When it comes to choosing firewood, there are several options available. Setting aside man-made fuel types (that’s a conversation for another day!), the main contenders for firewood are kiln-dried logs and seasoned (or air-dried) wood.
The type of firewood you choose makes a significant difference in terms of efficiency, heat output, and cleanliness. So, if you’re debating between kiln-dried and seasoned firewood, understanding the key differences can help you make the best decision for your home.
What’s the Key Difference?
Kiln-Dried Firewood
Kiln-dried firewood is wood that has been dried in a specially designed kiln to bring its moisture content down to very low levels—typically between 10-20%. This controlled drying process offers many benefits, making kiln-dried wood the top choice for burning. Here’s why:
Easy to Light: Kiln-dried wood ignites quickly because it’s so dry, saving you time and hassle when starting a fire.
Hotter Burn: The lower moisture content allows it to burn much hotter, providing more heat from each log.
Clean Burn: With less moisture, it produces significantly less smoke and virtually no creosote buildup, keeping your chimney cleaner and safer.
Seasoned Firewood
Seasoned wood, or air-dried wood, is left to dry naturally over time, usually for six months to a year. While it loses moisture during this process, seasoned wood still retains more water than kiln-dried logs, making it less reliable for burning. This is because the air-drying process is unpredictable—it depends on factors like airflow, weather conditions, and how the wood is stacked.
With seasoned wood:
Higher Moisture Content: It can contain anywhere from 20-30% moisture, making it harder to ignite and less efficient.
Inconsistent Drying: Because it's dried naturally, the moisture content can vary between logs, leading to unpredictable burning results.
More Smoke: More moisture means more smoke, which can create creosote buildup in your chimney and require more frequent cleaning.
A Note on UK Firewood Legislation
It’s important to mention that in the UK, it is illegal to sell firewood with a moisture content higher than 20% (unless it's sold in quantities over 2 cubic meters). Some companies use this loophole to sell wood that doesn’t meet the moisture requirements. This is something to be aware of when purchasing firewood, as higher moisture levels mean less efficient burning and more smoke.
Which Type of Firewood is Best for You?
We may be a bit biased, but the answer largely depends on why you’re lighting your fire in the first place.
For Maximum Heat and Efficiency: If you’re looking for the most heat with the least effort, kiln-dried firewood is undoubtedly the best option. Yes, it may be more expensive upfront, but you’ll burn fewer logs overall and get much more heat from each one. Plus, the ease of lighting, clean burn, and minimal smoke make it a hassle-free choice.
For Occasional Fires: If you're only burning the occasional fire and don’t mind the extra effort of lighting seasoned wood or dealing with more smoke, seasoned firewood might seem like the cheaper option. Just keep in mind that you may need to use more logs to achieve the same heat output.
Why Kiln-Dried Firewood is Worth the Investment
Although kiln-dried firewood is a bit pricier than seasoned wood, it delivers more value in the long run. Here’s why:
You use less wood because of its higher efficiency.
Each log gives off more heat, making your fire more effective.
It burns cleaner with far less smoke, keeping your home’s air quality cleaner and reducing the need for frequent chimney sweeps.
It's easy to store indoors because it’s bug-free and mould-free due to the kiln-drying process.
Conclusion: Choose Kiln-Dried Firewood for a Better Burn
In the end, if you want a reliable, consistent, and hotter fire, kiln-dried firewood is the clear choice. It may cost a little more, but the benefits in terms of performance, ease of use, and overall efficiency make it well worth the investment.
Ready to experience the difference? Order your kiln-dried firewood today and enjoy a cleaner, hotter, and more efficient fire every time.
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