Is it ok to burn softwood on a log burner?
Yes - it is perfectly OK to burn softwood on a log burner, as long as the wood is properly dried (ideally kiln dried]) and used in the right way. Softwood burns differently to hardwood, so it’s important to understand what it’s good for and where its limitations are.
When softwood works well
- Great for starting fires — Softwood catches quickly and produces fast flames, making it ideal for kindling and early heat.
- Good for short, quick burns — Perfect if you only want the stove on for a short time.
- Lower cost — Softwood tends to be cheaper because it grows faster.
The downsides of burning softwood
- Burns much faster — A softwood log may last only 30–45 minutes, meaning you need to refuel more often.
- Less heat per log — Because softwood is less dense, it produces less sustained heat than hardwood.
- More resin — Softwoods have higher sap and resin content, which can create more soot if the wood isn’t fully dried.
Best practice for softwood in log burners
If you choose to burn softwood, make sure it is:
- Kiln dried with a moisture content under 18%
- From a reputable supplier (avoid pallet wood, scraps or treated timber)
- Used alongside hardwood for longer, hotter burns
The ideal setup
Most stove users find the best approach is: softwood to get the fire going → hardwood to maintain heat.
For serious home heating, kiln dried hardwood logs such as Oak remain the most efficient, clean and cost-effective option — but softwood is absolutely fine to burn safely as part of your fire-lighting routine.
