When it comes to keeping your home warm and cosy, choosing the right firewood makes all the difference. While many people instinctively go for hardwood logs, softwood logs for your wood burner are increasingly popular—and for good reason. With their fantastic blaze, quick heat output, and excellent value, softwood is an option worth considering.
In this guide, we’ll explain the benefits of softwood logs, how they compare to hardwood, and why they could be the perfect choice for your wood burner this year.
What Are Softwood Logs?
Softwood comes from coniferous trees such as pine, spruce, and fir. Unlike hardwood, which grows more slowly, softwood is quicker to harvest, making it a more sustainable choice for firewood.
At Peak Logs, our kiln-dried softwood logs are carefully cut, split, and dried to a moisture content of under 18%, ensuring maximum efficiency and performance in your stove or open fire.
👉 Browse our Softwood Logs collection today.
The Benefits of Softwood Logs for Your Wood Burner
1. High Heat Output
Softwood logs catch fire quickly and produce a strong, bright flame. This makes them perfect for getting your stove or burner up to temperature fast.
2. Better Value for Money
Because softwood logs are lighter and easier to source, they tend to be more affordable than hardwood. That means you can enjoy longer fires without stretching your budget.
3. Easy to Light
If you struggle to get your fire started, softwood is your best friend. Its lower density means it lights easily, reducing the need for firelighters and kindling.
👉 Don’t forget to stock up on Kindling and Firelighters to make lighting even easier.
4. Sustainable Heating Choice
Sourced from responsibly managed UK woodlands, including estates such as Chatsworth, softwood is a renewable and eco-friendly option.
Softwood vs Hardwood Logs – Which Should You Choose?
While both types of logs have their advantages, the choice often depends on how you use your wood burner:
Softwood Logs:
• Best for quick, hot fires
• Ideal for daytime or shorter burns
• Cheaper per load
Hardwood Logs:
• Burn slower and longer
• Better for overnight use
• Higher density, so you need fewer logs
Many households choose to use a mix of softwood and hardwood logs throughout the year. For example, softwood is perfect for autumn and spring when you want fast, powerful heat, while hardwood shines in the depths of winter.
👉 Learn more in our Guide to Hardwood vs Softwood Logs.
How to Get the Best Results from Softwood Logs
1. Store them properly – Keep logs in a dry, ventilated log store.
2. Use kiln-dried only – Logs with low moisture content burn hotter and cleaner.
3. Pair with hardwood – Use softwood to get the fire going, then add hardwood to maintain heat.
FAQs About Softwood Logs
Are softwood logs good for wood burners?
Yes, softwood logs are excellent for wood burners. They ignite quickly and produce high heat output, making them ideal for regular use.
Do softwood logs produce more smoke?
No—if you use kiln-dried softwood logs with a moisture content under 18%, they burn cleanly with minimal smoke.
How long do softwood logs burn?
Softwood burns faster than hardwood. While this means shorter burn times, the trade-off is quick, intense heat that’s perfect for heating rooms fast.
Are softwood logs sustainable?
Absolutely. Because softwood trees grow faster than hardwood, they are easier to replenish, making them a sustainable firewood option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for logs that provide quick heat, a fantastic flame, and great value for money, then softwood logs deserve a place in your wood store. Whether you’re new to wood burning or a seasoned stove owner, they’re an efficient, eco-friendly, and affordable choice.
👉 Ready to order? Check out our Softwood Logs with free local delivery on orders over £65.