Kiln dried logs are one of the top choices when it comes to firewood in the United Kingdom. With winter rapidly approaching, kiln dried logs provide easy lighting, a high heat output, and excellent efficiency. It is the ideal choice for any home, whether you have a wood burner or an open fireplace.
Unlike seasoned firewood, that can take eighteen months to reduce the moisture, kiln dried logs come out of the kiln with a moisture content of less than twenty percent. This provides you with a roaring fire with very little smoke, without having to wait for your wood to dry naturally.
If you are planning on enjoying a warm fire every evening, then you are going to want to purchase your kiln dried logs in bulk, maybe buying a palette or crate of logs that will last you the entire winter season. This means having to pay close attention to how to store kiln dried logs.
Where to Store Kiln Dried Logs?
Location is important when it comes to the storage of your kiln dried logs. Maybe you are worried about storing your firewood indoors, as you increase the risk of welcoming mould and unwanted pests into your home. The good news is that this is exceptionally rare with kiln dried logs. One of the benefits of the kiln drying process is that any mildew, mould, or insects are removed during the heating process.
Indoor Storage
Indoors is definitely preferred, ideally a climate controlled environment away from insects and moisture. When you store your kiln dried logs indoors, you reduce the risk of them being subjected to rain, sleet, and snow. This means you can pull out a few logs, burn them, and heat up your home without having to think twice. If you have the space, storing your kiln dried logs indoors is preferred.
Outdoor Storage
This does not mean you cannot store your logs outside, though there are a few things you need to take into consideration. When you store your logs outdoors you have to deal with nature. Severe rainstorms can increase the moisture content in the logs, reducing their efficiency. Kiln dried logs outdoors are also known to attract certain wasp species.
If you don’t have the indoor space and you want to store your kiln dried logs outdoors, then please keep the following in mind:
- Keep the logs off the ground, reduce contact with soil, mud, or grass that can increase the moisture content
- Stack your logs to allow ample air flow from all sides. Do not stack your logs up against an exterior wall
- Choose a surface that is level and flat
- Consider the direction rain normally comes into your garden. Some areas of your property may be more prone to angled rain than others. Choose areas that do not get soaked during storms.
- Choose a sunny area where your logs can get sunshine throughout the day
When storing outdoors, you can use a tarp to cover the wood, you can store it in a shed, or even on a large open area in your garden. Pallets or cinder blocks are great for keeping your logs off the moist ground. Stack in single rows with the ends of the wood facing outwards to gain maximum sun exposure.
Never stack your wood tightly together, remember how important air flow is to keeping your kiln dried logs dry and ready for burning. Always ensure you cover your woodpile, keeping it water tight. Don’t allow for any gaps to reduce the risk of moisture getting in when the rain runs down the covering.
Conclusion
Kiln dried logs will keep your home warm this winter, providing you with high heat output and excellent efficiency. You can store your logs indoors or outdoors, though indoors is preferred to help keep the moisture content as low as possible, providing you with an easy to light and minimal smoke fire.
