You may be accustomed to the long wait usually associated with seasoning logs if you cut your own logs or purchase unseasoned logs. Depending on the type of wood you’re seasoning and how wet it is when you buy it, drying out logs can take anywhere from six months to two years.
We've heard horror stories where people have purchased logs which they are told are seasoned but are not, or are not quite dry enough. Burning unseasoned logs can risk damage to your fireplace and chimney.
What Are Seasoned Logs?
Seasoned logs are logs that have been left to dry naturally until most of their moisture has evaporated. This makes them easier to light, more efficient to burn, and far better for your stove or open fire.
How Long Do Logs Take to Season?
Seasoning time varies depending on the wood type, how the logs are stored, and the weather conditions. Hardwoods typically take longer to season than softwoods, and logs stored in damp or poorly ventilated areas will dry more slowly.
Even logs that have been stacked for a year may still not be ready to use. At HouseFuel, we recommend burning logs with a preferred moisture level of 20% or less.
If you want to skip the long seasoning process, HouseFuel offers a range of high-quality kiln dried firewood that’s ready to burn straight away. Kiln drying removes most of the moisture from the logs, meaning they ignite easily, burn hotter, and produce less smoke and creosote than unseasoned wood. Using kiln dried firewood is a reliable way to enjoy a clean, efficient fire without the uncertainty of waiting months or even years for logs to season naturally.
Why Burning Unseasoned Logs Is a Problem
Burning unseasoned logs produces more smoke, less heat, and increases creosote build-up in your chimney. Over time, this can reduce efficiency and raise the risk of chimney fires.
What Moisture Level Should Logs Be?
For safe and efficient burning, logs should have a moisture content of 20% or less. Anything higher means the wood will burn inefficiently and create excess smoke.
Ways to Tell If Your Logs Are Seasoned
Here are seven ways to tell if your logs are dry enough to burn:
Seasoned Logs Weigh Less
Seasoned logs are much drier than green logs, therefore weighing less.
Loose or Peeling Bark
The drier the wood, the looser the bark. The log may have bare patches, and the bark will chip away easily.
Visible Cracks in the Wood
You may notice radial cracks on the log, reaching out towards the bark. Cracks can often form on unseasoned logs, so the formation of cracks should not be the only method to see if the logs are ready to be burnt.
Changes in Smell
Unseasoned wood has a strong but pleasant ‘sappy’ aroma, fading to a light woody smell once the log is dried.
Faded Colour
Seasoned logs are of a more faded and less vibrant colour.
How to Test for Seasoned Logs
-
Hit two pieces of wood together. They should make a more hollow ringing sound like a ‘clunk’ rather than a dull thudding sound.
-
Moisture Probe. You can buy probes to test the moisture level of wood if necessary.
If you’d prefer not to season your logs or run out of logs and need a fast replacement, kiln-dried logs offer a safe and convenient alternative.
Get Expert Advice on Seasoned Logs
If you’re still unsure whether your logs are properly seasoned, or you’d like advice on choosing the right fuel for your stove or open fire, our team at Homefire is always happy to help.
We supply high-quality kiln dried firewood, ready to burn and carefully tested to ensure low moisture content for a cleaner, more efficient burn. Get in touch with Housefuel today for expert advice on seasoned wood or to find out more about our range of kiln dried logs.
