Eco Kiln Dried Logs Vs Traditionally Seasoned Firewood

There's no denying the charm of a wood-burning stove, the crackling sound of logs burning, the mesmerizing dance of flames, and the comforting warmth that envelops the room — However, when it comes to choosing the best firewood for your home, not all logs are created equal.

What is seasoning of firewood?

Enter the world of seasoned versus kiln dried logs, (otherwise known as forced seasoned logs). What exactly sets these firewood types apart? Let's delve into the distinct advantages of kiln dried logs over their conventional counterparts.

The key difference between seasoned wood and kiln dried wood lies in the drying process. Seasoning is a traditional method of drying wood, where split and cut logs are left to dry naturally in a pile over time. It’s a simple process you can do at home if you have a sheltered wood store.

Kiln drying is also known as forced seasoning, where these split and cut logs are dried in essentially a very large oven.

One drawback of seasoned wood is its inconsistency. There’s a risk that the wood may not dry evenly, especially if you’ve seasoned it yourself. This can result in fires that are harder to ignite and more challenging to maintain, read more detail below.

Additionally, the higher moisture content in seasoned wood can lead to less efficient burning. As a result, you may find yourself using more logs compared to other types of fuel.

Also what is "Wet Wood"?

Logs that have only recently been split and cut and not left to dry over time in a suitably constructed log pile, or force dried in a kiln, are 'Wet'.

'Recent' depends on the type of wood, for soft woods this is anything up to less than a year. For species like Oak, it is 4-5 years.

So assuming your logs are not 'wet' how do kiln dried logs compare to seasoned firewood? 

1. Higher Heat Output: logs that have been kiln dried have typically significantly reduced moisture content, as a result kiln dried logs burn hotter and more efficiently than green or seasoned logs. This means you'll need fewer logs to produce the same amount of heat, ensuring a warmer home with less effort and lower costs. Logs with a 20% moisture content are the legal minimum, lower is ideal for maximum efficiency. (Note: typically Log Club firewood leaves our site between 5-10% moisture, wrapped in plastic to prevent any moisture absorption).

2. Longer Burn Time: Kiln dried logs offer a longer and more consistent burn time, thanks to their consistent drying process. They burn steadily, reducing the need for constant reloading, making your firewood last longer and offering far better value for money.

3. Cleaner Burn: Happier neighbours! The consistent low moisture level of kiln dried firewood means fewer impurities, resulting in a far cleaner burn. In real terms this means less creosote buildup in your chimney or flue, reducing the risk of chimney fires and ensuring better air quality in your home. It prevents blackening the glass of your stove, which can be a common issue when burning wet wood. It significantly reduces the pm2.5 particulate matter that can be found in the emissions from other forms of firewood, meaning less smoke and reduced undesirable smells for your close neighbours.

4. Easier to Light: There's nothing more frustrating than struggling to get your fire started. Thanks to their dry nature, our kiln dried logs are dried to the perfect moisture content, making them ignite far more easily, ensuring a quick start to your fire.

5. Cost-Effective: While kiln dried firewood might in some cases come at a slightly higher initial cost, its higher heat output you'll end up using less wood over time. This can translate to significant savings in the long run, especially for those who frequently use their wood-burning stoves and using the log club subscription! Dryer logs take up less space, and weigh much less, meaning you're getting more usable wood, thats easier to handle, all in the same-sized bag than with wetter logs.

6. Environmentally Friendly: Some individuals go for naturally seasoned logs for the reason that the drying process for the majority of the kiln dried logs in the UK is not particularly environmentally friendly versus natural seasoning. However log.club has changed all of that by pioneering new drying technologies, that consume less than 5% of the energy of alternative solutions, using only waste materials (bark, sawdust and chippings).  Opting for eco kiln dried logs from log.club is a sustainable choice, our sites run 365 days a year using 100% self generated renewable energy. The faster drying time means a reliable supply of dry wood year-round, and fewer trees are cut down unnecessarily, ensuring that the ecological and environmental benefits of kiln dried wood are fully realised, even when seasoned wood has run out.

7. Fewer Pests: The kiln drying process ensures that any pests or fungi present in the wood are eliminated. This not only offers a healthier option but also ensures you aren’t inadvertently bringing any unwanted guests into your home when burning kiln dried firewood.

8. Compact Storage: Given their reduced moisture content, kiln dried logs are less bulky and take up less storage space compared to seasoned or green wood. This is particularly beneficial for those with limited storage options who want to ensure their dried wood stays dry.

To get the most out of your wood-burning stoves, it's crucial to use firewood with the correct moisture content, ideally around 20% or lower. A moisture meter can help you measure this accurately and avoid the common mistake of trying to burn wet wood, which not only burns inefficiently but also leads to excess smoke and creosote buildup.

Freedom Logs from log.club

While the market offers various options for firewood for sale, our unique 'Freedom' eco kiln dried logs emerge as the top choice for those seeking efficiency, safety, and value for money. So, the next time you find yourself searching for "logs for sale near me," consider making the switch to eco kiln dried logs from log.club for a superior guilt free wood-burning experience.

However, as stated not all logs are created equal, it’s important that you only buy logs from organisations that with Woodsure and/or HETAS quality assurance certification to guarantee their quality.