If you use a log burner or open fire, seasoned logs for log burners are the difference between a cosy evening and a smoky, disappointing burn. Dry logs light faster, give more heat, and keep your stove and chimney cleaner. Wet logs do the opposite, and they cost you more because you burn through them quicker. HETAS+1
At CW Services Shropshire Ltd, we get asked this a lot, especially when the temperature drops and everyone reaches for the kindling. So let’s break down what seasoned actually means, why the 20% number matters, and how to make sure the logs you buy stay dry at home.
What does seasoned actually mean
Freshly cut wood can hold a surprising amount of water. It is common for newly felled logs to sit around the 50% moisture mark. Seasoning is simply the drying process that brings that moisture down to a level where the log burns properly. HETAS
As a rule of thumb, you want logs at 20% moisture or less. That is the point where you get good heat, less smoke, and less soot. HETAS+1
Why moisture content changes everything
Here’s the thing. A fire has one job, convert fuel into heat. When the log is wet, the fire wastes energy boiling off water first. As a result, the burn runs cooler and dirtier.
That leads to a few problems:
- Less heat into your room, even if you load the stove
- More smoke and soot
- More tar like deposits in the flue, which increases chimney fire risk over time HETAS+1
So if your burner feels sluggish, or the glass blackens quickly, damp logs are often the culprit.
Ready to Burn rules in England
In England, there are specific rules around selling firewood for domestic use. If wood fuel is supplied in volumes under 2 cubic metres, it must be certified as Ready to Burn, which means 20% moisture content or less. GOV.UK+1
For customers, this is useful because it gives you a simple check when you are choosing a supplier. You can also look up suppliers via the Ready to Burn scheme. Ready to Burn+1
How to tell if your logs are properly dry
You can guess, but it is better to check.
Use a moisture meter
A small moisture meter is the quickest answer. Split a log, then test the freshly exposed face in the centre. Aim for 20% or less. HETAS+1
Look for the classic signs
These are helpful, although not perfect:
- Visible end cracks
- Lighter weight than expected
- A sharper clack when you knock two logs together
If you want confidence, use the meter.
Storing logs at home so they stay dry
Even the best seasoned logs can pick up moisture again if you store them badly. Thankfully, storage is simple.
Do this:
- Keep logs off the ground on a pallet or rack
- Cover the top, but leave the sides open for airflow
- Store in a breezy spot, not a sealed shed corner
- Bring a small batch indoors 24 to 48 hours before burning
Also, avoid wrapping a whole pile in a tarp. It traps damp air and can undo all the good drying work.
Seasoned vs kiln dried: what should you choose
Seasoned logs have air dried over time. Kiln dried logs dry faster in a controlled process. In both cases, the key measure is still the same: 20% moisture content or less. DEFRA UK Air+1
If you want a quick, clean burn with minimal fuss, kiln dried often performs well. On the other hand, well seasoned hardwood can be excellent value when stored correctly.
Common mistakes that cause smoky fires
A few patterns show up every winter:
- Burning logs that feel dry outside but are wet inside
- Closing the air down too early, which cools the burn
- Storing logs in a damp garage or unventilated space
- Mixing in treated or painted wood, which you should never burn Tom’s Guide
Fix the fuel first, then fine tune the stove settings.
Need seasoned logs in Shropshire
If you want seasoned logs for log burners and you also want straightforward advice on how to store and use them, CW Services Shropshire Ltd can help. Get in touch for current log availability, sizes, and delivery options.