If you’ve assumed wood, you’d be right. But it comes in many forms nowadays. There are plenty of options for fuel, and a few things you should never burn in a fire pit.

First of all let’s take a look at what you can burn

What should I burn in a fire pit?

Kiln Dried Firewood

The classic option for open fires. If you buy online it will usually be Kiln-dried hardwood and pre-chopped into perfectly sized logs for most fire pits. I would also recommend stocking up on bags of kindling at the same time. Available in bags or even pallet loads the only problem can be storage, but we have you covered there.

Check out our log stores!

Wood Briquettes, Logs, and Pellets

While traditional firewood has aesthetic and even tactile advantages, the modern alternatives generally have more efficient weight to heat output and burn time. These are usually compressed raw materials, often made from recycled products.

Another bonus of fire logs is how easy the bags are to store. Usually supplied in showerproof packaging, this means you can be ready to start the fire pit at a moment’s notice.

Which you’ll appreciate during our fickle English summer weather.

Charcoal

If your fire pit has a grill then charcoal might be the best option for you to cook on. It will offer the highest and longest-lasting heat. And once you’re finished cooking you can put the logs on to see you through the evening.

You can even mix charcoal and the right types of wood to add distinct flavours to meat, just add the wood onto the hot charcoal and once it’s hot enough add the food.

What shouldn’t I burn in a fire pit?

Now a quick look at things that you shouldn’t burn in a fire pit

Pressure-treated wood

This will be treated with chemicals that are dangerous to your health and even the ozone. When burned these chemicals are released into the atmosphere. Pressure-treated wood is often used in decks and fencing.

Green Wood, Fresh wood, Unseasoned wood

All different names for the same thing, Wood that has not been properly dried (this can take 3-9 months to dry naturally). It will be full of moisture which makes it burn less efficiently as well as creating excessive amounts of crackling and popping which is sure to disrupt any ambience the evening had. 

The main reason for avoiding green wood is excess smoke which is a surefire way to get complaints from the neighbours and even unwanted attention from the emergency services. 

Magazines and Junk mail

These will be saturated in ink and chemicals that get released into the air and straight into your lungs once on the fire pit. 

Plastic

Another definite ‘do not burn’. The chemicals released will seriously damage your health. 

Now you know how easy it is to get the right fuel for your fire pit, have a look our range of fire pits and find the right design for your garden 

Charcoal Photo by Wander Fleur on Unsplash
Fire prohibited Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash