What is the secret to burning logs - can't get it going?!

[Decaffe]

I have tried all sorts of kindling and all sorts of logs and I just can't find a decent combination. What do you use for a guaranteed burn?

Open vents.
2 medium sized bits of wood on base
2-3 smaller sixed bits of wood on top,
We use faggots at 90 degeees with a oil based firelighter, faggots made with last years prunings, we save them in bags each winter for the next years kindling. Also use old bits of dry pallet wood or other wood trimmings.

Leave the door of the woodburner slightly open, well closed but not on the hook, for the first 10 mins until the first layer of wood has caught. Then close the door.

Faggots on top of the pile.

A pic of my faggots. I find it easier to sling some of these on, as opposed to fiddling with separate kindling. I enjoy making them sitting watching TV.

You can buy eco firelighters now.
Zero chemicals

How old are your logs op?
You can try all the methods above but if your logs are " green" then they won't burn.
We buy properly seasoned fire logs each year.
The ones we are using now are probably 1-2 years old.

Yes, always this way. The fire burns really cleanly and it's absolutely foolproof. I'll never go back to the old way of lighting. There's more about it here: www.ecofiresandstoves.co.uk/light-your-fire-more-easily/#:~:text=This%20way%2C%20you%20put%20your,put%20your%20fire%20lighters%20there.

Alexandra2001

Is it ok to burn both wood and coal at the same time?

In a wood burner that is incorrect.

Ah, I didn't know that. I asked about coal and was told to use anthracite.

You can’t burn house coal in a multi fuel stove, it burns too hot. You have to use smokeless type fuel www.homefire.co.uk/faqs/what-can-i-burn-in-a-multi-fuel-stove/

Thought "house coal" had been banned for domestic use?

I think that applies to towns/ cities through local anti pollution laws. Plenty of rural dwellers still burn coal in open fireplaces. Or even anthracite in ye olde agas.

No.. i think trad house coal was banned for general sale alongside the sale of "Wet or Green" wood last year, subject to quantity.
Can still use stuff you may already own.

Smokelss coal not affected.

Two logs side by side keep each other going. They need to be "close enough to kiss and far enough to breathe" according to an ancient friend.