Buying guide
Do Kiln-Dried Logs Need Storing Inside?
No, but they do need keeping dry. Forest Research describes kiln dried logs as ready to burn if kept dry, and HETAS says firewood stored in poor conditions will re-absorb moisture. Keep them outside under a roof with open sides, off the ground, and bring in a couple of days' worth at a time.
The Logs Local team Kiln-dried logs from our yard in Keighley
In this guide
Do kiln dried logs need to be kept dry?
Yes. Defra says kiln dried wood should be 20% moisture or less and, if stored and packaged correctly, will be ready to use on the day of purchase. But HETAS and Woodsure both say firewood stored in poor conditions will re-absorb moisture and deteriorate.
Inside or outside?
- Outside, under cover, is fine. Off the ground, under a roof, with open sides so air can move, as Defra and HETAS advise.
- A garage or shed works if it's ventilated. Charnwood calls a well-ventilated shed or garage ideal.
- Indoors, only a little. HETAS says to bring in only what you'll burn over the next two days, and never to stack logs beside the stove.
Can I leave them in the bag?
Yes, if the bag is under cover and off the ground. HETAS says not to leave bags open to the elements, to protect them from direct rain, to stand them on a pallet rather than moist ground, and not to cover them closely, as they can sweat.
How long do kiln dried logs keep?
We found no official shelf life. Kept dry, they stay ready to burn. Left out uncovered, wood takes on moisture from the weather: for timber cladding outdoors, the Scottish Government says moisture can swing from around 12% on a hot summer's day to 20% or above in driving rain. That's why the cover matters.
What if my kiln dried logs get wet?
Dry them under cover with air around them, bring a few in for a day or two, and test one before you burn it. See can you burn wet logs?.
Questions
Why does my moisture meter read over 20%?
It may be reading the very centre. Stovax says kiln dried logs usually show 10 to 15% on the outside and 20 to 25% on the inside, with an overall average below 20%. Test a few logs at room temperature and in different places, as Woodsure advises.
Can I keep kiln dried logs in the garage?
Yes, if it's ventilated and the logs are off the floor.
Do kiln dried logs attract bugs?
Damp logs are more inviting: the RHS says damp conditions behind peeling bark attract woodlice, spiders and beetles. But don't assume any firewood is bug free. See bugs in firewood.
Should I cover the bag?
Cover the top against rain, but don't wrap it tightly. HETAS says closely covered bags can sweat.
More in our guide to storing logs.
Logs for this guide
Kiln dried below 20% moisture and ready to burn. Add a bag to your cart, then check out as normal.
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On orders over £75, on weekdays, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Or collect from Farrahs Saw Mill in Keighley.
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