For many years, redgum has been the most recognised name in firewood around Melbourne. But the truth is, today’s well-processed mixed hardwood firewood, often containing quality bluegum, can deliver just as much heat with better value, more consistent supply, and a cleaner, more reliable burn.
If you’re looking for dependable, sustainable firewood that performs beautifully in your fireplace or heater, mixed hardwood is an exceptional choice.
Why Heat Output Isn’t Everything
Many people believe redgum burns hotter because it’s denser, but research shows that most hardwoods deliver almost identical energy when properly seasoned. The difference comes from moisture content and how well the wood is processed, not just the species name on the pile.
Most quality Australian hardwoods, including bluegum, redgum and sugargum, produce around 19 megajoules of energy per kilogram when dry. That means a properly seasoned mixed hardwood will easily match or outperform single-species loads when burned efficiently.
What Makes Mixed Hardwood a Top Performer
1. Balanced Density for Reliable Heat
A good fire starts easily, burns evenly and produces lasting coals. Mixed hardwood achieves this balance by combining slightly lighter species that ignite quickly with denser woods like bluegum that sustain heat for hours.This blend gives you the best of both worlds, easy lighting and steady warmth without wasting energy.
2. Clean and Efficient Burning
Because our hardwoods are professionally seasoned, moisture is consistently low across every delivery. That means more heat for your home, less smoke, and cleaner flues. In many cases, a seasoned mixed hardwood load will outperform a less-seasoned redgum stack.
3. Reliable Supply and Great Value
Redgum is becoming harder and more expensive to source, while plantation-grown bluegum and other managed hardwoods are more readily available. This makes mixed hardwood firewood not only sustainable but also more affordable and consistent in quality year-round.
4. Sustainable and Locally Sourced
At RAMA Firewood, all our timber comes from storm-damaged trees, private plantations and sustainably managed sources, ensuring minimal environmental impact and no harm to wildlife. Supporting mixed hardwood also supports responsible forestry right here in Victoria.
Bluegum’s Role in the Perfect Mix
Bluegum (Eucalyptus globulus) is one of Australia’s most reliable hardwoods for firewood. It’s dense enough to hold heat for long burns but consistent enough to split cleanly and season evenly.Including bluegum in our mixed hardwood supply adds strength, reliability and long-lasting performance to every delivery.
Real-World Performance: Why Mixed Hardwood Wins
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Firewood Type
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Burn Consistency
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Ease of Lighting
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Heat Output (MJ/kg)
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Value for Money
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|
Redgum
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Very long burn
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Harder to start
|
19.5
|
$$$
|
|
Sugargum
|
Long burn
|
Medium
|
19.2
|
$$$
|
|
Bluegum
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Even burn
|
Easy
|
19.0
|
$$
|
|
Mixed Hardwood
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Balanced long burn
|
Easy to light
|
19.0–19.3
|
Best overall
|
Why Mixed Hardwood is Ideal for Melbourne Homes
For most households and businesses, the goal isn’t to chase the single densest species, it’s to find wood that’s consistent, efficient and easy to use. That’s exactly what mixed hardwood delivers. It performs beautifully in open fireplaces, wood heaters, pizza ovens and commercial furnaces, providing long-lasting warmth and clean flames.
In Summary
While redgum will always have its reputation, mixed hardwood firewood, strengthened by species like bluegum, is the smarter, more sustainable and more efficient choice for most Melbourne consumers. It offers steady heat, great value and dependable supply, all while supporting environmentally responsible sourcing.
