How to light a log burner: the top-down method, step by step

Lay two small logs on the bed of the stove, build a criss-cross of kindling on top with firelighters tucked into the gaps, set the air controls to the lighting position, light the firelighters and close the door. This "top-down" method warms the flue gradually and gives less smoke than lighting from underneath.

Always check your stove's manual first. Stoves differ, and HETAS, the body that registers stove installers, says to set the air controls to the manufacturer's settings.

What you need

• Dry logs. The Burnright campaign says to use wood at 20% moisture or less and logs of 100 to 150mm (4 to 6 inches) across. Wet wood is hard to light and keep alight, according to Defra.
• Kindling. About fourteen small, dry sticks for the method below. Our kindling comes by the bag.
• Firelighters. Two is enough. We sell boxes of 40.
• Matches or a long lighter.

How to light a log burner: the top-down method

These steps follow the top-down method published by HETAS.

1. Lay two small logs side by side across the fire bed.
2. Add a layer of kindling. Lay five pieces across the two logs.
3. Add a second layer of four pieces at 90 degrees to the first, and tuck two firelighters into the gaps.
4. Add a third layer of five more pieces, running the same way as the bottom layer.
5. Set the air controls to the lighting position given in your stove's manual.
6. Light the firelighters and close the door.
7. Leave it alone. Once the kindling has burned down between the logs and the fire is going well, set the air controls to the manufacturer's normal running settings. HETAS advises leaving the kindling undisturbed until the top of the stove is warm.

Burnright says the top-down method significantly reduces smoke on initial lighting, and HETAS notes that it warms the flue gradually.

The traditional method

If you prefer the way most of us were taught, HETAS describes it too: two sheets of newspaper crumpled into loose balls (or firelighters), small pieces of kindling in a triangle over the top with gaps for air, and on bigger stoves two smallish logs either side. Set the air controls to the manufacturer's guidelines and light from the bottom.

It works, though Burnright recommends top-down lighting as the lower-smoke option.

Once the fire is going

Burnright's advice is to bring the stove up to operating temperature quickly and try to keep it there. A few habits help:

• Watch the chimney, not just the flames. Burnright says that unless you have just lit or just refuelled the fire, you should not be seeing smoke from the top of the chimney.
• Use a stove thermometer. Burnright notes that blackened glass usually means you are not burning hot enough, and a cheap thermometer helps you see what is going on.

Common mistakes

• Slumbering the stove overnight. Closing the air right down to keep it smouldering for hours is something both Burnright and Defra advise against, and Burnright says it wastes large amounts of fuel.
• Using wet wood. Defra lists being difficult to light or keep alight as one of the effects of wet wood. See our guide to kiln-dried vs seasoned logs.
• Logs that are too big. Burnright advises against large logs. Stick to 100 to 150mm across.
• Burning rubbish or old timber. Defra warns that treated waste wood, such as old furniture, pallets or fence panels, and household rubbish can give off harmful fumes and toxic pollutants when burned.
• Mixing smokeless fuel and wood. Burnright says you will not get the best from either.

Safety basics

• Fit a carbon monoxide alarm. Both Burnright and Defra recommend one.
• Get the chimney swept. Defra recommends up to twice a year, because soot and tar build up in use and raise the risk of a chimney fire.
• Service the stove. Defra suggests regular servicing, for example annually.
• Only burn what your stove is made for. Use the fuels the manufacturer recommends.

Questions people ask

Should I leave the stove door open when lighting?

The HETAS top-down method says to close the door once the firelighters are lit. Instructions vary between stoves, so check your manual.

Why won't my log burner stay lit?

Start with the wood: Defra says wet wood is difficult to light and keep alight. Then check the log size (Burnright recommends 100 to 150mm across), and do not turn the air down until the fire is well established, as HETAS advises.

Why does my stove glass go black?

Burnright says blackened glass usually means the fire is not burning hot enough. Wet wood makes it worse: Defra lists blackened glass as one of the effects of burning unseasoned logs.

How many firelighters should I use?

The HETAS top-down method uses two, tucked into the gaps in the kindling.

Get set for the season

Everything you need to light a fire is in the shop: kindling, firelighters and kiln-dried logs from a small bag upwards. Not sure how much to order? Read what size of firewood you need.