As the cold months roll in, we here at Somerlap know you’ll be thinking about how to keep cosy. Our Kiln Dried Hardwood Logs are perfect for keeping you toasty and warm this winter.
Kiln dried logs burn incredibly efficiently – giving you more heat and less mess. We’ve put together this guide to help you when purchasing kiln dried logs.
What is the difference between seasoned logs and kiln dried logs?
The crucial difference between these two types of logs is the process by which they are dried. The process of being dried in a kiln quickly removes the moisture from kiln dried logs, whereas seasoned logs are left to naturally release their moisture – sometimes over a period of several years.
There are several advantages to purchasing kiln dried logs instead of seasoned firewood:
- Kiln dried hardwood logs make fantastic firewood, as the lower moisture content creates more heat and generates a cleaner burn.
- Kiln dried logs are ready to burn immediately.
- Kiln dried logs can be bought when needed, reducing the need to store large quantities of logs.
You can also add hardwood logs to a fire that is already burning, as they will help sustain the fire – even if the other logs are not made from hardwood.
What to look out for when buying kiln dried logs
If you’re on the lookout for top quality kiln dried hardwood logs, there are several things to pay attention to when making your purchase.
What type of wood is being used?
There are several different hardwoods used in the making of our kiln dried logs: birch, beech, ash, oak, and chestnut.
We use a mixture of woods because their different properties provide different advantages. Woods like birch catch fire and produce heat quickly, while other woods – like oak – burn more slowly and provide heat for longer.
Is the wood from a sustainable source?
If a log supplier provides information about the wood their kiln dried logs are made of – including where it is sourced from – chances are high that this means the wood is top quality.
Our Kiln Dried Hardwood Logs are sourced from an FSC certified forest in Wales. FSC certified forests are sustainably managed, so you can rest assured that the logs you purchase from us were responsibly sourced by eco-friendly means.
What is the moisture content?
Low moisture content is key to getting the best from kiln dried wood. The lower the moisture content of firewood, the better it burns. The process of kiln drying logs means that the moisture content of the wood can be brought down to a specific level.
Our kiln dried hardwood logs have been specially dried to bring them to a moisture content level of less than 20%.
What quantity of logs do you need?
It can be difficult to compare how much wood is in a bag. Different suppliers use different measurements and stack their wood in different ways. Our kiln dried hardwood logs are available in the following quantities:
- 80L Bag
- Half Loose 1m³ Dumpy Bag
- Full Loose 1m³ Dumpy Bag
Log sizes can vary, so you may want to make sure they will fit in your wood burner and log store before ordering. All our logs are a suitable size for use in most log burners.
How to store the logs
Our kiln dried wood is guaranteed to have a maximum moisture content of 20%. Because of this they are less likely to take on additional moisture in storage than unseasoned wood, but you still need to store the logs correctly to ensure they stay in the best condition.
- Keep the logs sheltered: A sheltered place is ideal for storing your kiln dried wood. If you are storing your logs outside, you need to keep them protected from moisture whilst ensuring they are never sealed completely, as air flow is essential.
- Keep air flow around your logs: To encourage air flow around your logs, keep your logs away from moist ground. Avoid stacking them up against a wall or placing them on grass, as air won’t be able to flow and the logs can become damp.
- Purchase a log store: A log store is the ideal place to store your logs correctly. Our Standard Log Store and Economy Log Store make great options. Both keep logs off the ground, protect them from the elements, and include slats to promote air flow.
Top tip: For best results, bring your kiln dried logs indoors for a short time before you burn them. This helps to reduce the moisture content even more, for a much cleaner burn. A simple wicker basket is great for storing logs inside.
Somerlap are here to help you keep cosy in the colder months
If you want to enjoy a crackling fire this winter, we’ve got you covered here at Somerlap. We supply a wide range of timber and firewood, including our top quality Kiln Dried Hardwood Logs. For any enquiries, contact us today to find out more, or pay us a visit at our site in Mark, Somerset.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8.00am – 4.30pm | Saturday: 8.00am – 12.30pm | Closed all bank holidays