With the growing popularity of wood-burning stoves and fire pits, firewood remains a vital heating solution across UK homes. Whether you use it for winter warmth, outdoor bonfires, or cooking with pizza ovens, knowing where to source high-quality firewood ensures a better burn and cost-efficiency.
This article covers everything you need to know about buying firewood near you—from the types of wood available to the best places to purchase it and tips for storage.
Best Places to Buy Firewood in the UK
Local Suppliers
Many households prefer buying firewood from local suppliers due to quick delivery and competitive prices. These suppliers usually offer various options such as kiln-dried hardwood, seasoned logs, or softwood varieties, often delivered in bulk. Delivery is available in different formats: net bags, crates, or cubic meter bulk bags.
Benefits: Freshly harvested wood and faster delivery times.
How to Find: A quick search for “firewood suppliers near me” on Google will show nearby options. Websites like FirewoodFund also offer nationwide delivery and provide eco-friendly firewood products.
DIY Stores, Garden Centres, and Supermarkets
Many local B&Q stores, garden centres, and supermarkets carry firewood bags—particularly during winter. These small batches are ideal for occasional use or when you need a quick restock without waiting for a delivery.
Tip: Always check if the wood is kiln-dried, as it burns more efficiently and releases fewer emissions than green wood.
Farm Shops and Woodland Trusts
Farm shops and forestry organizations like the Woodland Trust often offer responsibly harvested firewood. Some shops carry specialty woods such as oak or applewood that release aromatic smoke, enhancing outdoor cooking experiences.
Types of Firewood and Their Uses
Firewood varies in terms of heat output, burn duration, and smoke levels. Here are the most common types available in the UK:
Hardwood (e.g., Oak, Ash, Birch): These woods burn longer and hotter, making them ideal for indoor heating. Oak and ash are especially popular due to their dense composition.
Softwood (e.g., Pine, Spruce): Softwoods ignite quickly and are often used as kindling. However, they tend to burn faster and produce more soot.
Kiln-Dried Logs: These logs are dried to below 20% moisture content, making them efficient and eco-friendly. They adhere to Woodsure Ready to Burn standards, a government-backed certification ensuring reduced emissions.
Kiln-dried firewood, while more expensive, offers the best value for long-term use as it ensures better combustion, reduced creosote buildup, and fewer environmental pollutants.
How Much Firewood Do You Need?
Estimating your firewood requirements depends on usage patterns:
Primary heating source: Households that rely on wood for heating might use 3-4 cubic meters of hardwood per winter season.
Supplementary heating or occasional use: A smaller supply, such as 0.5 to 1 cubic meter, may be sufficient for occasional fires in a stove or fire pit.
For new buyers, starting with a smaller order (e.g., a 1m³ bulk bag) helps establish a baseline for future purchases. Monitoring usage during colder months will help adjust your orders accordingly.
Storage Tips for Firewood
Proper storage is essential to maintain firewood quality and ensure efficient burning:
Keep the wood elevated: Use pallets or firewood racks to keep logs off the ground, preventing moisture absorption.
Cover the top, but leave sides open: This allows for air circulation, keeping the logs dry and reducing the risk of mould.
Store away from your home: Storing firewood close to your house can attract pests. Maintain a safe distance to avoid unwanted infestations.
Rotate your stock: Use older wood first to prevent degradation. When adding new logs, place them at the back or bottom of the storage area.
Costs and Delivery Options
The cost of firewood in the UK varies based on type, quality, and supplier. Below are some typical prices you can expect:
Kiln-dried hardwood: £219–£349 per cubic meter depending on wood type and supplier.
Seasoned logs: Usually more affordable than kiln-dried wood, but they require longer drying time and produce more emissions.
Delivery: Many suppliers offer free or low-cost delivery for bulk orders. FirewoodFund, for instance, provides options like 0.8m³ bags for £225 and 1.6m³ bundles for £349, suitable for winter-long usage.
For smaller batches, prices range from £20 to £30 per 20kg bag, available through DIY stores or online platforms.
Why Buy Firewood in Advance?
Stocking up on firewood during warmer months can help you save money and avoid shortages during winter. Prices often rise during the colder months due to increased demand. Moreover, buying in bulk in summer ensures the logs have sufficient time to air out before winter use, even if they are not kiln-dried.
Regulations and Sustainability Considerations
Due to increasing environmental awareness, UK authorities encourage the use of sustainable firewood. Look for Woodsure or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certifications to ensure the wood you purchase meets environmental standards.
The UK’s Clean Air Strategy recommends using kiln-dried wood to minimize air pollution and reduce particulate emissions. Additionally, importing certain firewood types, such as ash, is restricted to prevent the spread of tree diseases.
Firewood Safety
Proper Ventilation: Ensure your fireplace or wood-burning stove is properly ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Chimney Cleaning: Have your chimney cleaned regularly to remove creosote and reduce the risk of chimney fires.
Children and Pets: Keep children and pets away from the fireplace area to prevent accidents.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between kiln-dried and seasoned firewood?
A: Kiln-dried firewood is dried in controlled environments to bring the moisture content below 15%, making it ideal for immediate burning with high heat output. Seasoned firewood, on the other hand, is air-dried over several months to reduce moisture, typically to around 20%. Both options are suitable for burning, but kiln-dried logs ignite faster and produce more heat due to lower moisture levels.
Q: Is hardwood or softwood better for heating?
A: Hardwood, such as oak or ash, is denser and burns longer with more heat output, making it perfect for home heating. Softwood, like pine, burns quickly and is easier to ignite, which makes it ideal for kindling or short fires. Many recommend starting a fire with softwood and transitioning to hardwood for sustained warmth.
Q: What are the risks of using unseasoned or green firewood?
A: Unseasoned or green wood contains high moisture content, which can cause excessive smoke, poor heat output, and creosote buildup in chimneys. This can increase the risk of chimney fires, so it’s crucial to use seasoned or kiln-dried logs for safety and efficiency.
Q: How can I store firewood properly to keep it dry?
A: Firewood should be stacked off the ground in a dry, sunny location with good airflow. Cover the top of the pile with a tarp but leave the sides open to allow moisture to escape. Proper storage helps prevent mold growth and ensures the wood stays dry and burns efficiently.
Wrapping Up
Buying firewood in the UK requires careful consideration of wood type, quantity, and supplier reputation. For the best value, it’s recommended to invest in kiln-dried hardwood from reputable local suppliers or purchase in bulk during the off-season. Proper storage will ensure your logs remain dry and ready to burn efficiently.
Whether you need firewood for heating, a cozy fireplace, or outdoor gatherings, understanding your usage patterns and sourcing from sustainable suppliers guarantees you stay warm while minimizing environmental impact. Explore nearby DIY stores, garden centers, and online suppliers for the best options suited to your needs.
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