Firewood is the classic fuel for open fireplaces and wood stoves. Compared to pellets and briquettes it needs more manual work, but often a different flame look and sound.
Wood type and moisture
Hardwood (beech, oak) burns longer and more steadily; softwood ignites faster. Decisive is the residual moisture: firewood that is too wet soots, heats poorly and loads the chimney.
Storage
Airy, covered, off the ground. Freshly cut wood often needs one to two years of drying — depending on climate and log thickness.
Firewood vs. pellets and briquettes
- Wood pellets — automatic, little manual work
- Wood briquettes — compact, easy to dose
- Firewood — traditional, more effort, strong atmosphere
Many households combine: a pellet boiler for the base load, firewood for cozy evenings.