Firewood looks simple, but the difference between good and poor wood shows at the first fire: one lights easily, burns hot and makes little smoke; the other hisses, smokes and goes out. This guide explains which firewood to choose and why dense hardwoods like acacia and olive are preferred, the difference between split wood and round logs, how to recognise dry firewood, and how to store and buy it in bulk.
- Dense hardwoods such as acacia and olive give stronger heat and longer-lasting embers than light woods.
- Split firewood dries faster, lights more easily and stacks and ships more efficiently than round logs.
- Dry firewood is lighter, has cracked ends and sounds hollow when knocked together.
- Store firewood off the ground, covered on top and open at the sides for air flow.
- Selim Charcoal supplies split acacia and olive firewood in bulk and for export.
Firewood types: why hardwood?
The denser the wood, the more energy it stores, so it gives stronger heat and embers that last longer. Light woods catch fire quickly but burn out just as fast, which is why restaurants, bakeries and fireplace owners prefer hardwood.
| Wood | Characteristics | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Acacia | High density, strong heat, steady embers | Grills, restaurants, ovens, heating |
| Olive | Dense, relatively slow-burning, pleasant aroma | Grilling, pizza ovens, bakeries |
Split wood or round logs?
Splitting means cleaving a log lengthwise along the grain into wedge-shaped pieces. A round log keeps its moisture locked in by the bark, while a split piece exposes the inner wood on several sides.
- Dries faster: more exposed wood surface.
- Lights easier: edges and fibres catch the flame quickly.
- Uniform size: goes straight into the oven or stove.
- Better stacking and shipping: fewer gaps between pieces.
See our split acacia and olive firewood for details.
How to tell if firewood is dry
Wet firewood spends much of its heat boiling off water, so it smokes and is hard to light. Simple signs help you check:
- Weight: a dry piece is noticeably lighter than a wet one of the same size.
- Ends: fine cracks appear on the cut ends and the colour fades.
- Sound: two dry pieces knocked together give a clear, hollow sound rather than a dull thud.
- Bark: comes away more easily on dry wood.
- Burning: dry wood burns with a clean flame, without hissing or steam.
How to store firewood
- Keep firewood off the ground on pallets or rails so it does not absorb moisture.
- Cover the top of the stack only and leave the sides open for air.
- Leave a gap between the stack and any wall so air can circulate.
- Keep firewood away from sources of fire and heat.
- Bagged firewood should be kept in a dry, covered place.
Uses of firewood
- Restaurants: grills and dishes that need strong, steady heat.
- Ovens: pizza ovens, traditional ovens and bakeries.
- Heating: fireplaces and wood stoves; see our guide to heating charcoal and firewood.
- Outdoor fires and camping: wood that lights quickly.
Buying firewood in bulk and for export
Selim Charcoal supplies split firewood in bulk to traders and restaurants in Egypt and to importers abroad. A 40ft container takes about 25 tons of firewood, packed in 5 and 10 kg laminated bags or as agreed, and it can be packed under your own brand. For ordering and shipping steps, read our guide to ordering charcoal from Egypt.
How to order firewood in bulk
- Send your requestWood type (acacia or olive), length, quantity and packing.
- QuotationWe confirm sizes and send a written quote.
- PreparationWe split and pack as agreed.
- DeliveryLocal delivery in Egypt or export shipping.
Order split acacia and olive firewood in bulk
Send us the wood type, length and quantity, and we will reply with a factory quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best firewood?
Dense hardwoods such as acacia and olive, because they give stronger heat and longer-lasting embers.
What is the difference between acacia and olive firewood?
Acacia gives strong heat and steady embers for restaurants and heating; olive burns relatively slowly with a pleasant aroma for grilling and pizza ovens.
How can I tell if firewood is dry?
Dry firewood is lighter, has cracks on its ends, sounds hollow when knocked and burns with a clean flame without hissing.
How should firewood be stored?
Off the ground, covered on top, with open sides for air flow and away from heat sources.
How much firewood fits in a 40ft container?
About 25 tons of split firewood.
