What Wood Should You Be Burning In Your Log Burner?
You can’t beat sitting by a roaring log burner, watching sputtering flames whilst you soak in that inviting aroma of woodsmoke is the pièce de résistance to an already magical experience. Here at Calido, we want your log burner to burn bright when you need them to and with that in mind, here are our top firewood picks. The first question when looking for firewood should be, what are you looking to get out of your log burner? Are you seeking the most effective and dependable heat? Then our Kiln-Dried Birch Logs might be for you. Do you desire steady flames to last the entire evening? Then you will want to know all about our Kiln-Dried Ash logs. Any log burning expert will tell you to burn only dry, thoroughly seasoned logs that have a moisture content of less than 20%, but what does that exactly mean and what should you look for?What to Look for in Logs
Essentially, burning dry wood increases the efficiency of your stove. Burning wet or unseasoned wood decreases the efficiency of the air wash system, potentially resulting in stained and blackened glass, which nobody wants! Here are a few things to remember when shopping for the perfect log.- Moisture Content: When describing the amount of water in a product's pores, such as those found in wood, the phrase "moisture content" (mc) is used. The secret to high-quality firewood is to have a low moisture content. For the most efficient operation of the stove and to preserve the manufacturer's warranty, the majority of stove manufacturers demand that wooden logs be less than 20% moisture.
- Volume/Weight: Firewood logs are sold by volume rather than by weight. This is because damp wood weighs more yet has a lower calorific value. Calorific value is essentially a measure of a fuel's energy content; the more moisture present, the lower the fuel's energy content. Therefore, you will want to purchase dry or, even better, kiln-dried wood, as it is inexpensive, lightweight, and high in caloric content.
- The Density Of The Wood: The denser the wood, the more calories it can hold per cubic metre. Kiln-dried hardwood is dense and has more calories per cubic metre than lighter softwood at the same moisture level.
Softwood, Hardwood and Kiln Dried
We have spoken briefly about the different types of logs on the market, below we have listed the three main variations, highlighting their benefits and characteristics. Softwood - Coniferous trees, which include evergreen, generate wood referred to as softwood. Compared to hardwoods, these "softwood" trees often grow swiftly and produce lighter and less dense wood. However, the wood has more resin than is desirable for open fires, which could cause it to spit when burned. Softwood is best suited for stoves after it has been carefully dried. Hardwood - Hardwoods, such as oak, walnut, and maple, are made from trees categorised as angiosperms that reproduce with a flowering plant. These trees grow more slowly than softwoods, have large leaves, and produce heavier, denser wood. Hardwoods may also be more difficult to ignite from cold, making starting your fire a tiring and tedious process. Kiln-Dried - Kiln-dried logs are superb in terms of both consistency and quality. These logs may cost more than others, but the quality is unrivalled. The biggest benefit of kiln-dried logs is that they burn hotter and last longer than their seasoned counterparts. Each log burns longer because more of its mass is burnable carbon due to the significant amount of moisture that has been removed from them.
