Logs are logs. Hardwood and Softwood – they all burn creating heat… right?
In reality the nature of these two type of logs when burnt couldn’t be more different – making it important to know exactly what these differences are.
Hardwood trees in general can be characterised by their broadleaf and deciduous nature (trees which lose their leaves seasonally). Hardwood tree’s are typically slow growing – which adds to their density.
Softwood trees on the other hand are evergreens (keeps their leaves throughout the year) and have a much faster growing rate. This increased rate makes them less dense.
Softwood is approximately half as dense as Hardwood.
Softwood logs will burn very rapidly with a high heat output. Hardwood logs, with their added density, will burn for longer creating a steady heat output.
In reality this means less “top ups” of your wood burning stove are required when using hardwood logs compared to softwood logs.
When buying wood by volume, you will receive more kilowatt hours of heat from hardwood logs than the same volume of softwood logs (at the same moisture content).
