Kiln Dried vs Seasoned Logs: Which Should You Buy?

If you burn wood in Poole or anywhere in Dorset, you have probably seen both kiln dried and seasoned logs for sale. Both can be good firewood, but they are dried in different ways, and that changes how they burn and what they cost. We sell both, so here is a straight comparison.

How seasoned logs are dried

Seasoned logs are split and left to air dry, usually under cover, until the moisture drops. Our 2 year seasoned Ash and Beech is air dried to under 20% moisture and certified Ready to Burn. It is cut to around 9–10 inches, so it suits most stoves and open fires.

How kiln dried logs are dried

Kiln dried logs go into a kiln instead of waiting for the weather. Our kiln runs at temperatures reaching 67°C for between 7 and 10 days. That brings the logs to a moisture reading of around 15%, and the heat also means the logs are free of insects.

The main differences

• Moisture: seasoned logs are under 20%; kiln dried logs are around 15%.

• Lighting: drier wood catches more easily, so kiln dried logs get going faster.

• Heat and smoke: less water to boil off means a hotter, cleaner burn with less smoke and less tar in the flue.

• Insects: the kiln process leaves logs free of insects, which matters if you store them indoors.

• Price: seasoned logs cost less, which makes them good value for everyday burning.

Which should you choose?

For regular evening fires in a stove, our 2 year seasoned hardwood is excellent value. If you want the quickest lighting, the most heat and the least smoke, or you keep your logs inside the house, kiln dried is worth the extra. Plenty of customers keep a bag of each.

Whichever you choose, only buy wood that is certified Ready to Burn. Wet wood smokes, gives off less heat and coats your chimney in tar.

Want the full details on our kiln dried hardwood? Read Kiln Dried Logs in Poole: 2.4m³ & 3.6m³ Loose Loads Delivered, or go straight to the kiln dried logs (2.4m³ or 3.6m³).

Browse both in our firewood shop. Delivery is free within 5 miles of Cobbs Quay Marina, Poole.