Why choose Kiln Dried Softwood Over Hardwood?

When it comes to sourcing firewood, not all logs are created equal. There's a common misconception that hardwood is always the better choice. However, the Log Club’s softwood logs might just change your mind. Here’s why.

1. Get More Bang for Your Buck

For those who are always on the hunt for value, log.club’s softwood is the way to go. When processed via our unique drying system, softwood offers more energy for your money than its hardwood counterparts. How do we do it? It’s all about the moisture content. We’re able to reduce moisture levels in softwood to a point that results in higher energy release. While some hardwood suppliers might achieve similar moisture levels, they often need to use significantly higher kiln temperatures, sometimes more than twice as high. That extra heat has to come from somewhere and that extra fuel adds to the cost that you pay, which can add up to to be quite costly for your pocket and the environment.

2. Breathe Easier with Fewer Particulates

Everyone wants a cozy fire, but no one wants the air quality in their home to suffer. Recent tests indicate clearly that our kiln dried softwood produces about 1/5 of the particulates found in kiln dried hardwood. This translates to a cleaner burn, ensuring your indoor air remains as pure as possible.

3. The Science Behind Softwood’s Efficiency

Softwoods have a fascinating “straw-like” cellular structure, called axial tracheid. These vertical cells allow softwoods to rapidly move water from their roots to their uppermost branches. Conveniently, this same structure makes the drying process more energy efficient. Through advanced engineering techniques, we can "suck" out the moisture from these vertical channels, without the need for exorbitant temperatures. In contrast, hardwoods, which have fewer axial tracheids, require significantly more energy to achieve the same level of dryness.

4. Quicker Heat When You Need It

Imagine getting home from a chilly day out, longing for the warmth of a roaring fire. With log.club wood, there’s no long wait! Our softwood logs ignite swiftly, ensuring you don’t have to spend unnecessary time prepping. In our tests, log.club wood resulted in a noticeable room temperature rise just 2 minutes after lighting, while traditional hardwood took a whopping 30 minutes to achieve the same result. We also get there using fewer firelighters, as the logs light so readily, further reducing your costs and prep time. Using your stoves controls to then adjust the burn rate, ensuring that you maintain that heat output for longer with less oxygen from the room drawn into the combustion process.

5. Delving Deeper: The Fundamental Differences Between Hardwood and Softwood

To truly appreciate the advantages of Log.club’s kiln dried softwood, understanding the inherent contrasts between hardwood and softwood is crucial.

• Growth Rate & Density: Softwoods grow faster than hardwoods, making them a more sustainable resource. Due to this rapid growth, they tend to be less dense than hardwoods, which can positively influence their burning characteristics.
• Cellular Structure: As mentioned earlier, softwoods predominantly have axial tracheids - vertical channels that facilitate rapid water movement and, subsequently, more efficient drying. Hardwoods, in contrast, have a maze-like structure made up of fibres, vessels, and parenchyma cells. This makes their drying process more complex and energy-intensive.
• Environmental Impact: Since softwoods grow faster and can be harvested more frequently, they tend to be a more renewable source of wood. This makes choosing softwood from local sustainable sources an environmentally-conscious decision.

In essence, while both hardwoods and softwoods have their unique characteristics and uses, for the purpose of efficient and eco-friendly burning, log.club's choice of kiln dried softwood stands out the most appropriate choice on many levels.

Log.club’s kiln dried softwood is more than just a convenient choice; it’s a smart one. Not only do you get faster heat and a cleaner burn, but you also play a role in promoting sustainable, energy-efficient practices. After all, it's not just about keeping warm; it's about making choices that benefit our planet and our health. Choose log.club wood – for a warmer, cleaner, and greener burn.