The Woodburner Handbook: A Practical Guide to Getting the Best from your Stove (New edition)

Anthony Bailey

GMC Publications

First published 2015, this edition Nov 2025

ISBN 9781784947194

The new edition of The Woodburner Handbook by Anthony Bailey is a useful and attractive guide for anyone considering installing a woodburner or wanting to get the most from one they already own. Split into three parts, Part 1 on Understanding Woodburners provides a comprehensive overview of how stoves work, what to consider when choosing a stove, and how they are installed, with clear descriptions and accompanying diagrams.

Part 2 addresses Fuel Options, initially covering a range of options including what not to burn, and then focussing on wood fuel. A useful table gives the drying time and burn quality of different tree species (though it lacks fir, spruce and other non-native conifers that may be readily available to small woodland owners). There is information on chainsaws (and the importance of appropriate training) and different types of axe, and plenty of practical advice on chopping and storing logs. Electric and petrol-driven log splitters are only given a very passing mention, which seems like an omission – our small hydraulic log splitter is an excellent time and labour-saving device.

There’s a short chapter on Owning Woodland, including legal responsibilities and the lengthy process of growing trees for fuel, as ‘trees don’t fell themselves’ (maybe not, but storms sometimes do!). The section on felling permission could have been expanded to include other relevant information such as the calendar quarter personal allowance and woodland management plans, although it is recommended to seek professional advice about growing trees for firewood. Coppicing is covered briefly but with the surprising comment that it is not really suitable for producing firewood.

Part 3 returns to woodburners themselves with advice on using and caring for your stove, including how to light and maintain a fire, cleaning the stove and chimney, and checking parts for damage. The author has a interesting background in photography, furniture making and woodworking journalism, and writes from a personal perspective influenced by his experiences of using wood and owning woodburning stoves. The plentiful colour photographs emphasise the appealing qualities in addition to the practicalities of woodburners, making the book an ideal Christmas gift for anyone who would appreciate learning more about this subject.