Hornbeam Firewood - Is It Right For You?

Kiln dried Hornbeam is one of the highest-performing hardwood firewoods you can buy. It combines the best qualities of both Oak and Birch: long burn time, high heat output, and surprisingly easy lighting. Hornbeam is extremely dense — almost as dense as Oak — which means it burns slowly and releases heat gradually. Unlike Oak, however, Hornbeam catches more easily and reaches temperature faster.

For households that burn daily throughout winter, Hornbeam offers exceptional performance: long-lasting heat, low ash, and fewer trips to the log pile.

Why Hornbeam Burns Differently

The performance of firewood comes down to density and moisture content. Hornbeam is a very dense hardwood, and that density allows it to store and release heat slowly. Once lit, Hornbeam produces a deep, powerful heat that remains consistent for hours.

What sets Hornbeam apart from other dense hardwoods (like Oak) is how readily it lights. Birch ignites quickly and burns fast. Oak burns slowly and steadily but needs more time to get going. Hornbeam sits perfectly between the two:

Faster to light than Oak
Longer burn time than Birch
Higher heat output than most other hardwoods

Customers often tell us Hornbeam gives them “the best of both worlds”.

Heat Output & Burn Time

Hornbeam logs burn with a strong, intense heat that builds quickly and lasts. The wood produces very little ash, making cleaning easier and airflow more efficient in your stove.

If you want logs that will keep a room warm without constant refuelling, Hornbeam is an excellent choice. Many regular stove users prefer Hornbeam over Oak because it gives the same long burn time with less effort.

Why Kiln Dried Hornbeam Performs Better

Hornbeam is naturally dense, and that density can trap moisture when air-dried. Kiln drying ensures the logs are dry all the way through to the core. All of our Hornbeam is dried to below 20% moisture (often below 15%), which results in:

Better heat output
Faster lighting
Cleaner burn and less soot
Reduced risk of tar build-up in the flue

The result? More heat from every log and a stove that runs efficiently.

Who Hornbeam Is Best For

Hornbeam is the ideal choice if you:

Burn your stove every evening or throughout winter
Want heat that lasts without constantly topping up
Prefer hardwood performance but don’t want the slower start of Oak
Want low ash and clean stove glass

It’s especially popular with households that use their burner as a main heat source.

Delivery & Storage

Kiln dried Hornbeam can be stored indoors or outdoors. If storing outside, keep the top covered but allow the sides to breathe to maintain airflow.

Our crane-off delivery service means we can place crates or bulk bags exactly where you want them — on a drive, by a gate, near a log store (access permitting) — without leaving it on the pavement or kerbside.

Hornbeam Order Options

We supply kiln dried Hornbeam firewood in various sizes, including