Is softwood suitable for a woodburning stove?

Yes, kiln-dried softwood can be suitable for a wood-burning stove. Kiln-dried wood, whether it's hardwood or softwood that has been properly cured in a kiln to reduce its moisture content is a lot more clean and effective than traditional seasoning. Here are some advantages of using kiln-dried softwood in your wood-burning stove:

• Low Moisture Content: Our kiln-dried softwood typically has a moisture content of around 15% or lower, which makes it burn more cleanly and efficiently compared to more traditional drying methods.

• Higher Heat Output: Because the moisture content is lower, kiln-dried wood can produce more heat per unit of wood compared to seasoned wood. This can help keep your stove's temperature consistent and provide effective heating.

• Reduced Creosote Buildup: Kiln-dried wood generates less creosote compared to wetter wood. This means less creosote buildup in your stove's chimney, reducing the risk of chimney fires. It is always recommended to regularly clean your chimney. Twice a year while buying softwood is a good plan if burning frequently. Less frequent burners would still only need one clean a year. Also softwood generates less ash to tidy and therefore it is quicker to clean out after.

• Easier Ignition: Kiln-dried softwood ignites more easily than hardwood or any wood with higher moisture content, which makes starting and maintaining a fire in your stove simpler.

• Cleaner Burning: When you burn kiln-dried softwood, you'll experience less smoke and fewer emissions, which is better for indoor air quality and the environment. This is beacuse it establishes quicker and burns slighlty faster and therefore hotter on average.

• Maintain Adequate Airflow: Ensure that the stove's air vents are adjusted correctly for the right amount of airflow. Too much air can cause the fire to burn too hot, while too little air can lead to incomplete combustion and creosote buildup.

• Build a Good Fire Lay: Arrange the softwood logs in a crisscross pattern or use a fire grate if your stove has one. Leave some space between the logs to allow air to circulate.

• Avoid Overloading: Don't overload the stove with too much wood. It's better to add smaller amounts of wood gradually as the fire gets going.

However, it's essential to ensure that the kiln-dried softwood you purchase is from a woodsure approved supplier such as us at Manchester Firewood Supplies.
Proper storage in a dry, covered area is crucial to prevent the wood from reabsorbing moisture from the environment.
Conclusion: While kiln-dried softwood is a good option, it may burn faster than hardwood, so you may need to reload your stove a little more frequently. Using a mix of softwood and hardwood can provide a balance between quick ignition and longer-lasting heat and is recommended. Softwood to get the stove up to temperature and then hardwood to sustain the fire is the best all round solution.

However, it's essential to ensure that the kiln-dried softwood you purchase is from a woodsure approved supplier such as us at Manchester Firewood Supplies. Proper storage in a dry, covered area is crucial to prevent the wood from reabsorbing moisture from the environment.