If it's been a while since you’ve used your fire feature, or you’ve recently installed a log burner in your home, understanding the different types of firewood and how to store them away can feel overwhelming. But, fear not! We’re here to help.
We’ve put together a short guide to help you navigate firewood to help you decide what you should put in your log basket.
We’ve also included some advice for purchasing firewood and added some of our own Wovenhill wicker log baskets for inspiration!
Read on to discover what firewood you should put in a wicker log basket…
What is firewood?
An ideal choice for those looking for more energy-efficient options, firewood can be defined as the wood used for fuel. It can be used in a variety of different fire features, for both indoor and outdoor use.
We’ll go into more detail on this later in this article, however, there are many different types of firewood readily available. Because of this, there are firewood types that work better for different fire features - for example, log burners are more suited to hardwoods, such as solid oak logs.
Quality firewood should always be seasoned and never exceed a moisture content of 20%. This is because wet firewood is hard to burn and produces excessive levels of smoke. Wet firewood can also damage your fire feature chimney or flue, as it’ll likely cause sooty residue to build up.
Ideally, purchase either air-dried firewood and/or kiln-dried firewood. Both are great options, the only difference is the drying process of the wood. Air-dried firewood, as you may have guessed by the name, is left to dry out naturally, in a well-ventilated area for sometimes years!
Kiln-dried firewood, on the other hand, will go through a process of removing excess moisture from the firewood, making them ready to burn instantly.
Factors to consider when purchasing firewood
We’ve put together some advice below when purchasing firewood.
- Always purchase seasoned firewood.
- If you’re chopping firewood yourself, dry it out before burning it in your log burner or fire feature.
- Remember, firewood should, ideally, have a moisture content of no more than 20%. Wet wood doesn’t burn, and it’ll produce a lot of smoke!
- A little moisture content is also essential. Without it, your firewood has the potential to produce excessive flames, and it’ll burn faster than you’d probably expect.
Popular types of firewood
Firewood falls into two categories - hardwood and softwood. Within these categories, there are many options to choose from.
The difference between hardwood and softwood is, generally speaking, softwood is produced from evergreen trees or conifers. Think pine trees, cedar trees, and poplar trees. Firewood made from softwood is a more affordable alternative to fuel a log burner. It's also a more sustainable option, as softwood is produced from trees that can rapidly be regrown.
Firewood made from hardwood, on the other hand, is usually produced from strong, slow-growing trees that shed their leaves throughout the winter months. Think oak trees, maple trees and birch trees. Firewood made from hardwood is usually of better quality than softwood, but tends to be more expensive.
There are tons of options when it comes to firewood, but the most popular tend to be:
Cedar firewood (softwood)
A great option for those looking for firewood that gives off a lovely scent! Plus, cedar firewood offers a superb heat output, perfect for creating a warm and cosy atmosphere. Cedar can contain high levels of natural oils, so it can be a little on the porous side. So, prepare accordingly for a little bit of crackling and spitting!
Maple firewood (hardwood)
Do you love the look and feel of a roaring fire? Then maple firewood would be an excellent choice. This type of firewood produces luxurious levels of heat, and it has a lower density than other readily available hardwood options. It’ll provide strong and steady flames without much smoke.
Oak firewood (hardwood)
This type of firewood tends to be a more expensive option, mostly because it’s easy to split, offers an incredible heat output and has a slow burn time. Kiln-dried oak firewood, in particular, can last for long periods due to its high calorific content.
Larch firewood (softwood)
When seasoned well, larch firewood is a highly efficient and effective firewood option. It’s more suited to log burners than open fires, as it can spit when burning. Larch firewood is the hardest softwood available and the most sustainable option, as it grows fast.
Storing firewood in a wicker log basket
We recommend having an idea of what you want from your log burner before purchasing firewood.
As we mentioned earlier, there are many different types of firewood available, with different qualities. From burn time and heat output to even the way it kindles and sounds, there are many options to choose from.
We advise you to not put wet firewood into your wicker log basket. This is because it isn’t the right environment for firewood to dry out, and it’ll likely leave a residue within the basket.
Wet firewood in a log basket is also the right environment for mould and mildew growth, so it’s always best to only put seasoned, ready-to-burn firewood within your indoor wicker log basket.
Always consider how frequently you’ll use your log burner and the size of your firewood, so that you can choose the right log basket for you. For example, it’s no use buying a small log basket if you’re an avid user of your log burner, as you’ll only find yourself having to traipse back and forth to collect more firewood.
What’s more, it’s always important to consider the quality of your log basket. If you’re looking to not have to frequently replace it, invest in a quality feature that can withstand rigorous use.
Wovenhill wicker log baskets
At Wovenhill, we're proud to offer an extensive selection of wicker log baskets, with options to suit all tastes and preferences.
All of our wicker log baskets are handcrafted to perfection from the finest natural materials, which are also ethically sourced and sustainably produced. Choose from wicker log baskets made from either rustic Bamboo or premium Kubu Rattan, with many sizes, shapes and designs available.
We offer many wicker log basket options that feature premium castor wheels, which are designed to take the strain out of stocking up your log basket with firewood. Not only that, but many of our log basket options feature in-set handles to further enhance functionality.
And, where cleanliness is concerned, we’ve also got you covered. All our log baskets come with a complimentary eco-friendly Jute liner, designed to protect your log basket and prevent stray pieces of firewood from escaping.
We’ve included a taste of what our range has to offer below, however, if none of these options seems to match what you’re looking for - be sure to check out the rest of our website for more.
Wicker Grey Wash Square Log Basket with Hoop Handles
Timeless yet modern, our stunning Wicker Grey Wash Square Log Basket with Hoop Handles is perfect for those who adore contemporary touches throughout their home.
This wicker log basket option is a highly durable addition, handcrafted from the finest rattan available. It’s deceptively spacious and can hold large quantities of firewood, however, we offer a range of sizes to suit all requirements.
What’s more, this log basket also benefits from the addition of woven hoop handles, which makes carrying this basket to and from your desired location effortless.
(photo credit - @va_va_room) Wicker Grey Wash Square Log Basket with Hoop Handles - shop now.
Bamboo Oval Log Basket with Wheels and Hoop Handles
Prefer accessories that give off a more rustic appearance? We have the perfect wicker log basket for you. Introducing, our beautiful Bamboo Oval Log Basket with Wheels and Hoop Handles.
The perfect addition to any log burner or fire feature, this stunning log basket benefits from inset hoop handles and premium castor wheels located on the bottom of the basket. These functional features provide the option to either carry or roll the log basket to and from your desired location with ease.
Available in a range of sizes, this durable log basket is handcrafted from premium Bamboo, providing exceptional long-lasting quality.
Bamboo Oval Log Basket with Wheels and Hoop Handles - shop now.
Kubu Rattan Rectangular Log Basket
Last, but certainly not least, we have one of our all-time best-selling log baskets at Wovenhill. Introducing our Kubu Rattan Rectangular Log Basket!
Sturdy, spacious and a highly versatile addition to any log burner or fire feature, this premium quality log basket benefits from a timeless appearance, with the rectangular shaping allowing for plenty of firewood storage.
This beautiful log basket is handcrafted from the finest Rattan and features rope carry handles, which can be found on either side of the wicker log basket. If you’ve been searching for a premium quality log basket that’ll stand the test of time, this is the perfect basket for you.
Kubu Rattan Rectangular Log Basket - shop now.
