Do Kiln-Dried Logs Burn Faster Than Seasoned Logs? The Truth About Firewood Moisture Content

There is a common misconception among firewood buyers that kiln-dried logs burn faster than naturally seasoned logs. But is that actually true?

The simple answer is no, not if both are properly dry.

The biggest factor affecting how efficiently firewood burns isn't whether it has been dried in a kiln or left to season naturally. It is the amount of moisture remaining inside the wood.

It's all about moisture content

When firewood burns, the energy released is used to heat the wood and produce heat for your home. However, if the wood contains too much moisture, a considerable amount of that energy is wasted heating and evaporating the water trapped inside it.

This means:

• Wet logs are harder to ignite.
• They produce less useful heat.
• They can struggle to maintain a good flame.
• They produce more smoke and can contribute to tar and creosote deposits in your chimney.
• You end up using more wood to achieve the same level of heat.

This is why properly dried firewood makes such a difference.

What is the difference between kiln-dried and seasoned logs?

The difference is simply the drying process.

Seasoned firewood is left to dry naturally over time, usually outdoors or under cover, allowing moisture to escape gradually. Depending on the species, log size, storage conditions and weather, this can take many months or even years.

Kiln-dried firewood is dried in a controlled environment using heat and airflow. This speeds up the drying process and allows the moisture content to be monitored and controlled more consistently.

A properly operated firewood kiln will typically target a moisture content of around 18%, comfortably below the 20% maximum moisture threshold commonly associated with Ready to Burn firewood.

So why do some people think kiln-dried logs burn faster?

This is where the confusion comes in.

Imagine comparing two loads of identical ash logs.

One load has been kiln-dried to 18% moisture content. The other has been naturally seasoned but still contains 28% moisture.

The kiln-dried logs will generally light more easily, burn more efficiently and produce more usable heat.

They may also appear to burn more vigorously.

But that doesn't mean kiln-dried wood inherently burns faster. It means the seasoned wood hasn't been dried sufficiently.

If both loads were properly dry, of the same species and similar log size, there would be no reason to expect the kiln-dried logs to burn significantly faster simply because they had been through a kiln.

In fact, properly seasoned logs with a moisture content of 18% should burn in much the same way as kiln-dried logs at 18%.

Does kiln drying make firewood better?

Kiln drying offers some important advantages:

• Consistency: A controlled drying process helps achieve a more predictable moisture content.
• Reliability: You don't have to depend on months of unpredictable British weather.
• Quality control: Moisture levels can be checked before the firewood is supplied.
• Convenience: You can be confident that the logs are ready to burn when delivered.

Naturally seasoned firewood can be just as good, provided it has been dried properly and stored correctly.

The problem is that the term 'seasoned' doesn't automatically mean dry enough.

The bottom line: Buy dry wood, not just a label

Whether you choose kiln-dried or naturally seasoned firewood, the most important thing is its actual moisture content.

Don't be persuaded by claims that kiln-dried logs burn faster, or that seasoned logs automatically burn longer.

If your seasoned logs are burning slowly, struggling to light or producing excessive smoke, there is a good chance they simply contain too much moisture.

At Manchester Firewood Supplies, we believe customers should understand what they are buying.

Our kiln-dried firewood is produced with a target moisture content of no more than 18%, giving you consistently dry, ready-to-burn logs.

It's not about making wood burn faster. It's about making sure you're burning wood that's properly dry.

Manchester Firewood Supplies – locally supplied, kiln-dried firewood for a better fire.

Visit www.firewoodmanchester.com to view our range and order your firewood.