Which Firewood Burns Longest: Ash, Oak, or Birch?

Choosing the right firewood is essential for efficient home heating, whether you’re using a wood-burning stove, an open fireplace, or an outdoor fire pit. Different types of firewood vary in density, moisture content, and burn time, which directly affects their heat output and how often you need to refuel. Understanding the differences can help you select the best option for your needs. At Kenny Fuels, we deliver to all parts of Wexford, Wicklow & Carlow, ensuring you always have top-quality firewood ready for those cold nights.

Oak: The Longest-Lasting Burn

Oak is one of the most sought-after firewood because of its density, high heat output, and exceptionally long burn time. If you want wood that will last through the night with minimal re-fuelling, oak is the best choice.

Why Choose Oak Firewood?

Exceptionally dense – Oak’s high energy content means a slow, efficient burn, making it one of the longest-lasting firewoods. It burns hotter and longer than most other hardwoods, which is why it’s often preferred for home heating.
Slow to ignite but worth the wait – Due to its density, oak takes longer to catch fire, so it’s best used with a good fire-starting wood like birch or dry kindling. However, once it’s burning, it provides steady, consistent heat for hours.
Ideal for overnight heating – Oak burns slowly and evenly, making it perfect for wood stoves and fireplaces when you want heat to last through the night.
Produces minimal smoke and creosote buildup – When properly seasoned, oak burns cleanly and efficiently, reducing the risk of chimney blockages.
Requires proper seasoning – Freshly cut oak contains a lot of moisture and needs at least one to two years to dry properly before burning. Using wet oak will result in inefficient burning, excess smoke, and poor heat output.

Best Uses for Oak Firewood

Long-lasting home heating – Ideal for keeping a fire burning all night.
Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces – Provides steady warmth with minimal effort.
Mixing with faster-burning wood – Since it’s slow to ignite, pairing it with birch or ash can help get the fire started.

Ash: A Reliable All-Rounder

Ash is one of the most balanced firewood options, offering steady heat, moderate burn time, and easy ignition. It’s a great choice for those looking for efficient, everyday firewood.

Why Choose Ash Firewood?

Burns efficiently, even when not fully seasoned – Unlike oak, ash has a lower moisture content when freshly cut, meaning it can burn reasonably well even if it hasn’t been seasoned for years. However, properly dried ash burns even more efficiently.
Moderate burn time with steady heat – Ash burns longer than birch but not as long as oak, making it a good middle-ground option. It provides consistent, reliable warmth, perfect for home heating.
Easier to split and handle – Unlike denser hardwoods like oak, ash is relatively easy to chop, making it a convenient option for those preparing their own firewood.
Burns cleanly with minimal smoke – Produces less creosote buildup in chimneys compared to softer woods, reducing maintenance.
Seasons faster than oak – Ash typically dries out within one year, making it a more convenient choice if you don’t want to wait too long for firewood to be ready.

Best Uses for Ash Firewood

Everyday home heating – Provides a reliable, steady heat source without excessive smoke.
Fireplaces and stoves – Burns cleanly, making it a great option for indoor heating.
Mixing with other woods – Works well with oak for a longer burn or with birch to help ignite a fire more quickly.

Birch: Quick-Burning with High Heat

Birch is a fast-burning hardwood that produces an intense flame, making it excellent for quick, high heat but requiring more frequent re-fuelling.

Why Choose Birch Firewood?

Lights easily and burns fast – Birch is one of the best firewoods for quickly starting a fire because of its natural oils. It ignites easily and produces a strong, bright flame.
Burns hot but doesn’t last as long – While birch produces high heat, it burns much faster than oak or ash, meaning you’ll need to add more logs frequently.
Great for mixing with slower-burning woods – Because birch burns quickly, it’s often paired with oak or ash to maintain a longer-lasting fire.
Produces a pleasant aroma – Birch has a mild, sweet scent, making it a popular choice for indoor fireplaces and wood stoves.
Seasons quickly – Birch dries out in six to twelve months, making it a great option for those who need firewood sooner rather than later.

Best Uses for Birch Firewood

Quick, high heat – Perfect for warming up a room or getting a fire started fast.
Fire-starting and kindling – Ideal for lighting a fire quickly and easily.
Mixing with other woods – Best used alongside oak or ash for a more balanced and long-lasting burn.

Which Firewood is Best for You?

The best firewood choice depends on your heating needs—oak is ideal for long-lasting, steady heat, ash provides a balanced burn with easy ignition, and birch burns hot and fast, making it perfect for fire-starting. Many homeowners use a mix of these woods to achieve the best balance of quick ignition, steady warmth, and extended burn time. No matter which type you prefer, ensuring it is properly seasoned will maximise efficiency and reduce smoke. At Kenny Fuels, we provide top-quality, well-seasoned oak, ash, and birch firewood, delivered straight to your door in Wexford, Wicklow, and Carlow. Order now at kennyfuels.ie or call us at (053) 937 2765 to keep your home warm all winter long!