Get great news of our amazing deals direct
Sign Up to Our Email For 5% OFF Your First Order
Newsletter
Season Your Own Wood at Home
Seasoning wood properly is essential for a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly home log burning experience. Our wood for seasoning is sold in adherence to the Defra Clean Air Strategy.
There are some handy FAQ's about our Season at Home Logs below but if you have any questions about how to begin seasoning wood yourself or any of our logs, please call our friendly team on 01524 812476 or via live chat in office hours and they will be more than happy to help.
Wood Seasoning FAQs
How Do You Season Your Own Wood?
Logs Direct offer dumpy bags of hardwood and softwood logs to season yourself at home. To comply with recent government legislation our wood seasoning logs can only be sold in 2cbm volume.
Does Wood Need to be Covered to Season it?
To properly dry wood, it should be exposed to the elements to allow the moisture to escape. A tarpaulin should only be used sparingly during extended periods of rain or snow to protect the wood.
Why Do You Need to Season Wood?
For the best burning performance, firewood should be properly seasoned, with a moisture content of less than 20%. While it’s possible to burn firewood with higher moisture content, it can be challenging. Burning wet wood often requires more attention, produces excessive smoke, and releases harmful tar and creosote, which can build up in your chimney.
What is seasoning, and why is it important for wood burners?
Seasoning is the process of drying wood to reduce its moisture content, making it suitable for burning. Properly seasoned wood burns more efficiently, produces more heat, and releases fewer harmful emissions, aligning with the Defra Clean Air Strategy to improve air quality.
How long does it take to season wood logs?
Seasoning time depends on many factors but under prime conditions typically takes:
- Hardwood (e.g., oak, ash, alder, beech): 12-24 months.
- Softwood (e.g., pine, spruce): 6-12 months.
The duration depends on the wood type, storage conditions, and initial moisture content. Ensure the moisture content is below 20% before burning.
What types of wood are best for burning?
- Hardwood: Burns longer and produces more heat. Ideal choices include oak, beech, and ash.
- Softwood: Burns quickly and is suitable for kindling or short fires. Examples include pine and spruce.
Both types must be properly seasoned for optimal performance and to comply with clean air regulations.
What to do when seasoned wood is unavailable?
If you can’t get your hands on seasoned wood, consider using kiln dried wood. Although a little dearer, the fact it has been dried and contains less than 20% moisture content means it will burn hotter and for longer. The most efficient option is hardwood species like Ash, Oak, Birch and Alder which are dense and take longer to burn down but if you're still looking to save then kiln dried softwood logs like pine and spruce are a great option until you can replenish your stocks of properly seasoned wood.
How can I store and season wood logs effectively?
- Use a purpose built wooden log store, this will keep logs off the ground and allows airflow.
- Cover the top: Protect logs from rain but leave the sides open for ventilation.
- Split logs: Smaller pieces dry faster.
- Location: Store in a sunny and windy location, this will help speed up the seasoning process.
How do I check if my wood is seasoned?
- Use a moisture meter to ensure the moisture content is below 20%.
- Look for visual signs: Seasoned wood is lighter, has visible cracks, and produces a hollow sound when tapped.
Why should I avoid burning unseasoned wood?
Avoid:
-
Treated wood: Contains chemicals that release harmful toxins, making it a no-go for your wood burner. Using it could result in dangerous fumes that are best left out of your cozy evening by the fire.
-
Painted or varnished wood: Produces toxic fumes when burned. The layers of paint or varnish can release harmful substances into the air, turning your warm haven into a health hazard.
-
Greenwood: High moisture content leads to poor combustion and increased emissions. Burning greenwood can cause excess smoke and soot, making it inefficient and environmentally unfriendly.
Additionally, steer clear of:
-
Laburnum: This wood is notorious for creating toxic gas when burned. Its beautiful appearance belies the danger, so avoid it at all costs to ensure a safe and pleasant environment.
-
Willow: Known for emitting an unpleasant odor, burning willow is sure to spoil any fireside gathering. Keep your fires fragrant and enjoyable by choosing other options.
-
Driftwood: While often collected for its rustic charm, driftwood is packed with salt and can release toxic chemicals when burned. Instead, consider crafting it into decorative pieces to sell online for a profit.
By choosing the right wood, you can enjoy a safe, warm, and delightful fireside experience every time.
Can I season wood logs faster?
Yes, you can speed up the process by:
- Splitting logs into smaller pieces which will dry out more quickly. A quality log splitter will make this task much easier.
- Storing logs in a sunny, windy location help 'pull' moisture away from the logs.
- Store the logs in a dry location, if exposed to the rain regularly it will take longer and undoe any good work done during good conditions.
- Using a wood kiln or drying shed.
If you require some logs for burning then you can always buy a small quantity of kiln dried logs in net bags which will see you through while your logs continue to season.
What is the role of the Defra Clean Air Strategy in wood burning?
The Defra Clean Air Strategy promotes the use of dry, seasoned wood to minimize particulate matter emissions. Adhering to these guidelines ensures compliance with UK air quality standards and supports environmental sustainability.
Is there a difference between kiln-dried and air-dried wood?
- Kiln-dried wood is dried in a controlled environment, ensuring consistent low moisture content (typically less than 20%).
- Air-dried wood is naturally dried over many months, requiring proper storage and longer time.
Both are suitable for wood burners if moisture content meets Defra standards.
How does wood type affect ash production?
- Hardwood logs produce less ash due to its density.
- Softwoods produce more ash and may require more frequent cleaning.
Proper seasoning reduces overall ash and residue.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy efficient wood burning while supporting clean air initiatives and adhering to the Defra Clean Air Strategy.