Is kiln dried firewood better than regular firewood?
Yes — kiln dried firewood is significantly better than regular (seasoned) firewood in almost every way. It burns hotter, cleaner and more efficiently, making it the best choice for stoves, open fires and wood burners.
Why kiln dried firewood is better
- Lower moisture content Kiln dried logs are dried in a controlled environment to below 18% moisture, whereas regular seasoned firewood often sits between 20–30% (or even higher if stored badly). Lower moisture means easier lighting, more heat and less waste.
- Hotter, longer burn Because there’s less water to evaporate, kiln dried hardwood logs burn hotter and can last up to twice as long as poorly seasoned or damp wood.
- Cleaner and safer Kiln dried logs produce dramatically less smoke, soot and creosote. This helps keep your flue cleaner, reduces maintenance and lowers the risk of chimney fires.
- Consistent quality Seasoned wood depends on weather, storage, airflow and time — which means quality varies hugely. Kiln drying gives a uniform, reliable product every time.
- Fully compliant with UK law Kiln dried wood meets the UK Ready to Burn standard, which requires a moisture content below 20%. Many bags of “seasoned” wood do not.
Why it matters for your home
Choosing kiln dried logs means:
- Faster ignition
- Higher heat output per log
- Less mess, less tar, less smoke
- Better stove performance
- Better value — fewer logs needed for the same heat
In short: kiln dried hardwood logs are the best firewood you can buy. They give you more heat, better efficiency and a cleaner, safer fire every single time compared to regular seasoned wood.
