FAQ
Some of the most common questions we get asked
When it comes to woodburning, many people have questions – especially surrounding kiln dried logs. Whether you’re a wood burning guru, or new to the world of firewood, understanding the importance of kiln dried logs is essential.
Kiln Dried Logs questions:
Kiln dried logs are logs that have been dried in a controlled environment using a kiln. This process reduces their moisture content significantly, making them more efficient for burning.
When it comes to woodburning, it is crucial that all logs are dry and have a moisture content below 20%. Anything exceeding this level not only harms the environment but can also damage your chimney. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the wood you purchase is adequately dried and ready to burn.
We highly recommend using kiln dried logs rather than seasoned logs. Seasoned logs are those that have been left to dry naturally. This process can be quite unpredictable as they’re heavily reliant on the outside atmosphere and may take several years to achieve the required moisture level. Typically, seasoned wood will only reach a moisture content of 25%, which falls short of the standard for wood burning.
In contrast, kiln dried logs have a significantly lower moisture content, making them easier to ignite, generate a greater heat output and also produces less smoke. Choosing kiln dried logs is not just a smart choice for home burning, but also a responsible decision for the environment.
Yes, you can burn kiln dried logs straight away. We kiln dry our logs to a moisture content of 20% or below and we are certified as Woodsure Ready to Burn. This means that as soon as your order is received, our logs are good to start burning straight away.
Kiln dried logs may have a higher upfront cost and appear more expensive compared to seasoned logs, but their efficiency and ease of use saves money in the long run, by providing you with greater heat output and minimal chimney deposits.
Absolutely, you can store kiln dried logs outside. Our kiln drying process reduces the moisture content to a level that makes them ideal for burning. It would take a significant amount of water for these logs to reach a moisture content that is unsuitable for use. However, if you choose to store your logs outdoors, we highly recommend placing them in a log store or under a suitable cover to protect them from the natural elements. This will help maintain their quality and ensure they remain ready for your next fire.
Our logs are available in a standard length of 9”, this is our most popular length and is always in stock for delivery. For our local customers who have a loose load, we also offer the option to order logs in lengths of 12”, 15”, or 18”.
We kiln dry our logs to a moisture content below 20%. We do offer a money-back guarantee if our logs are not within the promised moisture content range.
At Walker’s Logs, we prioritise sourcing raw materials with a commitment to quality and sustainability, focusing exclusively on timber from within the UK. Last year, we sourced timber from over 100 farms, estates, and woodlands, who all have a felling license from the Forestry Commission.
We are also Grown In Britain accredited, which guarantees that all our timber comes from well-managed, sustainable woodlands right here in the UK. When you see the Grown In Britain logo, you can trust that the timber used has been ethically grown and legally felled, adhering to the UK Government Timber Procurement Policy. The Grown In Britain scheme conducts annual audits and checks to verify that accredited companies follow the necessary measures and procedures for sustainable sourcing.
When purchasing wood, always look for the Grown In Britain accreditation and ensure that the timber hasn’t been imported – approximately a shocking 70% of the UK’s wood is imported.
We highly recommend using kiln dried logs for your burning needs. These logs have a significantly lower moisture content compared to traditional seasoned logs, as we ensure that our kiln dried logs are brought down to a moisture level of below 20%. This reduced moisture content not only allows for a cleaner burn but also results in a higher heat output, making them a more efficient choice for your fire.
Additionally, the kiln drying process effectively eliminates any insects and pests, such as woodworm, that may have been present in the wood prior to drying. By choosing kiln dried logs, you can enjoy a cleaner, more powerful fire while also ensuring that your logs are pest free. Whether you’re using them for a cozy fireplace or an outdoor fire pit, kiln dried logs are the ideal option for everyone seeking a superior burning experience.
As we are dealing with a natural product, the timber that we source comes in all shapes and sizes. We mainly cut tree trunks between 8 foot (2.4 meters) and 10 foot (3 meters). However, rarely the timber is exactly this length.
For example, if we are cutting 15” logs out of a 98” tree trunk, you will get 6 x 15” logs and an 8” offcut. If we were cutting 18” logs out of the same 98” tree trunk, you will get 5 x 18” logs and an 8” offcut. If, however, you were cutting 9” logs out of the same 98” tree trunk, you will get 10 x 9” logs and an 8” offcut.
This is why it can seem like you get excessive offcuts in a load of 12”/15”/18” logs. We are able to load the trucks by hand thus filtering out any offcuts and making sure the whole load is the length you ordered. However, there is a handling charge of £15.00 for a single load and £30.00 for a double load.
We hope this explains why there are shorter pieces in your load of logs. It is worth remembering that these are ideal for starting the fire and you are still getting the same volume of logs that you are paying for.
At Walker’s Logs, we only use good burning British hardwoods. We cut and dry all our logs on site and the species of timber we receive from our suppliers do vary, but we only use good burning hardwoods such as ash and beech. Our stocks are constantly rotating and because of this, we are not able to deliver any species specific loads. If you would like to know what what species your load consists of, please let us know at point of order and we can let you know.
