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The question, "How long do kiln dried logs burn for?" is a common one. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of kiln dried logs, exploring their characteristics, benefits, and how they compare to traditional firewood.

What are Kiln Dried Logs?

Kiln dried logs are typically 23-25cm long and 5-15cm in diameter. They are split into wedge shapes and then forced dried in a kiln, reducing their moisture content from around 60% to 10-20% within 3-5 days. This is significantly faster than the natural air drying process, which can take 18 months to 3 years.

Are Kiln Dried Logs Guaranteed to Be High Quality?

While the term "kiln dried logs" suggests quality, it doesn't guarantee it. The UK government's Ready to Burn legislation, introduced in May 2021, made it illegal to sell firewood in volumes less than 2m³ that isn't Ready to Burn approved and dried to below 20% moisture content. This has led to more suppliers kiln drying their logs, but the quality can vary. To ensure you're getting high-quality kiln dried logs, buy from a Woodsure Ready to Burn supplier.

How Long Do Kiln Dried Logs Burn on Different Appliances?

The burn time of kiln dried logs can vary significantly depending on the appliance. In open fires, such as firepits or chimeneas, kiln dried logs may burn faster than less seasoned wood due to their lower moisture content. However, in wood-burning stoves, especially modern Ecodesign stoves, the burn time can be slower and more efficient.

For example, you might need 16 kiln dried logs to produce 4kW of heat over five hours in an open fire, while only 5 logs would be required in a modern Ecodesign stove.

Softwood vs. Hardwood Kiln Dried Logs

Softwood logs, like pine or spruce, are generally less dense than hardwood logs like oak or ash. This means you'll need more softwood logs to produce the same amount of heat. Additionally, some hardwoods burn slower than others. For instance, silver birch burns faster than oak or beech.

The size and shape of the logs can also affect burn time. Thinly split logs burn faster than large, chunky logs, making them ideal for cooking applications like pizza ovens.

Benefits of Kiln Dried Logs

Kiln dried logs offer several benefits:

  • Cleaner burn with less soot and tar buildup
  • Higher heat output
  • Reduced fuel consumption
  • Lower emissions

Conclusion

When it comes to kiln dried logs, quality and burn time can vary. By choosing Woodsure Ready to Burn certified logs and understanding the factors that influence burn time, you can make informed decisions and enjoy the benefits of using kiln dried logs in your home or outdoor space.