The short answer is that we don't need to. We are a small local business with enough space to naturally season our logs. We are based on a farm so have enough land and cover to store our firewood for the required time to ensure it is properly seasoned.
For larger businesses that need to move large quantities of firewood quickly, kiln drying is often the only option. Kiln drying is a process where the wood is placed in a large oven and dried using heat. This can be a quick way to reduce the moisture content of the wood, but it can also have some inconsistent effects on the quality of the firewood produced.
Kiln dried firewood can sometimes be too dry, which can lead to a faster burn rate and less heat output. Depending on where the wood is in the kiln, only surface moisture is removed, leaving the inside wet.
We thought about getting a kiln to dry our logs, and ordered a selection from other suppliers to check quality. Most of it was ok, but we experienced both of the above issues, so we are sticking with what we know.
By naturally seasoning our firewood, we are able to ensure that it is properly dried without the negative effects of kiln drying. Our firewood is cut and split, then left to dry in the open air for a period of time, allowing the moisture to evaporate naturally. This results in firewood that burns longer, and hotter.
Our Process
Cordwood logs are delivered by our suppliers from forestry work in British woodlands, we never import logs.
The logs stand in the field approaching relative humidity for a period of between six and twelve months.
We then process the logs into either IBC cages, or mesh drying bags. For the larger log sizes, 15 inches and over, we stack them by hand in one of our open sided drying sheds.
These cages and bags are then stacked to allow airflow through, and around, the wood at all times.
Finally, we transfer logs in batches into our polytunnel. In the summer the temerature can reach 40 degrees celsius, and with the open ends allowing a breeze to blow through, all residual moisture is carried away, leaving us with the finished product.
We burn our own firewood, so we know exactly how it performs in a real life situation and are constantly checking the quality of our stock whilst we heat our homes.