Choosing Logs For Your Wood Burner

Before you make your purchase, you should be aware of the following points about choosing logs for a wood burner. The first thing you need to know is that wood that is fully prepared and seasoned to burn produce more heat than unseasoned wood.

Larch is a fast-growing, coniferous tree that produces heat. However, it can be afflicted by Phytophthora the ramorum, and is not recommended to mix with other species.

Kiln Dried

If you have a modern Ecodesign wood-burning stove or multifuel burner, you will want to use logs that have been dried in a kiln. This is because they burn hotter and have a higher heat output (4-5KW per kg) than those which have not been dried in a kiln. They also burn for longer and are easier to light. They will also produce less dust that could lead to blackening of the glass of the stove and chimney soot/tar flue or chimney.

The process of kiln-drying is a method to get the moisture out of wood. It could take anywhere between 60 and up to a week for this to occur but, once it does the logs are then ready for use. This kind of firewood is suitable for use in open fires pizza ovens, indoor wood burners, as well as barbecues made of outdoor logs and fire pits.

It is important that you select a supplier that is HETAS or Woodsure certified by HETAS or Woodsure. This will ensure that the logs are in compliance with high standards for quality. It is also a great idea to select logs kiln-dried that are certified by the FSC certification. This means they were harvested and processed legally.

Kiln dried logs are ready to use immediately after delivery. They will have an average moisture content of 20% and be easy to light. This allows you to spend more time by the fire.

You can still use untreated seasoned wood logs in your wood burning stove or open fire, however, should you want the best results, then kiln dried is definitely the method to go. It can also reduce the amount creosote in your chimney. This will reduce the possibility of a fire, and the need to pay for expensive chimney cleaning services.

Hornbeam is one of the most popular kinds of kiln-dried logs. It is a dense, hardy and retains embers well. It produces a fantastic fire and is perfect for those who are exhausted of having to replenish their stoves and wood burners.

Air Dried

You have two options when buying logs for your wood stove: air-dried or kiln-dried. Both of these types of logs require an extremely low moisture content to ensure that they burn efficiently. Before you can make use of them, they'll require splitting and then seasoned. This is a lengthy and slow process that could make the difference between firewood that is of top quality and wood that doesn't generate lots of heat.

Kiln dried logs tend to be more expensive than dried in the air. This is because it is more expensive to operate and purchase a kiln in comparison to drying logs in the open air. However, the kiln drying process can result in consistently high-quality firewood that is thoroughly dried.

The lower moisture content of the kiln dried logs mean that they also be able to light and burn hotly for many hours without a lot of creosote. This decreases the chance of chimney fires and the necessity to clean the chimney frequently.

Logs that are air dried are usually stored in crates or with some kind of cover over them. Each species of tree has a different period of time for achieving the right moisture level. For instance, ash logs will dry quickly, whilst oak can take up to 2 years before being able to be utilized in a log burning.

The slatted crates allow a combination of air and sun to flow through them, allowing the logs to dry down effectively. The logs will reach an equilibrium moisture level. This means they will not absorb or lose more water and will be ready for use.

The wood logs that are air dried are less likely to crack or check than kiln dried logs. This makes them a great option for those looking to make their log burner appear more attractive. However, they might require a little more attention when burning as they will require to be split before being put back together to allow them to dry evenly.

Seasoned

You probably already know that seasoned firewood is better than damp or green wood for a log heater. This is because damp wood burns more slowly than dry logs and produces more smoke and soot.

The moisture content of green wood is typically approximately 50%. If the wood is properly seasoned, it can be reduced to 20 percent or less, which allows it to burn more efficiently. Seasoned wood is also easier to light, and produces less creosote.

You can actually season your own logs using an easy method of stacking them in a well-ventilated space for a certain amount of time. However, if you're purchasing your logs already-made and wish to ensure that they've been correctly dried, it is worth paying more for kiln-dried logs. These are logs that have been dried artificially in a large kiln which is essentially a temperature and humidity-controlled oven. The kiln process is much faster than the natural air-drying process, and also aids in ensuring that logs have a consistent low moisture content throughout.

Although kiln-dried logs are more expensive than seasoned ones However, they tend to be less expensive in the long term because you get more heat output per cost. The reason is because the amount of energy needed to evaporate the moisture from the logs is less. This means that more energy can be used to burn the logs.

Another advantage of kiln-dried logs is that they won't be damaged by rain. The kiln drying process removes the moisture from the logs and leaves them in a protective environment. This means you can keep your logs outside if you wish, without them becoming waterlogged and unusable. If you decide to store your logs outdoors ensure that you keep them away from the weather and under cover if possible. This will keep them from getting damaged due to prolonged exposure to snow, rain or ice.

Split

If you're looking to keep your log stove working correctly, nothing beats a supply of well-seasoned wood. However, buying split wood in bulk can sometimes pinch your wallet and if you're trying to save money while enjoying cosy fires on chilly evenings, why not think about doing the DIY approach?

Splitting your logs yourself is an excellent method to get your lumberjack on the move and create a stronger, powerful fireplace. Splitting your own firewood helps reduce your carbon footprint since you don't have to rely on the supply chain or transportation. It's also an excellent workout for your arms, enhancing the strength and tone of your muscles. If you own an Axe, you can practice to improve your skills and gain confidence to tackle larger logs.

Begin by selecting an open area outdoors that you can have enough space to swing the axe. Make sure you're wearing sturdy work boots, since you don't want to injure yourself while working with the axe. Also, make sure you have a first aid kit nearby in the event of accidents. It is important to work at a steady pace and take a break. The fatigue can affect your reaction times, increasing the likelihood of making mistakes and potentially injury to yourself.

If you're starting with a whole double sided log burner ideas, try to find cracks that radiate from middle of the log to allow for a more straightforward cut. Then, you can place one of the wedges in the crack and hammer using the sledge. The force of the sledge will push the wedge deeper into the crack, and it will split the log into two separate pieces. Repeat this process until the whole Second Hand Log Burners For Sale is split into wedges.

After your logs have been split into pieces, they'll need drying out fully before burning in your Arada stove. This can take a while when the logs are kept in a pile that is covered, because the bark acts as a moisture barrier, restricting all-round water evaporation. If you store your logs in an efficient firewood rack this will speed up the drying process.