney fires and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. For example, if you were to try burning green wood, excessive creosote can build-up in your chimney, which significantly increases the risk of a chimney fire.
• Ensure your stove is working efficiently – burning the correct type of wood ensures that your wood burning stove is operating as efficiently as possible. For example, hardwoods (like oak) burn at higher temperatures and for longer than softwoods.
• Keeping costs down – by choosing the correct types of wood, you can keep your stove performing in the most efficient manner. As a result, this is a great way to keep running costs as low as possible. can also help to save you money on fuel costs.
• Limiting creosote build-ups in your chimney – hardwoods also produce lower levels of creosote build-up in the chimney when they burn.
• Keeping the environmental impact to the minimum – by choosing more sustainable, environmentally-friendly types of wood to burn, you can keep the environmental impact of your wood burning stove to the minimum.

What types of wood should I burn in a wood burning stove?

When using a wood burning stove, you can’t just use any old wood. It is extremely important to use the right type of wood, not just to achieve maximum efficiency, but to ensure you are using the stove safely.

The best types of wood to burn in a wood burning stove are:

• Hardwoods – these include varieties like oak, ash, maple and beech. Since hardwoods are denser than softwoods, they burn for longer, at hotter temperatures. What’s more, they also produce less creosote buildup in the chimney, which ensures your stove is operating at maximum efficiency and safety. In comparison, because softwoods (like pine and spruce) are less dense and contain more sap, they burn less efficiently, and produce more smoke, soot and creosote build-up.
• Manufactured wood fuels – these include products like wood pellets and briquettes, for example. Since these are manufactured, they are precisely designed to burn efficiently and safely, while producing low levels of emissions.
• Kiln-dried wood – this is wood that has been artificially dried in a kiln. This wood has a much lower moisture content (of 20% at the maximum). Green wood or wood with a high moisture content can cause an excessive creosote build-up, which dramatically increases the risk of a chimney fire. What’s more, burning wood with high moisture content also creates higher smoke and soot levels, meaning an increase in indoor air pollution and a higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Well-seasoned wood – alternatively, this type of wood has been either seasoned or dried for at least six months. So, this also has a much lower moisture content than wood that is either green or freshly cut. So, this wood burns at a higher temperature, and much more cleanly (meaning less pollutants and less creosote build-up).
• Sustainable wood – in order to minimise the environmental impact of your wood burning stove, choose waste wood, wood offcuts, or sustainably harvested wood. A great example of this is wood pellets that have been made from otherwise wasted materials.
• What the manufacturer recommends for your specific fireplace – in addition to all of the advice outlined above, it is important that you consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your stove. This will outline the best types of wood – including varieties and sizes – to use in your stove. Or, if you have any questions, you can also speak to a professional and get their advice for your specific stove.

What are the current UK rules for burning wood in a wood burning stove?

In the UK, a number of rules have been implemented, in order to regulate what types of wood can and can’t be burned in wood burning stoves.

These are designed to reduce the risks of house fires, and keep air pollution to the minimum.

The main rules regarding burning wood in stoves at home are:

It is illegal to burn coal and ‘wet’ wood (wood that has a moisture content that is higher than 20%) in domestic wood burning stoves.

In smoke control areas (certain areas in the UK) it is illegal to emit smoke from chimneys. In these areas, wood burning stoves can only be used if they fulfil the required emissions criteria.

New wood burning stoves that are built must meet the government’s Ecodesign requirements. These represent higher emissions standards and more sustainable models, which emit lower levels of pollution.

In addition to these regulations, property owners should only use approved fuels, and have the responsibility to maintain their stoves in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If you do not comply with these regulations, you risk having to pay a fine, or facing legal action.

What are the benefits of using a wood burning stove?

When you follow these usage recommendations and choose the right fuel types, wood burning stoves tick all the boxes for home heating solutions.

These stoves boast a wide range of impressive benefits, including:

• Affordability – burning wood is often significantly cheaper than using electricity or gas to heat your home.
• Sustainability – as a natural resource, wood burning presents a more sustainable and eco-conscious fuel source. This is especially true if you opt for sustainable wood types, and use a high-efficiency stove model.
• A dependable back-up heat source – wood burning stoves give you complete energy independence. For example, if a power cut were to occur, these stoves ensure your house can still be heated.
• Reliability – wood burning stoves are brilliantly reliable, all year round. Plus, with a regular maintenance schedule in place, a wood burning stove is an investment that can last for many, many years.
• Aesthetics and comfort – wood burning stoves boast an unparalleled level of comfort, and a warm, cosy vibe. This makes them a wonderful addition to a home.
• Customisation – wood burning stoves are available in a huge range of different designs, sizes and styles. This means you can choose a model that perfectly suits the style of your home, and fulfils all of your requirements.

If you have any further questions about the benefits of wood burning stoves, or would like expert guidance about the right wood burning stove to choose for your home, contact our team at Rotherham Fireplace Centre for a free quote!