Firewood FAQs: Buying, Storing and Burning Logs in the UK

Kiln dried firewood is wood dried in a controlled kiln to remove excess moisture. Controlled temperature and airflow make the drying process more consistent than outdoor seasoning. Properly kiln dried logs are easier to light, produce more useful heat and generally create less smoke and soot than wet wood.

Firewood should have a moisture content of 20% or less before it is burned. Drier logs normally ignite more easily and burn more efficiently because less energy is used to evaporate water from the wood.

Ready to Burn is a UK fuel certification scheme confirming that firewood meets the required moisture standard. In England, wood sold in quantities below two cubic metres must be Ready to Burn certified. The certification relates to fuel quality and is separate from whether an appliance is approved for use in a Smoke Control Area.

Kiln dried firewood is dried in a controlled environment, while seasoned firewood is naturally air-dried over time. Both can burn well when their moisture content is 20% or less, but the word seasoned does not by itself guarantee that the logs are dry enough to burn.

In most domestic situations, moisture content has a greater effect on burning performance than species alone. Wet logs waste energy by evaporating water, can smoulder and may create excessive smoke, soot and deposits in the flue.

Kiln dried logs normally provide more useful heat than wet logs because less energy is lost evaporating moisture. Actual heat output also depends on the stove, chimney draw, airflow settings, log size and fuel loading.

Neither is automatically better in every situation. Dry softwood can be useful for quick ignition and a lively flame, while dense hardwood is often preferred for sustained heat and longer intervals between refuelling.

The best firewood is dry, clean, untreated, correctly sized for the appliance and permitted by the stove manufacturer. Dense hardwoods such as oak, beech and hornbeam are popular for regular domestic heating.

Oak is commonly selected for a long, steady burn and a durable ember bed. Beech is a versatile all-round firewood with consistent heat and flame. Hornbeam is particularly dense and can provide strong, sustained heat when burned correctly.

Yes. Mixing species can make a fire easier to control. Smaller or lighter logs can help establish the fire, while denser hardwood can be added once the stove and flue are hot.

Burn time is affected by wood density, moisture content, log size, exposed surface area, stove temperature, chimney draw and airflow. Small split logs usually burn faster, while larger dense logs tend to burn more slowly once fully established.

Compare the usable quantity of wood rather than relying only on the package name. Check whether the volume is stacked or loose-filled, the internal dimensions, log size, species, moisture content, delivery charges and certification.

No. A stacked cubic metre, loose cubic metre and solid cubic metre are different measurements. Air gaps between logs can make apparently similar offers contain significantly different quantities of actual wood.

The amount depends on property size, insulation, local weather, stove efficiency, hours of use, preferred indoor temperature and the type and dryness of the logs. Recording consumption during a typical cold week is the most reliable way to estimate future requirements.

Choose logs that fit comfortably inside the firebox while leaving room for air circulation. Check the appliance manual for the recommended maximum log length because the door opening, firebricks and loading position reduce the usable space.

Yes, provided they were supplied dry, remained protected from moisture and are suitable for the appliance. If there is any doubt, split a representative log and test the freshly exposed centre with a moisture meter.

Store firewood under cover in a well-ventilated location, raised above the ground and protected from rain. Allow air to move through the sides of the stack and avoid placing logs directly against damp walls.

Only bring a modest quantity into the living area at one time, typically enough for the next day or two. The main supply should remain in a dry, ventilated outdoor log store away from ignition sources.

Yes. Kiln drying does not make wood waterproof. Logs exposed to prolonged rain, damp floors or trapped condensation can absorb moisture and should be allowed to dry with good airflow before burning.

Split several representative logs and press the meter pins into the centre of the freshly exposed face. Test logs from different parts of the delivery or stack and compare several readings. The target is 20% moisture or less.

A top-down fire works well in many modern stoves. Place larger dry logs at the bottom, smaller logs above them, then dry kindling and a suitable firelighter near the top. Always follow the lighting instructions supplied with the appliance.

Hissing, bubbling ends or visible moisture usually indicate that the logs contain too much water. The fire is using energy to evaporate moisture instead of producing useful heat.

Common causes include wet firewood, insufficient airflow, low firebox temperature, closing the air controls too early, overloading, poor chimney draw or maintenance problems. Dry fuel helps, but the stove must also be operated correctly.

Excessive smoke can result from wet wood, a cold flue, restricted airflow, poor chimney draw, unsuitable fuel, incorrect refuelling or inadequate maintenance. Persistent smoke suggests inefficient combustion and should be investigated.

A chimney serving a wood-burning stove or open fire should normally be swept at least once a year. More frequent sweeping may be appropriate when the appliance is used heavily or deposits build up quickly.

Do not burn painted, stained or pressure-treated timber, MDF, chipboard, plywood, laminate, old furniture, construction waste, plastics, household rubbish, wet wood or liquid accelerants. Burn only fuels approved by the appliance manufacturer.

Wood may be burned in a Smoke Control Area only when the applicable rules are met. In England, ordinary wood must be used in an appropriate Defra-exempt appliance and in accordance with the appliance conditions and manufacturer instructions.

Ordinary firewood generally cannot be burned on an open fire in a Smoke Control Area because it is not an authorised smokeless fuel. Check the rules with your local authority before burning.

There is no UK-wide ban on existing wood-burning stoves. Owners must still comply with current Smoke Control Area rules, appliance requirements, building regulations and local nuisance legislation.

The legal requirement for firewood sold in quantities below two cubic metres to carry Ready to Burn certification applies specifically to England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate environmental and smoke-control frameworks.

Yes. Persistent smoke, odour or suspected unlawful burning can be reported to the local authority. Dry fuel does not remove the responsibility to operate the appliance correctly and avoid causing a nuisance.

They can be suitable for many appliances, but compatibility must be checked. For cooking, use clean, untreated wood suitable for food preparation. Local smoke and nuisance rules may also apply to outdoor burning.

Wood burning is not emission-free. Its wider environmental impact depends on woodland management, processing, transport, moisture content, appliance efficiency and how often the appliance is used. Burning dry wood correctly reduces smoke compared with wet wood but does not eliminate emissions.

Timports supplies kiln dried hardwood logs, including beech, oak and hornbeam, in a range of packaging formats. Current product availability, log dimensions, moisture specifications and delivery terms should be checked on the relevant product page.

Timports offers UK delivery on its kiln dried firewood range. Exact coverage, delivery method, access requirements and any regional surcharges should be confirmed during checkout or before ordering.

Check the species, moisture content, certification, log dimensions, package measurements, whether the volume is stacked or loose, delivery method, access requirements, surcharges, storage space and compatibility with your appliance.