Huddling around a fire always strikes an emotional chord. It’s even more magical outdoors. Surrounded by the cold, we find refuge in the flames – feeling the warmth move through our bodies. The moment is rich and rewarding, as we enjoy being out in the elements.
When it comes to creating this kind of experience at home, fire pits are a fantastic option. Think of a fire pit as a heated focal point of sorts. The main feature of your al fresco space – creating a warm and cosy area to relax, eat, chat and recline.
But what do you know about fire pits? How do they work? What’s the best fuel to burn in your firepit? You have questions, we have answers. Join us as we explore the outdoor heating option making waves of warmth throughout the UK.
What are Fire Pits?
Let’s start with the very basics. In its most rudimentary form, a firepit is a hole or ‘pit’ dug into the ground in which a fire is burned for heating or cooking. Commercial fire pits elevate the concept, as lo-fi pits are replaced by structures of stone, pre-cast metal, concrete or brick. Most contemporary fire pits have a fire bowl, integrated into the wider structure, that is either set in the ground or raised on legs for support. The fire bowl acts as the primary receptacle for your fire, keeping the flames contained.
There’s a wide range of fire pits and fuels to explore. So to keep things nice and focussed, we will be looking at the best kinds of wood fuel to use in wood-burning fire pits.
What's The Driest & Densest Wood For Firepits?
We’d suggest that the best logs for a wood-burning firepit are kiln dried hardwood logs (such as oak, beech, birch, ash, or maple) with a sub 20% internal moisture level. As previously mentioned, these woods burn hotter and longer, providing consistent heat and minimal smoke.
Where Can I Buy Wood For My Firepit?
If you’re wondering where to find the ultimate logs for your firepit, look no further than bigk.co.uk. We’ve spent over 40 years refining our wood fuel range, to bring you quality, consistency and heat with every burn. Big K Kiln Dried Hardwood Logs FSC® Certified and Grown in Britain are the perfect partner for your fire pit. Take a look at the information below and see for yourself.
- Kiln dried hardwood logs, 100% Grown in Britain
- FSC® Certified & GiB certified and Woodsure Ready to Burn accredited
- Consistent moisture level of under 20%
- Easy to light and long lasting
- High heat output with less smoke and a better flame
- Ideal for firepits
These incredible logs are also available in bulk, pallet deals and a convenient box for storage. So now you have even more choice and savings to enjoy, as well as all that blistering heat.
What Are The Cleanest Woods to Burn in Firepits?
We have explored the driest and densest wood. Now it’s time to go a little further and look at the cleanest woods to use in your fire pit. Essentially, clean woods are natural, dry, with minimal (if any) chemicals, and do not possess any coatings or synthetic blemishes. All these characteristics come together to deliver a cleaner burn – meaning increased heat efficiency with minimal emissions.
Kiln Dried logs
As we have already mentioned Big K Kiln Dried Logs are some of the densest, driest and cleanest logs out there. Each log is 100% natural with a sub 20% internal moisture level, as well as being fully FSC® Certified & GiB certified and Woodsure Ready to Burn accredited.
Compressed Heat Logs
Big K Compressed Heat logs are another clean option. These logs are made by compressing a mixture of recycled wood fines at extremely high pressures within specialist moulds. At the end of the process, we obtain 100% natural, sustainably sourced logs with no additives or binders. The best part? Every log has a super-low internal moisture level of 8%, burning without any sparks or spitting.
Instant Light Logs
The easiest and breeziest out of the cleaner log choices, Big K Instant Light Logs make lighting your fire pit a breeze. No kindling or tinder required – simply light the wrapper and you’re set. Our Instant Light Logs are made from recycled saw dust and wax, and they are fully authorised for use in smoke control areas.
Don’t Burn These Woods in Your Fire Pit
Try to avoid any painted, treated or engineered woods, as well as driftwood, toxic wood and green wood. You can burn softwoods as kindling, but not as your main fuel source, due to their shorter burn times and lower temperatures.
Five Points on Firepit Safety
While a firepit isn’t exactly a bonfire, we’re still dealing with live fire, so safety is always paramount.
- Ensure that your wood-burning fire pit is at least ten feet (three meters) away from any combustible structures.
- Don’t use a fire pit in extreme weather conditions such as strong winds. The gusts could blow embers onto nearby combustible materials.
- Always keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby for emergencies.
- Usually, it will take around 20 minutes or so for a dying fire to become fully extinguished. So ensure that you properly monitor the process and wait until all the flames and heat are gone before clean up.
- Keep the area around your firepit clear of any dry leaves, twigs, branches or any other material that could catch fire.
We Take The Firepit Experience to a Whole New Level
Whether you have a fire pit or you’re looking to install one soon, trust Big K for all your logs and firewood. Ultimately, quality product delivers quality experiences. That’s why we work tirelessly to bring you the best wood fuel possible. So you can relax around the fire pit all year round, enjoying the warmth of all those special moments.
