Choosing Logs For Your Wood Burner

Before you purchase it is important to be aware of a few things regarding choosing the right logs to use for a wood burner. The first thing you need to know is that wood that is fully prepared and seasoned to burn produce more heat than unseasoned wood.

Larch is a fast-growing, coniferous tree that produces heat. However, it can be affected by Phytophthora the ramorum, and is not recommended to mix with other species.

Kiln Dried

If you own a contemporary Ecodesign wood-burning stove or multifuel burner, you will want to make use of logs that have been kiln dried. This is due to the fact that they burn more hot and produce a greater heat output (4-5KW per kilo) than logs that are not dried in a kiln. They also burn longer and be easier to light. They will produce a lot less dust, which could lead to blackening the stove glass, or tar/soot accumulating in the chimney flue.

The kiln drying process is a way of forcing the moisture out of the wood. This can take anywhere from 60 hours to more than a week, but once it's done the wood is ready to use. This kind of wood is suitable for open fires, indoor wood burners and pizza ovens, as well as outdoor log burning BBQs and fire pits.

It is important that you choose a supplier who is HETAS or Woodsure accredited. This will ensure that the logs are in compliance with quality standards. It is also a great idea to choose kiln dried logs with the FSC certification. This means they were legally harvested and processed.

One of the main advantages of dried kiln-dried logs is that they are ready to use straight away on delivery. They will have a moisture content of about 20% and be easy to light. This allows you to spend more time around the fire.

Kiln dried logs are the ideal alternative for your wood burning stove, however you can also use seasoned logs that are not treated. Another benefit of this method is that it can reduce the amount of creosote build-up in your chimney, reducing the chance of a chimney fire as well as the necessity for costly chimney cleaning services.

One of the most sought-after types of kiln dried logs is Hornbeam. It is a dense, hardy and retains the embers well. It will produce an excellent flame and is perfect for those who are exhausted of having to refuel their stoves or wood burners.

Air Dried

When you buy logs for your wood burner you have two main options, kiln dried or air dried. Both types of logs should be low in moisture to ensure that they burn effectively. They must also be seasoned and split before you begin using them. This is a long and slow process that could make a difference between firewood of high quality and wood that does not produce much heat.

Generally speaking, kiln dried logs are more expensive than their air dried counterparts. This is due to the fact that it costs more to buy and operate a kiln than it does to dry logs naturally in the open air. However the kiln drying process allows for the creation of consistently high-quality firewood that has been properly dried.

The lower moisture content of kiln dried wood means that they will also burn easily and quickly for a long time without the need for creosote. This decreases the chance of chimney fires, and the necessity to keep the chimney clean.

Typically, logs that have been dried with air are stacked in crates with some sort of cover. It could take a long time for these logs to dry down to the proper moisture level and each type of tree having a distinct time-frame to attain this. For example Ash logs dry quickly, whilst oak may require up to 2 years before it's ready to be used on a log burner.

The slatted crates permit a mixture of sun and air to flow through them, allowing the logs to dry efficiently. This means that the logs will attain an equilibrium moisture level, which will mean that they won't absorb or lose any additional water, and they'll be ready for use.

Air-dried wood logs are also less likely to break or check than kiln dried logs. This is why they are a good choice for those who wish to improve the appearance of their log burner more attractive. However, they will require more attention when burning because they will need to be cut and re-stacked to allow them to dry evenly.

Seasoned

You probably already know that seasoned firewood is better than damp or green wood for the purpose of a log heater. Wet wood burns less efficiently and produces more smoke and soot than dry logs.

The moisture content in green wood is usually approximately 50%. However, if the wood is properly seasoned it can be reduced down to 20 percent or less, which allows it to burn more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned is easier to light and keep burning, and produces very little creosote residue.

You can season your logs by yourself by putting them in an area that is well ventilated for a specific period of time. If you want to make sure that your logs are dried and you're purchasing them already made, it's worth paying slightly more for kiln dried logs. These logs were made to dry in a large controlled temperature and humidity kiln. The kiln runs significantly faster than air drying and helps to ensure a low moisture content throughout the logs.

Although kiln dried logs are more expensive than those that have been seasoned, they do tend to be more affordable in the long term because you will get more heat output for the money. The reason is because the amount of energy needed to evaporate the moisture from the logs is less. This means that more energy is available to burn the logs.

Kiln-dried wood logs are also protected from rain damage. Kiln drying removes the moisture from the logs and leaves them in a protective environment. This means that you can keep your logs outside if you wish and not risk them becoming soaked and inaccessible. It is important to note however that if you choose to store your logs outdoors, it is best to place them in a secure space away from the elements and in a covered area when possible, to ensure that they don't suffer from prolonged exposure to snow or rain which could damage them.

Split

If you want to keep your log burner functioning properly, nothing beats a supply of seasoned wood. However, buying pre-split wood could be costly and if you're trying to cut costs while having warm fires on cold evenings then why not consider using the DIY method?

Splitting your logs on your own is a great method to channel your inner lumberjack and enjoy a better, more potent fireplace. Splitting your own firewood also helps reduce your carbon footprint since you don't have to rely on the supply chain or transportation. It's also a great way to strengthen and tone your arms. And if you're lucky enough to have an axe at the shed, a little practice will help you improve your skills, giving you the confidence to tackle even larger logs.

To start, usa select an outdoor space that is open and there's plenty of room to swing your axe. Wear sturdy boots to prevent being injured while using the axe. Also, be sure to have a first aid kit in your bag in case of accidents. It is important to work at a pace which is comfortable for you, and it's an ideal idea to take an occasional break. Tiredness can slow your reaction times, thereby increasing the likelihood of making a mistake and injury to yourself.

If you're beginning with a complete kratki log burner, you should look for cracks that radiate out from the middle of the log to allow for a more straightforward cut. You can then place one of the wedges for splitting in a crack and then hammer it with the sledge. The force of the sledge will force it further into the crack, and split the log in two pieces. Repeat this process until the entire log is divided into wedges.

After you've split your logs they will need to be completely dry before you can use them in your Arada stove. The drying process could be slow if you store the logs uncovered, as the bark acts as a barrier to moisture and prevents water from evaporating. If you keep your logs in an efficient firewood rack, this will speed up drying process.