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When it comes to ordering kiln dried firewood, one of the most common questions we’re asked is: "What’s the difference between your firewood crates and which one should I choose?"
The answer depends on what you’re using the wood for, how often you burn, and your storage space. At Certainly Wood, we offer a range of hardwood species and crate sizes, each with their own pros and cons.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different species we supply, the crate volumes available and offer a quick comparison to help you choose the best option for your home and heating habits.
Birch & Oak Crate
This blend balances quick ignition with long-lasting heat. Silver birch, a lighter hardwood with a calorific value of 15–17 MJ/kg, provides a bright flame for fast warmth. Oak, one of the densest hardwoods (18–20 MJ/kg), burns slowly to sustain heat. Together, birch starts the fire quickly while oak keeps it going longer, making this crate ideal for regular stove users seeking both convenience and efficiency.
Pros:
- Balanced performance: birch offers fast ignition, while oak provides sustained heat.
- Great for stove users: combines convenience with longer-lasting warmth.
- Mid-range price: more cost-effective than ash & oak, but longer-lasting than pure birch.
Cons
- Varied burn rate: birch burns slightly faster than oak, which may lead to uneven heat output unless managed.
- Not as long-burning as oak & ash: may require slightly more attention when reloading.
Birch Crate
Silver birch is a lighter, low-density hardwood known for its bright flame and fast heat output. With a typical calorific value of 15–17 MJ/kg, it ignites quickly and delivers immediate warmth, ideal for those who want a fire that’s easy to light. While it doesn’t burn as long as denser species like oak, it’s incredibly user-friendly. The Birch crate is also slightly more cost-effective than mixed hardwood options, making it a popular choice for occasional burners.
Pros:
- Quick ignition: ideal for fast heat-up times, especially in colder weather.
- Lowest price point: Birch is the most affordable option, making it ideal for occasional burners or those on a budget.
- Widespread availability: commonly sold in supermarkets and garages, making it a familiar choice for many customers.
- Slightly faster burn rate: burns a bit quicker than denser hardwoods, requiring more frequent reloading.
Ash & Oak Crate
The Ash & Oak crate combines two of the most efficient hardwoods. Ash, with a calorific value around 19 MJ/kg, ignites more easily than oak and burns with a steady, consistent heat. Oak, one of the denser hardwoods (18–20 MJ/kg), provides long-lasting warmth with a slow, sustained burn.
Together, this mix delivers excellent heat output and burn longevity, making it ideal for frequent or daily users who rely on their stove for primary heating. While generally priced higher due to the premium wood species, the Ash & Oak crate offers superior fuel efficiency.
Pros:
- Premium hardwood combination: both species offer excellent heat output and long burn times.
- Great balance: Ash is usually quite easy to light fires with, whereas oak is great for prolonging the burn.
- Highest price point: reflects the superior burn efficiency and density of both hardwoods.
- Longer ignition time: compared to birch, this mix may require more attention when starting the fire.
Crate Sizes
We offer three crate sizes to match different usage levels and storage needs. All crates contain logs cut to approximately 25 cm, kiln dried to below 20% moisture, and ready for efficient burning.
Read our stacked vs loose firewood blog for more information on firewood volumes.
Medium Crate
Large Crate
Extra Large Crate
Medium Crate
The medium crate is perfect for occasional burners or those with limited storage space. It provides a manageable volume suitable for weekend use or supplementary heating.
| Medium Crate | |
|---|---|
| Internal Dimensions | W115cm, D 108cm, H69cm |
| Loose Volume (approx) | 1.42m3 |
| Stacked Volume (approx) | 0.85m3 |
Large Crate
Designed for regular users, the large crate offers a solid supply of firewood for most households that heat their homes with wood on a frequent basis.
| Large Crate | |
|---|---|
| Internal Dimensions | W115cm, D 108cm, H111cm |
| Loose Volume (approx) | 2.29m3 |
| Stacked Volume (approx) | 1.37m3 |
Extra Large Crate
The extra-large crate is the most cost-effective option in terms of volume per m3. It suits heavy users or those with multiple wood-burning appliances. Due to its size and weight, delivery requires a large lorry, so access and space need to be considered before ordering.
| Extra Large Crate | |
|---|---|
| Internal Dimensions | W115cm, D 108cm, H149cm |
| Loose Volume (approx) | 3.08m3 |
| Stacked Volume (approx) | 1.84m3 |
Comparison Summary
To help you choose the right firewood for your needs, we've summarised the key characteristics of each crate option below, comparing burn quality, heat output, and suitability for different applications.
| Birch & Oak | Birch | Ash & Oak | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Hardwood | Hardwood | Hardwood |
| Heat Output | Medium/High | Medium | High |
| Burn Speed | Medium (thanks to oak) | Fast | Slow |
| Ignition ease | Easy (thanks to birch) | Easy | Easy/Moderate |
| Suitable for indoor use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for outdoor use | Yes | Yes (but will burn quickly) | Yes |
Whichever species blend or crate size you choose, it’s important to understand how firewood volume is measured, especially when comparing value across suppliers.
For a deeper look at the difference between stacked and loose volumes, and how that affects what you receive, head over to our blog on stacked vs loose firewood volume.
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