What is the Top-Down Method?
Most people lighting a wood fire use a “bottom-up” or pyramid-style approach, kindling and firelighter at the base, then build upwards with progressively larger logs.
The top-down method does the opposite. You start by placing the largest logs at the bottom of the stove, then stack smaller logs (or split wood) above them and finish with kindling and a firelighter on top. You then ignite the firelighter and the flame works its way downward, igniting kindling first, then smaller wood and finally the larger logs beneath.
Why We Recommend It:
Faster warm-up & cleaner burn
Because you light at the top, the hot air and rising flames preheat the chimney or flue more quickly. This helps your wood burner reach operating temperature faster, meaning smoke and unburnt gases are more likely to combust before escaping, reducing visible smoke.
Less smoke, fewer emissions & cleaner glass
With traditional bottom-up builds, cold wood above the flame releases gases that often escape as smoke before they burn, contributing to soot and smudged stove glass. The top-down method burns those gases as they rise through the hottest air, significantly cutting down smoke and soot.
Long-lasting, easier to maintain fire
Because the large logs burn gradually from the bottom up, once the fire is established you won’t need to tend it constantly. It’s more of a “set and forget” approach ideal for evenings of cozy warmth without constant stoking.
Better airflow and combustion efficiency
Stacking the wood neatly and leaving some gaps helps oxygen circulate, feeding the fire more evenly. That leads to more complete combustion, more heat output, less waste and lower particulate emissions.
Step-by-Step: How to Build a Top-Down Fire
Here’s a typical method to get the best results when lighting a wood-burning stove:
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Use properly dried wood. Kiln-dried logs are perfect for this.
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Start with large logs at the base. Place two or three of the biggest logs side by side on the firebox floor. Leave small gaps for airflow.
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Add a layer of smaller logs (optional). If your stove is large, you can add a second layer of medium logs above the base, though this isn’t strictly necessary.
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Top with kindling and a firelighter (or natural tinder). Arrange dry kindling in a crisscross “Jenga” or loose stack on the top, then place a firelighter (or natural tinder/newspaper) among it.
- Light from the top. Ignite the firelighter and, if your stove manual recommends, leave the door slightly ajar or fully open air vents to help airflow until the fire catches. After a few minutes, close the door and adjust air controls as normal.
Once lit, the fire descends gradually, kindling sets medium wood alight, which then warms and ignites the main logs. The result is a steady, long-lasting burn.
The top-down method is straightforward, but it delivers the best results when paired with dry, well-seasoned wood. Our premium kiln-dried logs provide the ideal fuel for cleaner burning and a consistently long-lasting fire.