What is kiln dried firewood? Our guide

Jun 16, 2021

If you’re on the hunt for firewood – whether for home or business use – you’ll have a few different options to choose from. You’ll no doubt have realised that one of the first questions you’ll need to answer will be whether you’re looking for kiln dried logs or seasoned firewood. Everyone has their own personal preference when it comes to firewood, but what exactly is kiln dried firewood? In this guide, we hope we’ll answer all your questions – but if you want to know more, get in touch!

How are kiln dried logs made?

Producing firewood isn’t as simple as cutting down a tree and placing the logs straight on a fire or in a wood burner. The moisture content of fresh wood makes them unlikely to light well or to burn hot and steady – and it would also produce a lot of smoke. That’s why logs are often kiln dried. This process involves cutting logs into the appropriate sizes and removing any that aren’t of a high enough standard, before placing these logs in a kiln to dry them slowly and steadily over the course of a few days. This process removes the majority of the moisture, making kiln dried logs perfect for burning. While freshly cut logs are normally around 60% moisture, the kiln drying process takes them down to 20% moisture or less. There are a few ways you can check at home for moisture content – using a specially designed moisture meter being the most accurate. Some dried logs will also have evidence of cracking thanks to moisture loss, while you can also hear a hollow sound (rather than a dull thud) when hitting two kiln dried logs together.

How is kiln drying different from seasoning?

Kiln dried and seasoned logs are both forms of dried firewood – the only difference is that they are dried in different ways. Seasoned firewood is left to dry naturally, which can take a long time, and which can only be done at certain times depending on the level of moisture in the air. Kiln drying is a far quicker process that can be done all year round – and it is also more successful in reducing the moisture content of the wood to 20% or below.

 

There are a huge number of benefits to choosing kiln dried firewood rather than other types: – Its lower moisture content makes your fire easier to light – You can be sure that the moisture content is low enough to create a strong, steady bur – Because the moisture levels in kiln dried wood are so low, it produces less smoke than other types, making it a great choice for open fires – Kiln drying firewood removes insects, mould, mildew and chemicals like pesticides – No harmful chemicals are used, making it great for the environment – It burns more cleanly, leaving less residue in your flue – meaning your chimney will not need to be cleaned as often – Kiln drying is far quicker than other forms of drying, like seasoning – The wood you buy will be clean enough to store inside your home if needed – Because the moisture content of kiln dried wood is so low, it is lighter than other types of logs, meaning that it can be moved around more easily (from wood stack to fireplace, for example) – You can be sure that the moisture content of the wood you buy will be consistent, thanks to the kiln drying process

Where can I use kiln dried logs?

Kiln dried wood can be used in a whole range of places. Open fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, camp stoves, campfires, wood-fired pizza ovens – the choice is yours! The type of wood you choose may depend on where you plan on burning it. Kiln dried wood comes in two forms – logs and kindling. Its low moisture content means that it can be great to get a fire burning, as well as keeping it burning for longer. While some people buy separate kindling, others split small pieces from their bulk bags of logs to use instead – it’s a fantastic chemical-free alternative to firelighters.

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Which types of wood are used?

Hardwoods are generally more suitable for kiln drying, for a number of reasons. The most popular woods you’ll find are oak, ash, birch, beech and sycamore, although you may find others. Every type of wood will vary in its ease of lighting, its heat output, its burn time and its smell when burning, among other things. It’s important that you find the wood variety that’s right for your needs – or if you want to benefit from the properties and characteristics of a range of woods, choose a mixed wood bag.

How do I store kiln dried logs?

Because of the process, they have gone through, you can be sure that your kiln dried logs will be free from mould, insects and other unwanted additions. That means that they’re perfect for storing either inside or outside the home. However, you’ll want to make sure that the storage space you choose has the perfect conditions: you’ll need an area with low humidity and a good amount of airflow. For this reason, many choose to store theirs in a shed, a garage or a basement, as the conditions are generally perfect. Kiln dried wood needs to be dry when it is burned, so when you’re stacking your logs, ensure that they’re off the ground (on a pallet, for example), and stacked loosely to ensure maximum airflow between the logs. You’ll also want to avoid stacking them right against a fence or a wall so that air can circulate.

Where can I find kiln dried logs for sale?

If you’re looking for kiln dried logs for sale, you’re in the right place! We offer bags of kiln dried logs in a range of sizes, from individual wood types to mixed bags, depending on your needs. To see our full range, browse our website.

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