If you have a woodburning stove or open fire, you’ve probably come across the terms kiln dried logs and seasoned logs. But what’s actually the difference and does it matter which you burn?
The biggest difference comes down to how the logs are dried and their moisture content. Choosing properly dried firewood can make a noticeable difference to how easily your fire lights, how much heat you get from your logs and how cleanly they burn.
What Are Seasoned Logs?
Seasoned logs are pieces of timber that have been left to dry naturally over a period of time, usually outdoors in a well ventilated and covered area.
Depending on the type of timber, how it has been split, storage conditions and the Scottish weather, naturally seasoning logs can take many months or even longer.
Well seasoned firewood can make perfectly good fuel, but its moisture content can vary considerably. Logs that haven't been stored correctly may absorb moisture again, particularly during damp weather.
What Are Kiln Dried Logs?
Kiln dried logs are dried in a controlled kiln environment rather than relying solely on natural air drying.
The controlled drying process removes moisture from the timber much more consistently, producing logs with a low moisture content that are ready to burn.
At Miller Biofuels, our kiln dried firewood is prepared to give customers a reliable, convenient fuel for their wood burning stoves and fires.
Why Does Moisture Content Matter?
Trying to burn wet wood means some of the fire's energy has to be used to evaporate the moisture contained within the log before it can produce useful heat.
This can result in:
- A fire that is more difficult to light
- Less useful heat
- More smoke
- Increased deposits in your stove and flue
- A less efficient burn
Drier logs ignite more easily and burn more efficiently, helping you get more useful heat from your firewood.
Kiln Dried vs Seasoned Logs
Both can be suitable firewood when they are properly dried, but there are some important differences.
Kiln dried logs generally offer a more consistent moisture level and are ready to burn when delivered. The controlled drying process also means you're not relying on months of suitable weather to dry the timber.
Seasoned logs are naturally air dried and can also burn very well when their moisture content is sufficiently low. However, the quality can vary depending on how long they've been seasoned and how they've been stored.
Ultimately, the important factor isn't simply whether a log is labelled seasoned or kiln dried – it's how dry the wood actually is when you burn it.
What About Hardwood and Softwood?
Drying method isn't the same thing as wood type.
Both hardwood and softwood can be kiln dried, and both can make excellent firewood.
Hardwoods tend to be denser and generally provide a longer, steadier burn. Softwoods usually ignite quickly and can produce excellent heat, making them a great option for getting a fire going or for customers who want responsive heat.
Whichever you choose, properly dried wood is key.
How Should You Store Kiln Dried Logs?
Even kiln dried logs need to be stored correctly once they arrive.
Keep your firewood somewhere dry, covered and well ventilated. Ideally, logs should be raised from damp ground with airflow around them.
Avoid completely sealing firewood in plastic for long periods, as trapped condensation can introduce moisture back into the logs.
Which Should You Choose?
If you want firewood that's ready to burn, consistently dry and convenient, kiln dried logs are an excellent choice.
Properly seasoned logs can also be a good fuel, but we'd always recommend knowing the moisture content of the wood you're putting into your stove.
The drier your firewood, the easier it is to light and the more efficiently it can provide heat for your home.
Kiln Dried Firewood from Miller Biofuels
At Miller Biofuels, we supply kiln-dried firewood for homes across Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Glasgow and surrounding areas, with a range of options to suit different households and storage spaces.
Whether your stocking up ahead of winter or simply topping up your log store, ordering early means you'll have dry, ready to burn firewood waiting when the colder weather arrives.
Looking to stock up on kiln dried logs? Browse our firewood range online or contact Miller Biofuels on 01505 842389 and we'll be happy to help.