Best Firewood for a Wood Fired Hot Tub in the UK

If you own a wood fired hot tub — or you’re thinking about buying one — one of the most important questions is simple:

What wood should you actually burn in it?

The right firewood makes a huge difference to heating time, smoke output, efficiency, and the overall experience. Choose well, and your tub heats faster with less fuss. Choose badly, and you may end up with more smoke, slower heating, and a less enjoyable session.

What Is the Best Type of Wood for a Wood Fired Hot Tub?

In most cases, the best choice is kiln-dried hardwood.

This is because kiln-dried hardwood typically burns hotter, cleaner, and more consistently than wetter or softer alternatives. It also produces less smoke and helps your burner perform more efficiently.

Good options often include:

• Oak
• Ash
• Beech
• Birch

Why Kiln-Dried Wood Is Better

The key factor is moisture content.

Wood with a lower moisture content is easier to light and gives off more usable heat instead of wasting energy trying to burn off water. That means your hot tub can get up to temperature more effectively.

Kiln-dried logs are popular because they are:

• Easier to ignite
• More efficient to burn
• Lower in smoke
• Better for consistent heat output

Should You Use Hardwood or Softwood?

Hardwood is usually the better long-session option for a wood fired hot tub.

It tends to burn longer and more steadily, which makes it ideal when you want reliable heat over the full heating cycle.

Softwood can still be useful for getting the fire started, but on its own it often burns faster and may need more frequent refuelling.

What Wood Should You Avoid?

It’s best to avoid:

• Wet or green wood
• Treated timber
• Painted or coated wood
• Household scrap wood

Wet wood creates more smoke and less effective heat. Treated or painted wood should never be used because it can release unwanted chemicals and residues when burned.

Does the Right Firewood Help a Hot Tub Heat Faster?

Yes — absolutely.

Using dry, good-quality hardwood can improve heating performance and make the whole process simpler. If your goal is a cleaner burn and a more enjoyable setup routine, fuel choice matters just as much as the tub itself.

How Should You Store Firewood?

To keep logs in the best condition:

• Store them off the ground
• Keep them covered from rain
• Allow airflow around the stack
• Keep a small dry supply close to the tub for easy access

Good storage helps preserve burn quality and prevents your logs from taking on excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

If you want the best performance from a wood fired hot tub, kiln-dried hardwood is usually the smartest choice.

It burns cleaner, heats more efficiently, and helps make every soak feel easier and more enjoyable.

Choosing the right fuel is a small decision that makes a big difference.

Browse Layzee Living wood fired hot tubs →