How To Identify Softwood Logs?

One of the frequently asked questions that we come across here at D Price and Sons is how to identify softwood logs. Having supplied these kinds of logs to Stoke on-Trent and Staffordshire for over 25 years, we have had enough experience to be able to help. Therefore, in today’s article, we’ll be exploring this topic in more depth, in order to answer all of your questions. 

How Can You Differentiate Softwood Logs From Hardwood Logs? 

The first stage in differentiating hardwood and softwood logs is knowing the different trees that they can come from. Whilst hardwood logs tend to come from trees that lose their leaves each year, softwood tends to come from conifers which usually remain evergreen throughout the year. Some of the most popular softwood trees can be found below: 

• Fir
• Spruce
• Larch
• Cedar

Another defining characteristic tends to come from how dense the material is. As hardwood logs are taken from trees that grow much slower, the wood tends to be a lot denser than softwood logs which are much lighter. This low density is what allows softwood logs to burn quicker and get the fire to higher temperatures in a shorter period of time.

Benefits of Burning Softwood Logs

If you’re considering using softwood logs for your log burner, there are a number of benefits that come with it. The lower density of softwood logs brings a whole host of advantages to your experience. For a start, it means that they are much quicker to catch a flame and burn making them perfect to start a fire. Not only that, but their lower density also makes them much quicker to dry should you wish to dry them yourself. 

As softwood trees are known to grow quicker than hardwood trees, they are also the more sustainable option of the two. Despite softwood having these advantages over hardwood logs, we believe that the best use of the two is in combination. For example, whilst the softwood could be used to get the fire started and to the right temperature quickly, hardwood can be added to maintain this and lower the maintenance needed to keep it going. 

Softwood in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire From D Price and Sons

Here at D Price and Sons, we have been supplying Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire with softwood logs for over 25 years. With options of either kiln dried or non-dried, our affordable logs cater for every preference. As a BSL (Biomass Suppliers List) registered supplier, we are also committed to sustainability through the use of high quality fuels, which is reflected in our products. Depending on your postcode, you may also be eligible for free delivery to your area as well as click and collect for your convenience. More information on this can be found on our delivery page. If you're interested in finding out more, you could check out our guide on identifying hardwood logs.