The Ultimate Ash Firewood Guide
Updated: Nic SnellShare
Ash is often referred to as ‘the king of firewood’ because it burns hot, lights easily, and produces a consistent, long-lasting burn with minimal smoke. If you’re choosing firewood for a wood burner, open fire, or firepit, hardwood ash is one of the most reliable all-round options. This guide explains the benefits of ash and helps you decide whether it’s the right firewood for your needs.
Quick Facts About Ash Firewood
- High heat output (~19 MJ/kg)
- Easy to light, even compared to less dense hardwoods
- Burns steadily with a bright flame
- Produces low smoke when kiln-dried
- Suitable for stoves, open fires, and outdoor use
What Is Ash Firewood?

Ash firewood comes from the Fraxinus excelsior tree and is a premium hardwood commonly used for burning due to its excellent performance. Even when freshly cut, ash has a naturally lower moisture content than many other hardwoods, which contributes to its reputation as a reliable fuel.
Ash makes excellent firewood because it combines easy ignition with a strong, steady heat output. Less dense than oak, ash is easier to light, while still delivering strong, consistent heat. When kiln-dried to a moisture level below 20%, ash becomes one of the most efficient and ‘ready to burn’ species of firewood you can buy, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor fires.
What Are The Benefits Of Ash Firewood?
The main advantages of ash firewood include a high heat output, easy lighting, and a clean, steady burn. The disadvantage is that it costs slightly more than softwood alternatives.
Advantages of Ash Firewood:
- High heat output: Ash produces a strong, steady heat, ideal for keeping your home warm through colder months.
- Long, even burn:It burns slowly and consistently, reducing the need for constant refuelling.
- Easy to light: Naturally lower in moisture than many other hardwoods, ash is quick to ignite, especially when kiln-dried.
- Versatile use: Perfect for stoves, open fires, and even outdoor pizza ovens, ash is a true all-rounder.
- Clean burning: Produces minimal smoke and soot, helping to keep stove glass clear and chimneys cleaner for longer.
Disadvantages of Ash Firewood:
- Slightly higher price: Because of its popularity and excellent performance, ash can sometimes be more expensive.
If you can’t afford ash but want an economical option with similar burn qualities, try a crate of mixed birch and oak. For a deeper look into different hardwood species and how their characteristics affect burning performance, read our Hardwood Firewood Guide.
What Ash Firewood Products Should You Choose?
| Ash crates | Boot Bags | Small Bags |
| Ideal for those who burn wood frequently and want a bulk supply of consistent, high-quality ash logs. Crates offer the best value and ensure you’re stocked up for the season. | A convenient option, great for customers who want enough wood for regular fires. Choose a pallet of 36 or single bags shipped the next day! | Buy as a single bag shipped next day by small parcel courier, or in pallet quantities if you’d like to stock up. |
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| Shop crates | Shop boot bags | Shop small bags |
Is Ash Firewood Right For You?
Ash firewood is the best choice if you want reliable, easy-to-use fuel that delivers strong heat and consistent performance.
Its perfect balance of easy ignition, steady burn and versatility makes ash a popular choice. Whether you’re heating your home or using an outdoor firepit or pizza oven, ash provides consistent and dependable results.
Browse our full range of ash firewood to enjoy the unbeatable warmth and high-quality service that Certainly Wood is known for.


