Comparison

Oak vs Ash vs Beech: Which Firewood Is Best?

All three are excellent, and per log they give similar heat because their densities are close: beech about 710 kg/m³, ash 680 and oak 675. The differences are in drying and handling. Ash is the driest when felled and splits easily, beech splits easily but holds more water, and oak takes two years or more to air dry and is hardest to split, but has a reputation for burning slowly. Kiln dried, any of the three is a top choice.

The Logs Local team Kiln-dried logs from our yard in Keighley

Updated 2 min read

In this guide
  1. How do oak, ash and beech compare?
  2. Which burns longest?
  3. Which is easiest to dry?
  4. Which should I buy?
  5. Questions

How do oak, ash and beech compare?

Oak Ash Beech
Density About 675 kg/m³ About 680 kg/m³ About 710 kg/m³
Water when felled About 47% About 32% High, figure not in Forest Research's table
Air drying Two years or more Quickest of the three Needs thorough seasoning
Splitting Harder Easy Easy
How it burns Slow, long-lasting heat Steady flame, good heat Burns well, dense and long lasting
Our bags Oak tonne bag, £150 In mixed hardwood, £120 Beech tonne bag, £140

Sources: densities from the Wood Database, water content from Forest Research, drying from Stovax and Hyndburn Council, splitting from COFORD. The Forestry Commission says all three make excellent firewood. Prices correct as of 21 October 2026.

Which burns longest?

There's little in it. Forest Research says dense woods burn for longer, and the three are within about 5% of each other. Oak has the strongest reputation for a slow burn, and Stovax says it burns slowly because of its density. How you burn matters as much: dry logs, the right size and the right air setting.

Which is easiest to dry?

Ash. It's about 32% water when felled, against 47% for oak, so it reaches 20% sooner. Beech holds a lot of water when felled, and Stovax says oak is best after two years or more. Kiln dried logs skip the wait. See kiln dried vs seasoned logs.

Which should I buy?

  • Choose oak for the longest, steadiest evening fires.
  • Choose beech for a dense, long-burning log for a little less than oak.
  • Choose mixed hardwood for the best value. Ours mixes oak, ash, beech, sycamore and birch.

Questions

Is oak or ash better firewood?

Both are excellent. Ash dries and splits more easily, and oak has a reputation for burning more slowly.

Is beech better than oak?

Beech is slightly denser and easier to split. Once dry, either gives a long burn.

Which is best for an open fire?

Outside a smoke control area, any of the three, as none is known for spitting. Use a fireguard all the same.

Can I mix them?

Yes. Our mixed hardwood bag combines oak, ash and beech with sycamore and birch.

More in oak firewood, ash firewood and beech firewood.

Logs for this guide

Kiln dried below 20% moisture and ready to burn. Add a bag to your cart, then check out as normal.

See all logs

Free delivery within 40 miles of our yard

On orders over £75, on weekdays, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Or collect from Farrahs Saw Mill in Keighley.

See our delivery areas

Do we deliver to you?

More firewood guides

All guides

Not sure what to order? Call us and we'll help you pick the right logs for your stove and your space.

Call 07435 515639