A roaring fire symbolises warmth, comfort, and innate homeliness. While we, as a company that supplies kiln dried logs, might emphasise the perks of a fire on a cold winter's day, it's hard to deny that a well-maintained and correctly fuelled log burner makes for a wonderful addition.
On the other hand, wet, mouldy, and soft logs can seriously dampen what should otherwise be a comforting experience. We've all done it—wondered why on earth we don't use the branches from the garden or the chopped-up piece of old oak that has been messily dismembered by an axe. However, those whose thoughts on this very subject have led to action would be the first to admit it's largely going to be a bad idea.
Even logs purchased from many different suppliers who claim quality can often end up sub-par when paired with a suspiciously low cost. Air-dried logs are especially hard to maintain to a good and burnable standard when produced on a commercial scale.
It is commonplace to find logs on sale at a low cost, presenting many with what looks like the deal of the century. However, it is common that after stacking your boot with misshapen chunks and moss seeping out of the cracks, you realize a mistake has been made. This becomes more pronounced later when the fire you had anticipated turns into a spitting, smoky mess instead of the sought-after roaring and crackling furnace everyone hopes for.
Elevating Your Fire: The Kiln Dried Log Advantage
Quality low moisture logs are the foundation of an exceptional fire with ultimate burn quality. This is why, at Heritage Products, we exclusively offer Kiln Dried Logs. Quality is paramount for our customers, and naturally, it is equally crucial for us. Kiln dried logs are the ace in the pack, making the comparison to cheap air-dried logs akin to comparing number cards to an ace.
The contrast is stark. Kiln dried logs represent cleaner burning, hotter burning, and efficient burning for your wood-burner. Having previously stocked air-dried logs and experiencing the benefits of kiln dried logs, we will never go back. In fact, we only needed to hear the feedback from our customers regarding the comparison between our kiln dried variant and our old-school air-dried logs.
What are Kiln Dried Logs?
So, what exactly are kiln dried logs? A kiln dried log, as the name suggests, undergoes the drying system in a kiln at high temperatures. In this process, the kiln creates a dry and warm environment that extracts the unwanted moisture from the wood, creating an ideal product for burning.
The lower moisture content is the key here. Consequently, it ensures a drier piece of wood that maximizes your wood-burner's heat output. Moisture is the enemy of a fire trying to generate heat, constantly working against the desired temperature. Therefore, lower moisture content allows for efficient and clean burning.
Additionally, excess moisture, mould, and related issues lead to increased smoke production. You might wonder why this matters with a chimney in place. However, consider the potential cost of a chimney fire. Using kiln dried logs can significantly reduce tar and soot build-up in the chimney, which can pose safety concerns. Still, we recommend that our customers have their chimneys inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep every 6 months.
While kiln dried logs might have a higher cost compared to air-dried alternatives, we firmly believe they represent the superior choice for customers seeking a consistently comforting fire as we approach the winter months. Furthermore, with minimal downsides and a plethora of advantages, we proudly endorse kiln dried logs as a product. So, prepare your logs and kindling to keep your home toasty this winter!
Log Season Approaches
Log season has nearly begun. As the days start to grow shorter and the chill in the air becomes more pronounced, we're reminded that log season is just around the corner. Soon, we'll be trading our lightweight summer attire for cosy sweaters and scarves, and our thoughts will turn to the warm embrace of a crackling fire. While we're not quite there yet, it won't be long before we're well and truly in winter.
To prepare you for the months ahead, we've put together this comprehensive guide to kiln dried logs, the secret ingredient to a perfect fire. Whether you're a seasoned fire enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of wood-burning, our guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to make the most of your wood-burning stove or fireplace.
In this guide, we'll delve into the advantages of kiln dried logs over traditional seasoned logs. Additionally, we'll explore the different types of wood available and provide practical tips for lighting and maintaining a roaring fire. Moreover, we'll address some common questions about storing and using kiln dried logs to ensure you have a warm and cosy log season ahead.
So, as we await the arrival of log season, let's embark on this journey together and discover the magic of kiln dried logs. Whether you're curling up with a good book, sharing stories with loved ones, or simply savouring the ambiance of a glowing fire, we're here to help you create the perfect fireside experience.
A Guide to Making the Perfect Fire
To ensure you have the best fire possible in your wood-burner this winter, we have some top tips for your fire-making process. Lighting a fire isn't difficult, and maintaining it isn't either, but there are many small things that can make your fires efficient that may be overlooked.
Fire Starting Top Tips:
For Wood-Burning Stoves:
- Preparation: Before lighting your wood burning stove, start by cleaning out any ash and ashpan residue. Ensure the vents for the flue are open to allow proper air circulation, and open the stove door to provide adequate ventilation.
- Kindling and Newspaper: To kickstart the fire, roll up newspaper and place it at the back of the stove on top of the fire grates. This newspaper will ignite quickly, producing intense heat and promoting upward airflow.
- Kindling and Fire Lighters: Add a generous amount of kindling on top of the newspaper, creating a small, stable structure. Position a couple of our wax fire lighters within the kindling pile, as these will help ignite the wood more effectively.
- Closing the Door: Once the kindling is burning well and the flames are strong, carefully close the stove door. This step allows the fire to develop and establish a robust burn.
- Adding Kiln Dried Logs: Finally, introduce a few of our kiln dried logs to the fire. These logs are specially designed to ignite easily and burn efficiently due to their low moisture content. Their clean, hot burn will contribute to a well-sized, well-heated fire that graces your living room with warmth and comfort. Avoid overloading the stove with too many logs, as this can stifle heat production during the initial stages of burning.
For Open Fires:
- Solid Foundations: Creating a solid base is key to mastering an open fire. Begin by using newspaper or a fire lighter as the foundation. Place this base at the centre of your fireplace.
- Kindling and Fire Lighters: Layer kindling on top of the newspaper or fire lighter, creating a tee-pee shape to allow proper oxygen circulation. Position a fire lighter or two within the kindling structure.
- Introducing Kiln Dried Logs: Once your kindling is well-lit and producing heat, it's time to add a couple of smaller kiln dried logs. These logs will ensure efficient airflow and a hot, consistent burn.
- Avoid Overloading: While it's essential to keep your fire well-fuelled, avoid the temptation to overload it with logs. Maintaining a fire with three or four logs burning at once provides sufficient fuel for a robust, hot fire with maximum heat output.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your wood-burner or open fireplace provides you with the perfect blaze to keep you warm and cosy throughout the winter season.
Kiln Dried Logs: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Moisture Content of Our Kiln Dried Logs?
- Our kiln dried logs have a moisture content of between 8-12%, well below the 20% moisture content required by Woodsure. All our logs are Woodsure Ready, and “ready to burn”.
How Long Are They?
- All our logs are cut to 25cm (9 ¾”) lengths, with some logs varying by +/- 10%.
What Diameter Are They?
- The diameter of our logs ranges from 5 -15cm (2 – 6”), allowing for a variance of +/- 10%.
What Species of Wood Are Your Logs?
- All our firewood is beech. Beech logs are an energy-dense hardwood known for its excellent heat output.
How Many Logs Do I Need for Winter?
Calculations depend on your stove's size and usage. As a rough guide for a 5-kWh stove with a 70% efficiency rating during the heating season from 1st October to 28th February:
- Occasional use (3 evenings a week burning for 3 hours): 1-2 m3 of loose logs
- Every Evening (burning for 3 hours): 3-4m3 of loose logs
- All day (burning for 8 hours a day): 8-9m3 of loose logs
(Please note that this guide serves as general advice. For personalised guidance specific to your stove, we recommend consulting your stove manufacturers, who can provide tailored recommendations).
How Many Kiln Dried Logs Are in a Bulk Bag?
- Bulk Bag 1.2m3 - Approximately 400 Logs
- Bulk Bag 0.9m3 - Approximately 300 Logs
- Barrow Bag 0.250m3 - Approximately 80 Logs
- Net 0.03m3 - Approximately 10 logs
Energy Density of Wood:
- All our logs are beech, which makes it easy to calculate the calorific value of a cubic meter of our wood. Specifically, a solid m3 with no air gaps is equivalent to 2,450 K/WH of energy. To determine the loose, unstacked volume, simply divide by 2.5, resulting in 980 KWH per m3.
What is the Biggest Log I Can Put into My Log Burner?
- Logs for your wood-burner should not exceed half the size of the firebox, as larger logs can obstruct airflow and heat flow, slowing down the burning rate.
Do Kiln Dried Logs Smoke?
- Yes, when our logs burn, they produce smoke, but it's not excessive. Once the fire reaches its optimal temperature, smoke production should be minimal.
What's the Difference Between Kiln Dried and Seasoned/Air Dried Wood?
- Air-dried logs (or seasoned) naturally dry over time with protection from rain and good airflow. This process can take a year or two depending on the wood species, but quality consistency can be challenging.
- Kiln dried logs, on the other hand, are mechanically dried in a kiln, usually an adapted shipping container attached to a boiler. The kiln blows hot air over the logs for about 7 days, reducing moisture from 60-70% to approximately 8-20%. This efficient method ensures consistent quality and meets customer demand.
How to Store Logs for Your Wood-Burner:
- Storing kiln dried logs for your wood-burner is straightforward. For optimal burn quality, keep them indoors in a warm, dry environment. While good airflow helps, there's no need for a dedicated log store. However, if you must store them outside, consider using a wood store to protect the logs from moisture and the elements. Ensure logs are elevated to prevent moisture absorption.
Does Kiln Dried Wood Smell?
- One of the key benefits of kiln dried logs is their lack of odour. The logs are heated to around 100 degrees for about 7 days, eliminating bacteria and bugs responsible for odours. Unlike seasoned logs, kiln dried logs are virtually odourless.
Why is the Moisture Content of Your Logs Important?
- The moisture content significantly impacts how well logs burn. Specifically, green wood contains a substantial amount of water, making it challenging to burn efficiently. Therefore, wood with moisture content below 20%, as our logs have, is recommended for optimal performance.
Do I Need to Stack the Logs to Let Them Dry Out?
- Our logs are kiln dried to below 20% moisture content and are ready to burn. There's no need for additional seasoning or stacking to further dry them.
How to Check the Moisture Content of a Log:
You can check wood moisture content using two main methods:
Method 1: Moisture Meter: This device measures the resistance between two pins inserted into the wood, with resistance changing based on moisture content. It's the most accurate method.
Method 2: Weight: Weigh the wood, dry it in an oven until all moisture is gone, and weigh it again. The difference in weight determines moisture content.
Are Kiln Dried Logs Suitable for Pizza Ovens?
- Yes, our logs are perfect for pizza ovens. Furthermore, their low moisture content results in hot, minimal-smoke burning, which is ideal for cooking delicious pizzas. Additionally, all our logs are beech, a dense hardwood with a high calorific value, helping to reach the required higher temperatures.
Do I still need to have my chimney swept?
- Absolutely! Even though our Kiln Dried Logs offer a cleaner burn, they can still lead to the formation of soot and tar. The recommended practice is to schedule chimney sweeping and cleaning twice a year. For more insights on chimney maintenance, we invite you to explore our blog - 'The Secret to a Cosy and Safe Fireplace' which provides valuable advice on caring for your chimney.
How Are Logs Delivered?
- Locally, we deliver logs loose in our transit tipper van and in bulk bags using our 18T Crane Lorry. For national deliveries, we use the national pallet network, offering only bulk bags. National deliveries require fairly flat hard-standing drives, as their pump trucks cannot operate on loose gravel, grass, or steep inclines/declines. If you anticipate access issues, please contact us for further guidance. Click here to read our Delivery Information Page.
In Conclusion
The quality of your firewood profoundly impacts your wood-burning stove or fireplace's performance and efficiency. Kiln dried logs offer numerous advantages over air-dried or seasoned logs, including cleaner burning, higher heat output, and lower moisture content.
Investing in kiln dried logs not only guarantees a warmer, cosier living space during winter but also contributes to the safety and longevity of your wood-burning appliance. With proper storage and fire-starting techniques, enjoy hassle-free fires that burn efficiently and economically.
At Heritage Products, we take pride in offering top-quality kiln dried logs, that are ready to burn. We understand the importance of choosing the right firewood. As temperatures drop and you seek the warmth and ambiance of a fire, opt for kiln dried logs for a superior burning experience.
Remember, the key to a perfect fire lies not only in the quality of your logs but also in how you build and maintain your fire. With a solid foundation of kindling, the right number of logs, and proper air circulation, relish the warmth and ambiance of a well-tended fire all winter.
Stay warm, stay cosy, and savour the beauty of a crackling fire with Heritage Products' kiln dried logs. If you have questions or need firewood selection guidance, reach out to our knowledgeable team. We're here to enhance your wood-burning experience.
Thank you for choosing Heritage Products for your firewood needs. We look forward to serving you this heating season and beyond.
Ready to Elevate Your Fires with Kiln Dried Logs?
- Premium Kiln Dried Logs: Elevate your fireplace experience with these high-quality kiln dried logs that provide efficient burning and maximum warmth.
- Ecoal: Experience environmentally friendly burning with Ecoal, a sustainable alternative that produces less smoke and more heat.
- Kindling Bundles: Make fire-starting a breeze with these convenient kindling bundles, perfect for getting your fires roaring quickly.
With the right fuel products, you can create a cosy atmosphere while enjoying efficient and sustainable heating during the colder months.
