Choosing Logs For Your Wood Burner

When selecting the logs for your wood burner you will need to know certain things prior to buying. The first is that fully well-seasoned, ready to burn logs produce much more heat than unseasoned wood.

Larch a fast-growing conifer that produces decent heat but can be infected with Phytophthora Ramorum, so it is best mixed with other species.

Kiln Dried

If you have a modern Ecodesign wood-burning stove or Multifuel log burners burner you should choose to select logs that have been kiln-dried. They burn hotter and produce more heat (4-5KW/kg) than logs that haven't been kiln dried. They also burn for longer and be easier to light. They will also produce fewer particulates, which can cause blackening of the stove glass or tar/soot getting into the chimney flue.

The process of kiln-drying is a way of forcing the moisture out of the wood. It could take anywhere from 60 to a week or more for this to happen but, when it is done, the logs are ready to use. This kind of firewood can be used in open fires pizza ovens, indoor wood burners, as well as barbecues that burn logs outdoors and firepits.

It is crucial to choose a supplier who is HETAS or Woodsure accredited. This will ensure that the logs are in compliance with high standards for quality. It is also recommended to select Kiln dried logs that have the FSC certification, which means they were harvested and processed in a legal manner.

One of the biggest advantages of kiln dried logs is that they are ready to use immediately on delivery. They will have a low moisture content of about 20 percent and will be easy to light, so you will be able to spend more time relaxing in front of the fireplace and less time tending it.

You can still use untreated seasoned wood logs in your wood-burning stove or open fire, however, should you want the best results, then having them it is a good idea to kiln dry them. way forward. Another advantage of this is that it reduces the amount of creosote accumulation in your chimney, reducing the risk of a chimney fire as well as the need for costly chimney cleaning.

Hornbeam is among the most efficient log burner popular types of kiln-dried logs. It is a strong, tough and holds the embers well. It will produce an excellent fire and is ideal for those who are tired of having to constantly replenish their stoves and wood burners.

Air Dried

When you purchase logs for your wood burner there are two main options, kiln dried or air dried. Both types of wood logs must contain a minimum amount of moisture to ensure they can burn efficiently. They will also have to be seasoned and split before you can use them. This is a long and slow process that can make a difference between firewood of high quality and wood that doesn't produce lots of heat.

Kiln dried logs tend to be more expensive than air dried logs. It 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 permits the production of consistently high-quality firewood that is thoroughly dried.

The lower levels of moisture in Kiln-dried logs also means that they can light easily and can burn for hours with a minimal build-up of creosote. This decreases the chance of chimney fires, and the necessity to clean the chimney regularly.

Logs that are air dried are usually placed in crates or some type of cover over them. Each tree species has a distinct timeframe for achieving the right moisture level. For example Ash logs dry quickly, whilst oak can take up to 2 years before it is able to be used on a log burner.

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

Air-dried wood logs are less likely to crack or check than kiln-dried logs. This makes them an ideal choice for those who wish to make their log burner look more attractive. However, they might require a little more attention when burning because they will need to be split and then put back together to allow them to dry evenly.

Seasoned

You've probably heard that seasoned firewood is more effective than damp or green wood for log heaters. Wet wood burns less efficiently and creates more smoke and soot than dry logs.

Green wood usually has an average moisture content of 50 percent, but when it is properly seasoned, it can be reduced to less than 20%, meaning that it can burn much more efficiently. Seasoned firewood is also significantly lighter to light and keeps burning, and it produces very little creosote.

You can season your logs by yourself by stacking them in an area that is ventilated for a specific period of time. If you want to make sure that your logs are dried and you're buying them ready-made, it's worth paying slightly more for kiln dried logs. These are logs that have been artificially dried in a large kiln, which is essentially a temperature and humidity controlled oven. The kiln process is quicker than the air drying process, and also aids in ensuring that logs are of a uniform low moisture content all the way through.

Kiln-dried logs might cost more initially but they can become more affordable over time since you get more heat for your dollars. This is due to the fact that the energy used to evaporate the remaining moisture in the logs is significantly smaller, meaning that more of that energy will be used to burn the logs themselves.

Another advantage of kiln dried logs is that they will not be damaged by rain. This is because the kiln drying process removes moisture from the logs, leaving them in a protective atmosphere. This means you can store your logs outside however you want and not risk them becoming soaked and unusable. If you choose to store logs outdoors, make sure to keep them away from the weather and under cover if feasible. This will stop the damage caused by prolonged exposure to rain, snow, or ice.

Split

If you want to keep your log burner running properly, nothing beats a supply of seasoned wood. The cost of split firewood is high. If you're looking to save money while having a warm fire on chilly nights, why not DIY?

Splitting your own logs for an open fire is a great method to enjoy more and more powerful fires while channeling your inner lumberjack. Splitting your own firewood also reduces your carbon footprint as you're not relying on the supply chain or transportation. It is also an excellent way to build and tone your arms. If you own an axe, you can practice to improve your skills and gain the confidence to tackle larger logs.

To begin, choose an open outdoor space where there's plenty of room to swing your axe. Make sure you're wearing sturdy work boots, as you don't want any injuries to yourself while using the axe. You should also keep a first-aid kit on hand in case you require it. It is important to work at a pace that's comfortable for you, and it's a good idea to have a break. Tiredness can slow your reaction time, which can increase the chance of making mistakes and possibly injuring yourself.

If you're starting with a complete log, you should look for cracks that radiate out from the middle of the log to allow to make it easier to cut. Then, you can insert one of the wedges into the crack and then hammer it with the sledge. The force of the sledge will push the wedge deeper into the crack and split the log into two separate pieces. Repeat this process until the entire log is split into wedges.

After your logs have been split, they'll need to dry out completely before burning in your Arada stove. This may take a while if the logs are stored uncovered in a heap as the bark acts as a barrier to moisture, restricting all-round water evaporation. If you store your logs on a firewood rack that is efficient, this will speed up drying process.