The Difference Between Softwood and Hardwood Firewood: What You Need to Know
- westwoodsawmills
- Oct 3
- 4 min read
When it comes to buying firewood, most people want one simple thing: logs that burn well and keep them warm. But not all firewood is created equal. One of the biggest distinctions you’ll come across when choosing logs is whether they are softwood or hardwood.
At Westwood Sawmills, based in Exeter, Devon, we supply both kiln-dried hardwood and softwood, so our customers can choose what best suits their home, garden, or outdoor cooking needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between softwood and hardwood firewood, their pros and cons, and which is right for you.
---
What Makes Hardwood and Softwood Different?
The terms hardwood and softwood don’t just describe how tough the timber feels—they’re based on how the trees grow.
Hardwood comes from deciduous trees like oak, ash, beech, and birch. These trees grow slowly, making the wood dense, heavy, and long-lasting.
Softwood comes from coniferous trees like pine, spruce, and fir. These grow much faster, which makes their wood lighter and less dense.
This difference in growth rate and density is exactly why hardwood and softwood burn differently in your fireplace or wood burner.
---
Hardwood: The Gold Standard for Heating
Hardwood is the most popular choice for heating homes, and for good reason:
1. Longer Burn Time
Dense hardwood burns slowly, producing long-lasting heat. Perfect for log burners and open fires where you want steady warmth through the evening.
2. High Heat Output
Hardwood packs more energy into each log, giving off more heat per piece. Our kiln-dried hardwood at Westwood Sawmills is especially efficient because its moisture content is below 20%.
3. Clean Burning
Kiln-dried hardwood burns with less smoke, resin, and creosote buildup, meaning safer fires and less chimney maintenance.
4. Great for Cooking
Hardwood is the go-to choice for pizza ovens, BBQs, and smokers. Oak, for example, gives a classic smoky flavour, while fruitwoods like apple add a subtle sweetness.
Drawbacks: Hardwood is more expensive and harder to light than softwood, but the efficiency and heat make it well worth it.
---
Softwood: Quick and Affordable
Softwood has its own strengths and shouldn’t be overlooked:
1. Lights Easily
Its lower density makes softwood logs quick to ignite, making them great for kindling or getting a fire started.
2. Hot, Fast Burn
Softwood produces a bright, lively flame and quick heat—ideal for camping, short evening fires, or when you want a bit of atmosphere.
3. Affordable
Because softwood trees grow faster, the logs are usually cheaper, making them budget-friendly.
4. Lightweight
Easier to carry, stack, and handle compared to heavy hardwood logs.
Drawbacks: Softwood burns faster and produces more resin, so it’s not ideal for overnight heating.
---
Which Is Right for You?
It depends on how you’ll use your firewood:
Home heating (fireplaces, stoves, log burners): Hardwood is the best choice for steady, efficient warmth.
Camping, outdoor fires, or short burns: Softwood works well for lively flames and quick heat.
Cooking in pizza ovens or smokers: Hardwood every time, thanks to its consistent burn and flavour-enhancing qualities.
Starting fires: A mix of softwood kindling and hardwood logs gives you the best results.
At Westwood Sawmills, we recommend using softwood kindling to get your fire going, then adding hardwood logs for longer-lasting heat.
---
Environmental Impact
Both hardwood and softwood can be eco-friendly options if sourced responsibly. All of our kiln-dried logs are sourced from well-managed woodlands and processed on-site here in Devon.
By choosing local firewood, you reduce transport emissions too. That means when you buy from Westwood Sawmills in Exeter (EX6 7RX), you’re not only getting top-quality wood—you’re also supporting a sustainable, local business.
---
Cost Comparison
Many customers wonder whether hardwood or softwood works out cheaper.
Softwood: Cheaper upfront but burns faster, so you’ll need more logs to maintain a long fire.
Hardwood: Costs more per bag but lasts longer, giving you better value for money if you burn fires regularly.
At Westwood Sawmills, our prices are straightforward:
Hardwood Dumpy Bag (Kiln-Dried): £110
Hardwood Log Nets (Kiln-Dried): £7.50 each
Large Kindling: £5.95
Small Kindling: £3.75
Delivery:
Free delivery on dumpy bags within 15 miles of EX6 7RX.
UK-wide delivery for smaller items (£5.99 charge).
---
Myths About Firewood
“Softwood is bad firewood.” – Not true! It has its place, especially for starting fires and short burns.
“Hardwood is always better.” – Only if it’s well-seasoned. Poorly seasoned hardwood burns worse than kiln-dried softwood.
“You shouldn’t mix the two.” – A mix is actually the best method: softwood to get flames roaring, hardwood to keep them going.
---
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, both hardwood and softwood have their place. For home heating, hardwood is king. For kindling or quick, lively fires, softwood shines. The smartest approach is to combine them—softwood to start, hardwood to sustain.
At Westwood Sawmills, we specialise in providing top-quality kiln-dried hardwood and softwood firewood, along with kindling, delivered right to your door. Whether you’re in Exeter, wider Devon, or further afield, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to stock up on firewood? Contact us today:
07545 340 261
Stay warm, cook well, and enjoy the crackle of a perfect fire.
Comments