Choosing the Right Wood for Your Wood Burner

A Warm Welcome to Efficient Heating

When the cooler months roll in across southern Spain, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a crackling wood fire. Whether you’re already enjoying your wood burner or thinking of getting one installed, using the right kind of wood makes all the difference for your warmth, your stove, and the environment.

At Ambience, we’re often asked which wood burns best, how to store it, and what to avoid. Here’s a friendly guide to help you make the most of your fire this winter.

Why Burn Wood?

Wood is a renewable, local, and sustainable source of energy, especially when sourced and burned properly. A well-seasoned log in a good-quality wood burner gives off excellent heat and creates a cosy, relaxing atmosphere, all while keeping your heating bills down.

Seasoned vs. Green Wood

The golden rule: Always Burn Seasoned Wood. That means wood that’s been dried for at least 12 months, with a moisture content below 20%. Burning green (fresh) wood leads to smoky fires, poor heat output, and tar buildup in your chimney.

Best Local Woods for Burning in Southern Spain

Southern Spain has some fantastic native hardwoods that are perfect for burning:

• Olive wood (Olivo) – A dense, slow-burning hardwood with high heat output. It burns cleanly and smells great, but it can be quite smoky if not properly seasoned.
• Almond wood (Almendro) – Burns hot and long, producing lovely coals. It’s ideal for keeping your stove going through the night.
• Orange wood (Naranjo) – Burns well with a pleasant scent and a lively flame. It’s often used in BBQs too, thanks to its lovely aroma.
• Holm oak (Encina) – One of the best firewoods available. Very dense and heavy, it gives off strong, long-lasting heat and minimal smoke.

Most people use a mix of these depending on availability. Hardwoods like olive and oak are ideal for long burns, while orange and almond can help get the fire going or add warmth quickly.

Storing Your Firewood

To keep your wood dry and ready to burn, store it in a well-ventilated place protected from rain. Stack it off the ground and allow plenty of airflow, especially important in humid coastal areas.

What to Avoid

• Pine or resinous woods – These can create excess creosote in your chimney and burn too quickly.
• Painted or treated wood – Releases toxic fumes.
• Wet or green logs – Poor heat and smoky fires.
• Household waste or rubbish – It is unsafe and illegal to burn these in your stove.

Final Thoughts

Burning the right local wood, seasoned and stored properly, keeps your home warm, your stove happy, and your heating efficient. Plus, you’ll be supporting local producers and making the most of southern Spain’s rich natural resources.

Need help choosing the best firewood for your home? Pop in for a chat or give us a call. We’re always happy to help you stay warm the smart way.

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For more information about Woodstoves, please visit our main website or contact us directly.