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Which type of firewood is best for you?

Choosing the right firewood can make a real difference in how well your stove burns, how much heat you get, and how often you need to refuel. 

At Fitzpatrick Fuels, we supply kiln-dried hardwood logs across Huddersfield, Honley, Holmfirth and the surrounding area. 

Here’s a guide to the best species and what they offer, based on performance, burn time, and practicality.

What Makes a Firewood “Good”?

When comparing firewood, these are the key factors to look for:

  • Low moisture content (under 20%)

  • Hardness/density — denser woods burn longer

  • Ease of ignition — some woods are easier to light

  • Flame characteristics — some woods give a nicer flame, others a slow glow

  • Availability & sustainability — what’s practical for your local supplier

All our firewood is kiln-dried to below 20% moisture, which gives you a more consistent and efficient burn.

Firewood Species We Supply & How They Burn

Below are the hardwoods we currently stock, and what you can expect from each in your stove or fireplace.

Mixed Ash/Beech Hardwood Blend

We no longer offer pure ash, but instead a blend of ash and beech, giving the best of both worlds.

  • Burn time: Long (comparable to traditional ash)

  • Flame/heat: Good heat and nice flame when dried properly

  • Use: Excellent for longer use or heating through a cold evening

  • Tip: Use a bit of birch on top to help the fire start faster

Birch

A softer hardwood than oak and ash, but very popular for its quick ignition and clean flame.

  • Burn time: Medium

  • Flame/heat: Bright flame, good heat output

  • Use: Great for evening fires when you don’t want to wait long, or intend to have the fire on all night

  • Tip: Useful for lighting harder woods — stack birch on top initially

Hornbeam

One of the densest woods we carry. If you want longevity in your fire with minimal refueling, this is your go-to.

  • Burn time: Very long

  • Flame/heat: Slower to start, but gives a steady, long heat

  • Use: Excellent when you plan to have the fire going all day/ evening.

  • Tip: Mix with lighter woods for easier ignition; don’t stack too tightly

Oak

Another classic hardwood. Its density gives consistent burn with good residual heat into the embers.

  • Burn time: High

  • Flame/heat: Moderate flame, good deep heat

  • Use: Superb for a sustained burn through colder periods

  • Tip: Let it establish before closing air vents; combine with birch or your ash/beech blend to help start

Best Practices: Getting the Best Burn from Your Wood

Here’s how to make your firewood perform at its best:

  1. Start with kindling or light wood (like birch or small pieces) to get a hot flame before adding denser logs.

  2. Add higher-density logs gradually - don’t smother your starter fire.

  3. Leave space between logs for air to circulate; good airflow helps combustion.

  4. Stir lightly if needed to open pathways for oxygen.

  5. Adjust air controls once the fire is strong — you don’t need full airflow all the time.

  6. Avoid overloading early on — gradual builds lead to more efficient burns.

Shop Our Firewood — Delivered Locally

We stock high-quality, ready-to-burn kiln-dried hardwoods and deliver across Huddersfield, Holmfirth, Honley, and the surrounding areas.

  • Mixed Ash/Beech Blend — our recommended daily burner

  • Birch & Mixed Oak + Birch — great for evening lighting

  • Hornbeam & Oak — ideal for long, slow burns

We offer a local crane off delivery service, or you are welcome to collect from either of our shops which are open 6 days per week:

12 New Mill Road, Honley, HD9 6PL

The Old Railway Goods Yard, Scar Lane, Milnsbridge, HD3 4PE