Are oak logs suitable for open fire places?

Yes. Oak logs are an excellent choice for open fireplaces, provided they are properly kiln dried. Their high density means they burn for a long time, produce an attractive bed of glowing embers and provide a steady source of heat throughout the evening.

However, it's worth remembering that an open fire works very differently from a modern wood-burning stove.

Open fires are less efficient

A wood-burning stove can convert around 70-90% of the heat from your firewood into useful warmth for your home. An open fireplace is much less efficient, with a significant amount of the heat disappearing straight up the chimney.

That means you'll never extract quite as much value from premium oak logs in an open fire as you would in a sealed stove. Even so, oak remains one of the best firewoods for open fireplaces because of its long burn time and excellent heat output.

Start with smaller, faster-burning logs

Because oak is such a dense hardwood, it isn't always the easiest wood to light from cold.

Many people find it easier to begin with kindling and a few smaller logs, or a quicker-burning hardwood such as birch, before adding oak once the fire is burning well. A hot bed of embers allows the oak to ignite properly and deliver the long, steady burn it's famous for.

Always use kiln dried oak

Whether you're burning wood in an open fireplace or a stove, moisture content is critical.

Freshly cut or poorly seasoned oak contains too much water, making it difficult to light and causing excessive smoke. Properly kiln dried oak burns hotter, produces less smoke and helps reduce soot and creosote deposits in your chimney.

Is oak a good choice for open fires?

Absolutely. If you enjoy long evenings around an open fire, oak is one of the finest hardwoods you can choose. While an open fireplace won't match the efficiency of a modern stove, kiln dried oak still provides a beautiful flame, long-lasting embers and dependable heat.

For the best results, light your fire with kindling and smaller logs, then add oak once a good bed of embers has formed. You'll enjoy the steady warmth and long burn that have made oak one of Britain's favourite firewoods for generations.