What is the difference between kiln dried firewood and seasoned firewood?
The main difference between kiln dried and seasoned firewood is how the moisture is removed and the level of consistency you get as a result. Both types aim to create burn-ready logs, but the journey from tree to fireplace is very different.
Kiln dried firewood
Kiln dried logs are dried in a purpose-built chamber where the temperature, airflow and humidity are carefully controlled. This process removes moisture quickly and evenly, bringing every log down to around 15–18% moisture content. Because it’s an engineered process, the quality is predictable and the results are the same no matter what the weather has been doing.
- Fast, controlled drying (usually several days)
- Moisture level guaranteed below 18%
- Lights easily and burns very hot
- Low smoke, low soot, and a much cleaner chimney
- Fully compliant with UK Ready to Burn regulations
In short: kiln dried wood is the “premium grade” firewood — reliable, efficient and ready to burn straight away.
Seasoned firewood
Seasoned firewood is dried naturally over time. Logs are split, stacked and left to air dry outdoors for 12 to 24 months, relying on sunshine, wind and patience. When done well, seasoned wood can burn reasonably well, but the end result is heavily influenced by the weather and how the logs were stored.
- Takes a year or more to dry
- Moisture can vary widely — from 18% to over 30%
- Quality depends on storage, season and airflow
- May be harder to light and produce more smoke
- Can become re-wetted if stored poorly
Well-seasoned logs can burn decently, but the consistency is rarely as good as kiln dried wood.
The real-world difference
Think of it like drying laundry: kiln dried is done in a tumble dryer — quick, controlled and always dry at the end. Seasoning is like hanging washing on the line — it works, but only if the weather behaves.
For wood stoves, pizza ovens and open fires, kiln dried logs produce more heat per log, ignite faster and create a cleaner burn. Seasoned logs can be fine if you have the space and time to store them properly, but for guaranteed performance, kiln dried firewood is the better choice every time.
