Firewood FAQ: Every Common Question Answered

Buying logs

What are the best logs for a log burner?

Dense hardwood dried to 20% moisture or less. Oak, ash and beech are the classic choices, with birch and sycamore close behind. See the best wood to burn.

Should I buy kiln-dried or seasoned logs?

Kiln-dried logs are ready to burn the day they arrive. Seasoned logs cost less but take much longer to dry, so they suit people with space to dry wood for a year or more. See kiln dried vs seasoned logs.

Hardwood or softwood?

Hardwood for evening fires: it's denser, so each log burns longer. Softwood lights quickly and costs less per bag. See hardwood vs softwood logs.

How many logs do I need for winter?

Woodsure says a winter supply is somewhere between 1.5 and 3 cubic metres. That's roughly three to six of our tonne bags. Our log store calculator shows how much space they take.

What does Ready to Burn mean?

A certification showing the wood is 20% moisture or less. Wood sold in units under 2 m³ in England must carry it. See what is Ready to Burn?.

How do I compare log prices?

By price per cubic metre, including delivery. Try our price per cubic metre calculator.

What size are your bags?

Our tonne bag is 80 cm on each side, or 0.51 m³. The XL tonne bag is 90 cm, or 0.73 m³, and our net bags hold 40 litres.

Delivery and collection

Where do you deliver?

Delivery is free within 40 miles of our yard in Keighley on orders of £75 or more. From 40 to 60 miles it's £30, and from 60 to 80 miles £50. See our delivery areas.

How quickly will my logs arrive?

Usually within 24 to 48 hours on weekdays. Please allow up to 5 days in busy weeks; we confirm your date after you order. See how log delivery works.

Can I collect from your yard?

Yes. Collection from Farrahs Saw Mill, Park Ln, Keighley BD21 4US is free and often available the same day. Call 07435 515639 before you set off.

Storing logs

How should I store logs?

Off the ground, under a roof, with open sides so air can move. See how to store logs.

Do kiln-dried logs need storing inside?

No, but they must stay dry. Keep them outside under cover and bring in a couple of days' worth at a time. See storing kiln dried logs.

Can I burn logs that got wet?

Not until they've dried out again. Dry them under cover, then split one and test the fresh face. See can you burn wet logs?.

Using a log burner

How do I light a log burner?

From the top down: two small logs at the bottom, kindling on top, firelighters in the gaps and the air controls open. See how to light a log burner.

How long should my logs be?

Check your stove's manual, as every maker gives a maximum. Logs should lie flat with air at both ends and never touch the glass. See log length for your stove.

Why is my log burner smoking?

Usually wet wood, a fire running too cool, or a cold chimney. Smoke in the room is more serious: stop using the stove and get it checked. See why is my log burner smoking?.

Can I keep my stove going overnight?

It's best not to shut the air down to keep it smouldering. Let it burn down before bed and relight in the morning. See keeping a log burner going overnight.

How often should I sweep the chimney?

At least twice a year if you burn wood, says HETAS, and up to four times if you use the stove most days. See how often to sweep your chimney.

Rules

Can I burn wood in a smoke control area?

Only in a Defra-exempt stove. See burning wood in a smoke control area.

Am I in a smoke control area?

Check Defra's map, then confirm with your council. See am I in a smoke control area?.

Are wood burners being banned?

No. There's no ban on wood burners in England. See the rules on wood burners.

Is house coal banned?

It can no longer be sold for use in homes in England. See is house coal banned?.

Outdoor fires

What wood should I use outdoors?

Dry hardwood for fire pits and pizza ovens, and untreated hardwood for smoking food. See the best wood for outdoor fires.

What can I burn on a bonfire?

Only clean, dry, untreated timber. See what you can burn on a bonfire.

Still have a question?

Call us on 07435 515639 and we'll help you pick the right logs for your stove and your space. Words you don't recognise? See our firewood glossary.