If you're searching for premium firewood that burns efficiently, produces excellent heat, and is ready to use straight away, you've probably come across the term Ready to Burn®. But what exactly does it mean, and why should it influence the firewood you buy?
Whether you use a wood-burning stove, log burner, open fire, pizza oven, chiminea or fire pit, choosing the right logs makes a huge difference to performance, heat output and running costs.
At The Northern Firewood Co, we specialise in supplying premium Ready to Burn® certified kiln-dried firewood, delivered across the UK. This guide explains everything you need to know about Ready to Burn® logs, why moisture content matters, how to choose the best firewood, and how to store your logs correctly.
What Is Ready to Burn® Firewood?
Ready to Burn® is the UK certification scheme that identifies firewood with a moisture content of 20% or less. Firewood carrying the Ready to Burn® mark has been independently verified to meet this standard, giving customers confidence that it is dry enough to burn efficiently.
Unlike freshly cut or poorly seasoned logs, Ready to Burn® firewood can be used immediately without additional drying.
Why Moisture Content Is So Important
Moisture content has a greater impact on firewood performance than almost any other factor.
Freshly cut timber can contain 40–60% moisture, meaning a significant amount of the fire's energy is wasted evaporating water before the wood can burn properly.
By contrast, kiln-dried Ready to Burn® logs contain 20% moisture or less, allowing them to ignite quickly and burn cleanly.
The benefits include:
- More heat from every log
- Easier lighting
- Longer burn times
- Reduced smoke
- Cleaner stove glass
- Less soot and creosote build-up
- Improved appliance efficiency
- Lower emissions
Why Kiln-Dried Firewood Is Better Than Wet Logs
Kiln drying removes excess moisture in a controlled environment, producing consistently dry logs throughout the year.
Compared with wet or poorly seasoned logs, kiln-dried firewood offers:
- Consistent moisture content
- Faster ignition
- Cleaner combustion
- Better heat output
- Reduced chimney maintenance
- More reliable performance in all seasons
Although kiln-dried logs can cost slightly more, they often represent better value because more of the wood is converted into usable heat.
Hardwood vs Softwood Logs
One of the most common questions customers ask is whether hardwood or softwood is better.
Hardwood
Hardwood species such as Oak, Birch and Ash are denser, meaning they generally burn for longer and produce sustained heat.
They are ideal for:
- Wood-burning stoves
- Home heating
- Overnight burning
- Larger fires
Softwood
Softwoods such as Pine and Spruce ignite quickly and produce a lively flame.
They are ideal for:
- Lighting fires
- Kindling larger logs
- Fire pits
- Short-duration fires
Many people use softwood to establish a fire before adding hardwood logs for a longer-lasting burn.
Why Buying Cheap Firewood Can Cost More
Cheap logs are often not the bargain they appear to be.
Logs with a high moisture content:
- Burn faster
- Produce less heat
- Create more smoke
- Blacken stove glass
- Leave more ash
- Increase chimney cleaning requirements
You may end up using significantly more wood to achieve the same amount of heat.
Investing in quality kiln-dried firewood can save money over the heating season.
Is Ready to Burn® Firewood a Legal Requirement?
In England, businesses selling firewood in quantities under 2m³ must ensure it is certified as Ready to Burn® or clearly labelled as requiring further drying before use.
Choosing Ready to Burn® certified logs gives you confidence that your firewood complies with current regulations and is ready to use immediately.
Choosing the Best Firewood for Your Stove
When buying logs, look for:
- Moisture content below 20%
- Ready to Burn® certification
- Consistent log size
- Clean-cut logs
- Minimal bark and debris
- Sustainable sourcing
- Reliable supplier reviews
Quality firewood will always outperform cheaper, wetter alternatives.
How to Store Firewood Correctly
Even kiln-dried logs should be stored properly.
For best results:
- Keep logs raised off the ground.
- Store them in a dry, well-ventilated area.
- Cover the top to protect from rain.
- Leave the sides open to allow airflow.
- Avoid storing logs in damp garages or sheds with poor ventilation.
Proper storage preserves the low moisture content and ensures your logs stay Ready to Burn®.
Common Mistakes People Make
Avoid these common errors:
- Burning freshly cut wood
- Storing logs directly on the ground
- Covering the entire log pile with a tarpaulin
- Overloading the stove
- Closing the air vents too early
- Using oversized logs for small stoves
Correct burning techniques improve efficiency and prolong the life of your appliance.
Firewood Uses
Our premium kiln-dried logs are suitable for:
- Wood-burning stoves
- Multi-fuel stoves
- Open fires
- Fire pits
- Chimineas
- Pizza ovens
- Outdoor entertaining
- Garden fireplaces
- Holiday cottages
- Rural homes
Why Customers Choose The Northern Firewood Co
We pride ourselves on supplying premium-quality firewood backed by excellent customer service.
When you order from The Northern Firewood Co, you benefit from:
- Ready to Burn® certified firewood
- Premium kiln-dried hardwood logs
- Excellent heat output
- Reliable nationwide delivery
- Consistent product quality
- Sustainably sourced timber
- Competitive prices
- Friendly, knowledgeable support
Whether you're ordering a single net bag or stocking up with a large crate, we're committed to supplying firewood you can rely on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ready to Burn® mean?
It means the firewood has a moisture content of 20% or less and has been certified as suitable for immediate use.
Are kiln-dried logs worth it?
Yes. They burn hotter, cleaner and more efficiently than wet or poorly seasoned logs, often providing better value over time.
What is the best wood for log burners?
Dense hardwoods such as Oak and Birch are popular because they provide long-lasting heat and an excellent burn.
Can I burn freshly cut logs?
No. Fresh timber contains too much moisture and should not be burned until properly dried.
How long do kiln-dried logs last in storage?
If stored in a dry, well-ventilated log store, kiln-dried logs can remain in excellent condition for many months.
Do Ready to Burn® logs create less smoke?
Yes. Their low moisture content helps produce a cleaner burn with less smoke and fewer deposits inside your chimney.
Order Premium Ready to Burn® Firewood Online
If you're looking for premium kiln-dried logs that light easily, burn efficiently and provide outstanding heat, The Northern Firewood Co is here to help.
Our Ready to Burn® certified firewood is carefully selected for quality and consistency before being delivered directly to your door.
Whether you're heating your home throughout winter, relaxing beside an outdoor fire pit, or firing up a pizza oven, our kiln-dried logs deliver the dependable performance you need.
Browse our range today and discover why customers across the UK choose The Northern Firewood Co for premium Ready to Burn® firewood delivered nationwide.