Kiln Dried Logs

When wood is initially felled from the trees, it can contain a lot of moisture – up to 60% - 200% of the dry mass, but when the logs are kiln dried, the levels can be scientifically measured to ensure that the water content is under 20%. The reduction in moisture enables the firewood to ignite more easily, burn cleaner and more consistently.

Our firewood has been heated in a kiln to 170° F (77° C). The temperature and air is monitored to ensure the wood is dried properly. The process can take two to three weeks depending on the wood species. We always ensure that our wood meets the highest standards and make checks during and after the process.

Seasoned logs usually contain more water, making them harder to light and burn, whereas kiln dried logs have less water content and produce more heat, without excessive smoke and debris.

Yes, they do. They are easier to light and burn more efficiently, generating more heat over longer periods. Kiln dried firewood is also cleaner to burn than other types.

Kiln dried logs are often more expensive than other types of firewood, but when you consider the benefits, you’ll find that these logs are actually more cost effective over the long-term. Firstly, kiln dried wood is energy efficient, generating more heat while burning less wood, so you won’t use as many logs each time. These logs also produce less smoke and debris, thus cutting down on chimney cleaning and being more beneficial to health. Additionally, we offer discounts on bulk purchases and free delivery to the UK mainland can also help to mitigate upfront costs.

Yes, as long as you consider the location. It’s advisable to place kiln dried logs in an area protected from wind or rain on a flat, even surface. Stack the logs neatly onto a pallet or similar and refrain from placing directly on grass. If you are covering the logs with a tarpaulin or sheet, try not to create a seal as it prevents air circulation leading to moisture and only use it temporarily. Another option is to invest in a dedicated log storage area – ideal if you are ordering large amounts.

Yes, unlike seasoned wood, the intensive heat treatment that kiln dried wood undergoes helps to eradicate any bugs, mould, bacteria or mildew, therefore the wood is perfectly safe to store indoors where it will be warm and dry. Porches, conservatories, garages and basements or even a log basket next to the fireplace are all good options for storage providing the humidity is low, and the air flow in the space is good. For smaller homes, we have manageable log quantities for indoor storage.

When kiln dried logs get wet, they absorb moisture, which means that the wood will produce less heat and more smoke when burning. As the moisture the logs absorb reduces the energy density of the wood, you will also need to replace the logs more frequently. If your logs do get wet, you can remove any rotten wood and place them in a protected area to dry out, but it's advisable to store them in a place where they cannot get wet.

We stock only hardwood kiln dried logs, including mixed hardwood, oak and ash. Every species of wood has its own merits. Kiln dried ash logs tend to be strong and durable, perfect for wood burning stoves and fireplaces, emitting a steady and consistent heat. In fact, when ash is kiln dried, it can produce almost 3000 kWh per cubic metre! Kiln dried oak logs are denser, with hotter, longer burn times, plus they have antifungal properties, making them highly sought after for larger homes and by pizzerias with wood fired ovens! We also sell mixed alder and birch logs - ideal bulk buys as they are lower in price and still do a great job.

No, but they produce less smoke, debris and emissions than seasoned logs, which means that they are healthier to use in the home around family members and pets. As our kiln dried hardwood logs don’t contain as much moisture, every log burns more efficiently, and the flame is crisper brighter than seasoned logs. . This reduces the risks of respiratory related illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma which can be exacerbated by wet logs that create more smoke and release more pollutants.

Yes. The reduced water content results in a longer lasting burn and this means that the temperature of the wood gets hotter. The kiln drying process removes any excess water from the wood, which means that more energy is available to produce heat. However, the performance does depend on the species of wood, the kiln drying process itself and where you store the logs once delivered. You can rest assured that all of our kiln dried logs meet the highest quality assurance standards, producing a hotter flame and a greater heat output.

Kiln dried logs are known to burn longer than air-dried or non-dried wood, but what many people don’t realise is that burn time often comes down to the type of wood you use. Our hardwood kiln dried oak logs and ash logs are denser, therefore, from an energy output perspective, more efficient. They reduce smoke and creosote build-up, are less prone to cracking and splitting and they produce longer burn times and fewer emissions.

Yes, as the kiln drying process removes any excess water from the wood, in turn it reduces creosote, soot and tar emissions during burning. When used in fireplaces, creosote and soot can cause chimney fires and also stick to your chimney. Wet wood can also damage your chimney as tar can accumulate over long periods of time, and this is also a fire risk. The good news is, our kiln dried logs produce lower emissions, which means less debris and chimney build up, helping reduce chimney cleaning costs and maintenance.

When you burn wet wood, it can result in chimney build-up and health issues caused by excessive smoke. Fortunately, you can test your logs with a wood moisture metre. These devices are relatively cheap to buy, and they work by measuring the resistance of the wood, showing any trapped water in the logs. Trapped water shows up with salts and nutrients and these elements allow electrons to flow seamlessly through the water, thus conducting electricity. Simply insert the metal electrodes from the metre into the wood and the device gauges remaining water, giving you the moisture content reading.

Yes. The UK’s Clean Air Strategy is helping to reduce the sale of fuels that have a detrimental effect on the environment. Initiatives such as the Woodsure Ready to Burn scheme ensures that all wood products now meet quality standards. Kiln dried logs can reduce emissions and climate pollution, having a positive impact on long-term health and our planet. In addition, all of our kiln dried wood comes from sustainable forestry practices, as part of our commitment to help to preserve and protect wildlife, forestry ecosystems and biodiversity.