What Does Ready to Burn Mean? How to Check Your Logs Are Dry

Ready to Burn is a certification scheme for firewood sold in England. Wood carrying the Ready to Burn logo has been tested and has a moisture content of 20% or less. All of the logs we sell at Harbourside Logs are certified Ready to Burn.

Why moisture matters

Freshly cut wood can be half water. When you burn wet wood, much of the fire's energy goes into boiling that water off. You get less heat, more smoke, and more tar building up in your stove and chimney. Dry wood burns hotter and cleaner, and you use fewer logs to heat the room.

The rules on selling wet wood

Since May 2021, firewood sold in England in quantities under 2 cubic metres has had to be certified Ready to Burn. The rules were brought in to cut smoke pollution from wood burning. It is worth checking for the logo whenever you buy logs in small amounts.

How to check your logs yourself

• Use a moisture meter: split a log and test the freshly split face, not the outside. Under 20% is ready to burn.

• Look at the ends: dry logs often show cracks running out from the centre.

• Knock two logs together: dry wood sounds hollow; wet wood gives a dull thud.

• Check the weight: dry logs feel noticeably lighter than wet ones of the same size.

• Watch the fire: dry wood catches quickly and burns bright, while wet wood hisses and smokes.

Keeping logs dry once you have them

Store logs off the ground, under cover, with air able to move around them. A log store with open sides is ideal. Avoid sealing logs under plastic sheeting, because trapped moisture can make them damp again.

All of our hardwood is Ash and Beech from UK forestry, certified Ready to Burn. See what is available in our firewood shop.