Buy Alder Firewood online.
When the cold weather arrives, there’s nothing better than a cosy, warm fire in your fireplace or wood burner. At Wood-Břežany Ltd., we understand the importance of choosing the right firewood for your home heating. Today, we delve into the world of alder firewood, a surprisingly versatile and budget-friendly option that is gaining popularity among European households. Whether you reside in the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, or anywhere else in Europe, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about buying alder firewood.
What Is Alder Firewood?
Alder firewood comes from alder trees (Alnus spp.), which are part of the birch (Betulaceae) family. There are two main types of alder commonly used for firewood: red alder (Alnus rubra), which is native to North America, and black alder (Alnus glutinosa), which grows in Europe.
These deciduous hardwood trees thrive in damp environments, often near rivers, lakes, and streams. Their root systems play a key role in stabilising riverbanks and preventing erosion, making them ecologically significant trees. Alder trees grow quickly and can reach heights of up to 30 metres, ensuring a

plentiful supply of wood for fuel.
According to Firewood For Life, alder wood is classified as a “soft hardwood”, meaning that while technically a hardwood, it has a lower density than classic hardwoods like oak or beech.
Botanical Properties of Alder
Alder trees are fascinating from a botanical perspective. They have unique root nodules that produce nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This characteristic improves soil fertility and enriches the surrounding ecosystem with nitrogen, making alder a sustainable source of wood.
Buy the Best Alder Firewood Online
Looking for quality alder firewood for sale? At Wood-Břežany Ltd., we offer carefully selected and properly seasoned alder logs that are ready for immediate use. Our alder wood has undergone a thorough seasoning process (6 to 12 months), ensuring optimal burning performance with minimal smoke and ash.
You can also browse our wide range of other premium fuels, including:
Properties and Performance of Alder Firewood
BTU Value and Heat Output
One of the most important factors in evaluating firewood is its heat output, measured in BTU (British Thermal Units) per cord. Alder wood provides approximately 17.5 million BTU per cord, according to Timber Blogger.
This number may seem lower than some premium hardwoods like oak (24 million BTU) or ash (23 million BTU), but alder has its unique advantages that make it an excellent choice for specific uses.
| Wood Type | BTU per Cord | Density | Burn Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alder | 17.5 million | Low to Medium | Fast |
| Oak | 24 million | High | Very Slow |
| Beech | 23.5 million | High | Slow |
| Ash | 23 million | High | Slow |
| Pine | 15.5 million | Low | Fast |
| Birch | 20.3 million | Medium | Medium |
Burn Speed
Alder firewood is known for its fast burning, a result of its lower density. While this might sound like a disadvantage, it actually makes alder ideal for certain situations:
- Spring and autumn months, when you don’t need intense, long-lasting heat
- Morning fires, when you want to heat a room quickly
- Combining with denser woods for optimal burning
According to Awesome Axes, alder creates decent coals that last longer than most softwoods, meaning you won’t have to refuel as often.
Advantages of Using Alder Firewood
1. Easy Splitting and Processing
Alder is exceptionally easy to split due to its straight grain structure and lower density. This saves time, effort, and energy when preparing wood for the winter. As Logwise Firewood mentions, if you’ve ever split wood, you know it can be hard work. Alder significantly simplifies this process.
2. Fast Seasoning
One of the biggest advantages of alder wood is its short seasoning time. While hardwoods like oak may require 18 to 24 months to dry thoroughly, alder is ready to use in 6 to 12 months. Its thin bark allows moisture to escape more quickly, saving time and storage space.
3. Lovely Aroma
Alder wood gives off a sweet, pleasant aroma when burned, creating a cosy atmosphere in your home. This aromatic quality makes alder a popular choice for fireplaces and open fires, where you can fully appreciate the sensory experience of burning wood.
4. Minimal Smoke and Ash
When properly seasoned, alder wood produces very little smoke and ash compared to other woods. This means less chimney cleaning and healthier burning for your home environment.
5. Affordability
Because alder grows quickly and is widely available in many European regions, it is often cheaper than premium hardwoods. This makes it an economical choice for households looking for quality fuel at a reasonable price.
How to Buy Quality Alder Firewood
What to Look for When Buying
When you order alder firewood, you should consider these factors:
- Moisture Content: Ideally, the wood should be seasoned to 20% moisture or less
- Log Length: Ensure the logs are cut to the right size for your stove or fireplace (usually 25 to 40 cm)
- Storage Quality: The wood should be stored off the ground and protected from rain
- Certification: Look for a supplier with a Ready to Burn certification
Where to Buy Alder Wood in the United Kingdom
At Wood-Břežany Ltd., we are proud to offer high-quality alder firewood to customers throughout the United Kingdom and wider Europe. Our wood is:
- Certified and seasoned to optimal moisture
- Professionally cut and split
- Delivered directly to your home
- Competitively priced
Visit our online shop and explore our full range of firewood and related products.
Best Uses for Alder Firewood
Mixing with Other Woods
For optimal performance, we recommend combining alder with denser hardwoods. This approach uses the easy ignition of alder to start the fire, while denser woods like oak or beech provide long-lasting heat.
Ideal mix:
- 30% alder for quick heating and easy ignition
- 70% dense hardwood for heat maintenance
Seasonal Use
Alder is particularly suitable for:
- Spring evenings, when you want a pleasant fire but not intense heat
- Autumn days, as temperatures begin to drop
- Weekend relaxation, when you want to enjoy a beautiful, aromatic fire
For Smoking Meats
Besides its use as firewood, alder is excellent for smoking meats, especially salmon and pork. Its sweet, mild aroma imparts a unique flavour to food that is highly prized in the culinary world.
How to Store Alder Firewood Correctly
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your alder wood:
Basic Storage Rules
- Elevated Off the Ground: Always store wood on pallets or blocks to allow air to circulate underneath
- Protection from Above: Use a tarpaulin or roof to protect from rain, but leave the sides open for ventilation
- Sunny Location: Place the wood in a sunny spot for faster drying
- Spacing Between Rows: Leave gaps between stacks for better air circulation
- Stacking Position: Alder logs should be split with the bark on, which peels off naturally after drying
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Alder Firewood Suitable for Wood Burning Stoves?
Yes, alder firewood is excellent for wood-burning stoves, especially when it is properly seasoned. It creates a clean, efficient fire with minimal smoke and ash. It is ideal for milder periods or when mixed with denser woods for winter heating.
How Long Does It Take to Season Alder Wood?
Alder wood takes approximately 6 to 12 months to dry thoroughly under ideal conditions. This is significantly faster than hardwoods like oak or beech. In a damp climate, the process can take up to 12 months.
Can Alder Cause Chimney Problems?
When properly seasoned, alder wood produces minimal creosote (the substance that builds up in chimneys). However, wet or green alder wood can cause excessive creosote buildup and an increased risk of a chimney fire. Always use wood with 20% moisture or less.
What is the Price of Alder Firewood?
Prices vary depending on region, quality, and quantity, but alder is generally cheaper than premium hardwoods. At Wood-Břežany Ltd., we offer competitive prices and volume discounts for larger orders. Contact us for current price quotes.
Can Alder Wood Be Used for Cooking?
Absolutely! Alder is popular for smoking and grilling, especially fish and pork. Its sweet, mild aroma gives food an excellent flavour without being overpowering. It is also excellent for making charcoal.
How Do I Know if Alder Wood is Properly Seasoned?
Properly seasoned alder wood shows these signs:
- Deep cracks on the ends of the logs
- Bark peels off easily
- Moisture of 20% or less (measured with a moisture meter)
- Lighter colour than freshly cut wood
- Makes a hollow sound when two logs are knocked together
Is Alder Ecologically Sustainable?
Yes, alder is highly sustainable. Its rapid growth and ability to improve soil quality through nitrogen fixation make alder a renewable resource. Additionally, its role in preventing erosion makes it an ecologically beneficial tree.
Key Points to Remember
- Alder firewood offers 17.5 million BTU per cord with a fast burn time
- Easy splitting and fast seasoning (6 to 12 months) saves time and effort
- Beautiful, sweet aroma creates a cosy atmosphere
- Ideal for spring and autumn months or when mixed with denser woods
- An economical choice due to rapid growth and wide availability
- Proper drying is key to minimising smoke and maximising performance
- Excellent for smoking meats and making charcoal
Why Choose Wood-Břežany Ltd. For Your Firewood Needs
At Wood-Břežany Ltd., we specialise in providing high-quality firewood to customers throughout Europe. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction sets us apart:
- Certified products meeting European standards
- Reliable delivery throughout the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland and other European countries
- Competitive prices with volume discounts
- Expert advice for choosing the right fuel for your needs
- Wide range of products including wood briquettes, pellets, wood chips, and more
Order Your Alder Firewood Today
Are you ready to experience the benefits of quality alder firewood? Visit our online shop and order today! We offer:
- Fast delivery throughout Europe
- Flexible payment options
- Customer support in multiple languages
- A quality guarantee on all our products
Fireword for sale
Alder firewood represents an excellent balance between quality, performance, and affordability. While it may not have the highest BTU rating, its easy ignition, sweet aroma, easy processing, and economic price make it a valuable addition to any firewood store.
Whether you are heating your home, enjoying an outdoor campfire, or smoking your favourite meat, alder provides a reliable and pleasant burning experience. By combining alder with denser hardwoods, you can create an optimal fuel strategy that meets your needs all year round.
At Wood-Břežany Ltd., we are proud to offer the highest quality alder firewood available on the market. Our commitment to sustainability, quality, and customer satisfaction ensures you get the best value for your money.
Don’t forget to visit our blog at woodbrezany.com/blog-posts for more useful articles on firewood, heating tips, and sustainable fuel solutions.
References and Sources
- Firewood For Life – Alder Firewood Guide
- Timber Blogger – Alder Wood Characteristics
- Logs Direct – Focus on Burning Alder
- Awesome Axes – Alder Firewood Analysis
- Logwise Firewood – Benefits of Alder
- Axe Adviser – Is Alder Worth Burning
- The Fun Outdoors – Alder Firewood Pros and Cons




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