Burn Alder Hardwood Logs in Your Stove This Winter
Alder kiln dried logs are perfect for use in wood burning stoves. They light easily when used in conjunction with firelighters and kindling, they have a very low moisture content and because they are hardwood logs, they burn slowly.
Alder firewood also burns hot which makes it great for cooking over or just using in your stove or fireplace as usual.
When choosing wood to burn on your wood burning stove, you want to think about:
Moisture Content
Always choose kiln dried logs or properly seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 18%. Wet or green wood is harder to light, gives off less heat, and produces more smoke and soot, which can lead to chimney build-up and inefficiency.
Kiln dried alder logs are the perfect choice because we guarantee them to be dried to less than 18% moisture content.
Easy to Light
Alder is one of the easiest hardwoods to light. It catches flame quickly, meaning less hassle when starting your fire. Alder also doesn't spit too badly at all because it has a low moisture content.
To light your fire, establish the starter flame with woodwool firelighters and kiln dried kindling ensuring plenty of air can circulate through the loosely stacked kindling as the fire takes shape.
Once some heat is present and the kindling has taken you can start introducing the kiln dried alder logs too. Alder wood is hard so it will need that initial heat to get going but it is much easier to light than oak firewood, for example.
Hot, Efficient Burn
Once lit, alder logs produce a strong, bright flame and reach high temperatures quickly. This makes them especially effective for heating your space fast, or for use in pizza ovens and other wood-fired cooking setups.
Kiln Dried for Quality
Our alder logs are kiln dried to below 18% moisture content, ensuring they burn efficiently with minimal smoke or soot. This helps protect your stove, improve heat output, and reduce the need for chimney sweeping.
Clean and Sustainable
Alder has a great clean burn, with less smoke than many other hardwood timbers. It's a renewable wood source, and when properly dried and sourced responsibly, it's an eco-friendly choice for home heating.
Great All-Rounder Species
Whether you’re lighting the fire for a quick blast of heat or keeping it burning for a few hours, alder is a reliable all-rounder for use in most wood burning stoves. Some customers even mix it with slower-burning hardwoods like oak for longer overnight burns.
Why Alder is Great for Outdoor Cooking & Fire Pits
Alder is a great choice for cooking outdoors.
Low Smoke Output
Kiln dried alder burns cleanly with very little smoke when properly seasoned, making it much more pleasant to sit around—and better for food flavour compared to resinous softwoods like pine, which can produce harsh smoke and bitter tastes.
Mild, Sweet Aroma
Alder is known for its subtle, sweet-smelling smoke, which enhances food without overpowering it. It’s traditionally used for smoking salmon and other meats, giving a delicate flavour that works well with a variety of dishes.
Even, Predictable Burn
Outdoor cooking requires steady heat, and alder’s consistent burn makes it easy to manage temperature. It doesn’t spit or flare up as much as softer woods, which is safer and easier to cook over. This is partly due to its straight grain and regular log widths.
Perfect for Social Evenings
For fire pits, alder burns with a bright, attractive flame and gives off good heat, making it perfect for gathering around with friends or family. It doesn’t leave behind excess ash, so cleanup is easier too.
