Hardwood versus Softwood.
Hardwoods are very dense. They pack more BTU's (British Thermal Units, the
measurement of how much heat is given off by a certain amount of wood) and
therefore tend to be the best firewood types for heat and cooking. However, they
are more difficult to get ignited in the first place. Softwoods are less dense
and also tend to be more resinous. This means they ignite much faster and thus
can be good as a starter wood to get your fire going; they do burn faster and give off less heat.
From The Rayburn site.
"For best results use a mixture of soft and hard woods.
Dry soft woods give a quick, hot fire to bring the cooker quickly up to temperature after idling. Burn hard woods for more prolonged burning
once a desired temperature has been reached or for through the night".
measurement of how much heat is given off by a certain amount of wood) and
therefore tend to be the best firewood types for heat and cooking. However, they
are more difficult to get ignited in the first place. Softwoods are less dense
and also tend to be more resinous. This means they ignite much faster and thus
can be good as a starter wood to get your fire going; they do burn faster and give off less heat.
From The Rayburn site.
"For best results use a mixture of soft and hard woods.
Dry soft woods give a quick, hot fire to bring the cooker quickly up to temperature after idling. Burn hard woods for more prolonged burning
once a desired temperature has been reached or for through the night".
How to lay a fire
These days, fires are often used in conjunction with central heating so their cosmetic value eclipses their real function. With the radiators turned off, there is more pressure to get your fire going well and this will require
preparation. A fire will take a good hour to impact on the temperature of a room, so it’s always wise to light it well in advance of sitting down. The art of lighting a fire has eluded many of us from the ‘radiator generation’, but those born before the war, such as grandparents, are a great source of information when it comes to firelighting. Start with a firelighter, criss-cross some bone-dry kindling above it, and, above that, create an arch with two of your smaller, dryer logs (preferably those that have been sitting in your log basket beside yesterday’s fire). Put a match to the firelighter, and, when the crackling has died down and the flames are large and well established, you can add some of your larger logs or coal if you are using it. If you are still unsure ask for a demo when we deliver. |