"Optimal Firewood for Wood-Burning Stoves, Alongside Techniques for Arranging, Preserving, and Igniting Fires"
Preparing for Winter: A Guide to Choosing and Using the Best Wood for Wood Burners
As the winter months approach, many homeowners are preparing their wood burners and fire pits for the upcoming cold season. With the right wood selection and proper preparation, you can ensure a warm and cozy atmosphere in your home while minimizing environmental impact.
Choosing the Right Wood
When it comes to selecting the best wood for your wood burner, stove, or open fire, there are several options to consider. Some popular choices include:
- Birch wood, available at B&Q and Logs Direct for £25.99, burns quickly but provides a good heat output. It is ideal for use in a mix with slower-burning woods such as oak and ash. However, be aware that burning unseasoned Birch wood may cause deposits in the flue due to sap.
- Cherry wood is another excellent choice, burning slowly with a good heat output and giving off a lovely aroma. Strips of Cherry wood bark can even be used as natural firelighters for log burners or fires.
- Oak wood, available at B&Q for £17.99, is a slow-burning option that can help keep a fire burning at night when used in a mix of faster-burning logs.
- Ash wood, available at B&Q for £23.99, produces a steady flame, good heat, and can burn when green.
- Sycamore wood is also suitable for wood burners, stoves, and open fires, burning well with a moderate heat output and seasoning quickly, usually within a year.
Preparing Your Wood Stack
To ensure your wood burns efficiently and cleanly, it's essential to store and stack it properly. Keep your wood and logs as dry as possible to avoid excess smoke and clogged flues. Store your firewood on an old wooden pallet or similar structure with plenty of gaps to allow air to circulate. When building the wood stack, aim for consistent size logs and avoid sloping in or out. Corners can be created with one layer being laid at 90 degrees to the next.
Eco-Friendly Firelighters
To light a fire, start with a good layer of loosely rolled balls of fibrous paper, add a generous handful of kindling, and finish with smaller logs ending with the largest on top. For a more eco-friendly option, consider using natural firelighters made from 100% non-toxic materials like wood shavings or wool coated with natural waxes such as soy or beeswax. These firelighters burn cleanly without harmful chemicals or odors.
Some top recommended options include NOMAD Fire Starters, Wood Chuckers Eco-Friendly Waxed Firelighters, Ooni Premium Natural Firestarters, and FireDragon Liquid Firelighter. When choosing eco-friendly firelighters, prioritize those made from natural wood or wood wool, use natural, chemical-free wax, burn cleanly with no smoke, odors, or toxic fumes, and offer a long, sustained flame.
Covering Your Wood Stack
To keep the rain off your wood stack, cover it with a hard cover that allows air to circulate. The bark of Birch wood can also be used as a natural firelighter for wood or log burners.
With these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared for the winter months and can enjoy the comfort of a wood burner or fire pit while minimizing your environmental impact. Happy burning!
[1] NOMAD Fire Starters: https://nomadstove.com/collections/accessories/products/fire-starters [2] Wood Chuckers Eco-Friendly Waxed Firelighters: https://woodchuckers.co.uk/products/eco-friendly-waxed-firelighters [3] Ooni Premium Natural Firestarters: https://www.ooni.com/products/premium-natural-firestarters [4] FireDragon Liquid Firelighter: https://www.firedragon.co.uk/products/liquid-firelighter
- To complement the warmth provided by the wood burner, consider creating an aesthetically pleasing landscape by incorporating gardens surrounding your home, with a variety of plants that thrive in winter, enhancing the overall home-and-garden lifestyle.
- As you enjoy the cozy indoor atmosphere during the winter months, take time to appreciate the beauty of your home's exterior gardens, and embrace the peaceful lifestyle they foster, promoting a harmonious connection between nature and home.
