Choosing Logs For Your Wood Burner

Before you buy it is important to be aware of the following points regarding choosing the right logs to use for a wood burner. The first thing to know is that logs that are fully seasoned and ready to burn generate more heat than unseasoned wood.

Larch is a conifer with a rapid growth rate that produces moderate heat, but can be infected with Phytophthora Ramorum and is therefore best mixed with other species.

Kiln Dried

If you have a modern Ecodesign wood burning stove or multifuel burner you should choose to select logs that have been kiln dried. This is due to the fact that they burn more hot and have a higher heat output (4-5KW per kilo) than logs which have not been dried kiln-fired. They also burn longer and be much easier to light. They will create a lot less dust that could cause blackening of stove glass and chimney soot/tar in the chimney or flue.

The kiln drying process is a method of removing the moisture out of wood. It could take anywhere from 60 to up to a week for this to occur but once it does the logs are ready to use. This type of wood can be used for open fires indoor wood burners, pizza ovens, as well outdoor BBQs that burn logs and fire pits.

When selecting a provider of kiln-dried logs, it is important to ensure that they are HETAS or Woodsure certified to ensure they meet the highest quality standards. It is also a good idea to select kiln-dried logs that are certified by the FSC certification. This means they were harvested and processed legally.

Kiln dried logs are ready for use immediately after delivery. They will have a moisture content of about 20% and are easy to light. This allows you to relax more in front of the fire.

Kiln dried logs are the ideal choice for your wood burning stove, but you can use seasoned wood that have not been treated. Another benefit of this method is that it will reduce the amount of creosote build-up in your chimney, reducing the chance of a chimney fire as well as the necessity for costly chimney cleaning services.

One of the most popular kinds of kiln dried logs is hornbeam. This is a dense kind of wood that is robust and has a high ember retention. It can produce a great fire and is perfect for those who are exhausted of having to replenish their stoves and wood burners.

Air Dried

When you buy logs for your wood burner you have two options: kiln dried or air dried. Both types of logs require an extremely low moisture content to ensure that they burn efficiently. Before you can use them, they'll require splitting and seasoned. This process is a long and slow one which can make the difference between high-quality firewood and one that doesn't give off much heat at all.

Kiln dried logs are likely to be more expensive than dried in the air. This is due to the fact that it costs more to buy and run a kiln than does to dry logs in an open-air environment. Kiln drying allows for the production of firewood that is of the highest quality and has been thoroughly dry.

The lower moisture content of the kiln dried logs mean that they will also light easily and burn quickly for a long time without the need for creosote. This reduces the chance of fires in chimneys and the need for frequent chimney cleaning.

Logs that have been dried in air are usually stacked in crates or some kind of cover over them. It may take a while for these logs to dry down to the proper moisture level, with each type of tree having a different timeframe to achieve this. For instance, ash will dry quickly however oak could take as long as 2 years to be able to use on the stove made of logs.

The slatted crates allow a combination of air and sun to pass through them, which allows the logs to dry down effectively. The logs will attain an equilibrium level of moisture. This means that they will not absorb or lose water and are ready to use.

The wood logs that are air dried are less likely to break or check than kiln-dried logs. This makes them an ideal choice for those who wish to make their log burner appear better. They may require more attention during the process of burning, as they must be cut into smaller pieces and stacked again to allow them to dry evenly.

Seasoned

If you own an electric log burner, you likely know that it is much better to use seasoned rather than green or damp firewood. This is because wet wood burns less efficiently than drier logs, and produces more smoke and soot.

Green wood generally has an average moisture content of 50 percent, but if it is seasoned properly it can be reduced to below 20%, which means that it is able to burn more efficiently. Seasoned wood is also easier to light and produces less creosote.

You can season your logs on your own by putting them in an area that is well ventilated for a specific period of time. If you're buying your logs already-made and wish to be sure that they've been properly dried, it's worth the cost to purchase kiln dried logs. These logs were made to dry in a large controlled temperature and humidity kiln. The kiln process is more efficient than the normal air drying process, and it assists in ensuring that the logs have a consistent low moisture content throughout the entire process.

Kiln-dried logs might cost more initially however they will be cheaper over time because you will get more heating for your money. The reason is because the amount of energy required to evaporate the moisture from the logs is much less. This means that more energy is available to burn the logs.

Another advantage of kiln dried logs is that they won't be damaged by rain. This is because the kiln drying process removes moisture from the logs, leaving them in a protected environment. You can store your logs outside if you wish, and they won't become damaged or soaked to the point of being inaccessible. It's important to note, however, that if you choose to store your logs outside, it is best to place them in a secure space away from the elements and under cover where possible, so that they don't suffer from prolonged exposure to rain or snow which could cause damage to them.

Split

If you're looking to ensure that your log burner is functioning correctly, nothing beats a supply of well-seasoned wood. But buying pre-split wood can sometimes pinch your wallet and if you're trying to cut costs while having a warm fire on cold evenings, why not consider doing the DIY approach?

Splitting your own logs for an open fire is a great way to enjoy better quality, more powerful fires while channelling your inner lumberjack. Splitting your own wood helps reduce the carbon footprint, as you don't rely on transport or suppliers from outside. It's also an excellent workout for your arms, enhancing strength and muscle tone. And if you're lucky enough to have an axe in your shed, a little practice will help you improve your skills, giving you the confidence to tackle even larger logs.

To begin, choose an outdoor space that is open and there's plenty of space to swing your axe. Make sure you're wearing a pair of sturdy boots for work, as you don't want any injuries to yourself while working with the axe. Also, ensure that you have a first aid kit in your bag in case of accidents. It's important that you work at a steady pace and take breaks. In the event of fatigue, it can impact your reaction time which increases the likelihood of making mistakes or injuring yourself.

If you're beginning with a ebay log burner take a look for cracks radiating from the center to make the cut easier. Then, you can place one of the splitting wedges in a crack and then hammer it using the sledge. The force generated by the sledge will push it deeper into the crack, splitting the log burners (helpful hints) into two pieces. Repeat this process until the log has been split into wedges.

After the logs are split, they'll need to dry out fully before burning in your Arada stove. The drying process could be slow if you keep the logs that is covered in bark, as it acts as a barrier to moisture and stops water from evaporate. If you're storing your logs on an appropriately designed firewood rack, this will accelerate drying significantly.