Oak is a well-known wood throughout the world and very popular in the United Kingdom. Oak is used to make a variety of products including furniture. It is also commonly used as firewood, used in homes to provide heat on cold winter nights.
When referring to oak logs, it is usually referencing kiln dried oak logs. These have become very popular in homes throughout the country. If you are wondering if oak logs are good for burning, continue reading to find out more.
What Woods are Good as Firewood?
All wood falls into two categories; hardwood and softwood. All wood burns, but they do not burn the same. Oak is a hardwood and is one of the favoured firewood’s. Pine, on the other hand, is a softwood, usually used in outdoor fires. Pine ignites quickly and burns brightly, but it doesn’t burn for long.
Hardwood and softwood both burn at different temperatures. They have different densities and also burn for different periods. Wet wood will burn slowly, causing a lot of smoke, and a low heat output, while dry wood, burns more efficiently and for longer, without the heavy smoke. They also impact your chimney. Wet wood will leave residue in your chimney and inside your wood burner, or fireplace.
Hardwood is known to burn hot at a steady rate. Therefore, it produces more heat with very little ash. Oak has very little sap, it is clean to handle, providing good efficiency with a steady burn.
Disadvantages of Oak Logs
Hardwood tends to be more expensive than softwood. Even though oak may be slightly more expensive than pine and the softwood counterparts, it does offer good value for money. Kiln dried oak logs are dense, they burn for longer, offering excellent efficiency and heat output.
When are Oak Logs Good for Burning?
Many properties rely on a wood burner to heat the home. Kiln dried oak logs are the perfect match when it comes to burning a fire in your wood burner to heat your home dung the cold winter months. Oak has a long burn time with a high heat output. A single oak log can last up to three hours, meaning you don’t have to add more wood to your fire as often.
Due to the kiln drying process, oak logs have very little moisture with high density. They have a high calorific content, meaning that they last longer than other firewood on the market today.
Safety Tips for Burning Oak Logs
It is very important when using oak logs that you do not overload your wood burner or fireplace. This is due to the high heat output these logs provide. It is always a good idea to start with smaller logs and some kindling to get your fire going. Wait to see how the fire takes and if it produces enough heat before adding extra logs if required. Remember oak burns with a small flame at first. As the fire establishes itself, the logs produce more heat and last a long time.
In Summary
Are oak logs good for burning? As you can see oak logs are preferred in family homes throughout the United Kingdom. The kiln dried oak logs are low in moisture, producing less smoke, ash, and residue. Oak is easy to light, provides a high heat output, and burns for a long period, helping to keep you warm, while reducing how much wood you need to heat your home. Overall, oak logs are excellent for burning.
