What is Kiln-Dried Firewood?
Kiln-dried firewood is timber that has been seasoned in a large industrial oven — a kiln — until its moisture content drops below 20%. This is the gold standard for firewood in the UK, and it's what sets Stack & Burn logs apart from air-dried or unseasoned alternatives.
Why Moisture Content Matters
When you burn wet or unseasoned wood, a large proportion of the energy produced is spent evaporating the water trapped inside the log. The result? Less heat, more smoke, and a rapid build-up of creosote in your flue — a leading cause of chimney fires.
Kiln-dried logs, with moisture content typically below 20%, burn hotter, cleaner, and far more efficiently. You'll notice the difference immediately: a satisfying, roaring fire rather than a smouldering, smoky disappointment.
Kiln-Dried vs Air-Dried vs Unseasoned
Unseasoned (green) wood can contain moisture levels of 50–60%. It's cheap but largely ineffective as a fuel and produces excessive smoke and pollution.
Air-dried wood is left outdoors to season naturally, typically for 1–2 years. Quality varies enormously depending on storage conditions and species. Moisture content can still be 25–35% even after extended air drying.
Kiln-dried wood is consistent, reliable, and ready to burn straight from delivery. No waiting, no guesswork. Every Stack & Burn log is kiln-dried to below 20% moisture — verified and ready for your stove or open fire.
UK Regulations: Ready to Burn
Since 2021, the UK government's Ready to Burn scheme requires that all bagged firewood sold in volumes under 2m³ must be certified with moisture content below 20%. All Stack & Burn products meet this standard as a matter of course — not because we have to, but because we believe it's the only way to sell firewood.
The Stack & Burn Difference
Every crate we sell is packed with properly kiln-dried logs, split to the ideal size for wood-burning stoves and open fires. Whether you choose oak, ash, or birch, you're getting fuel that burns the way firewood should.
Ready to experience the difference? Shop our Large Crate range — ideal for households heading into winter — or browse our full firewood collection to find the right volume for your needs.