What Is Ready to Burn® Firewood? Everything You Need to Know

What Is Ready to Burn® Firewood? Everything You Need to Know

If you're buying firewood for a wood-burning stove, open fire, chiminea or log burner, you've probably seen the Ready to Burn® logo. But what does it actually mean, and why should it matter?

At The Northern Firewood Co, all of our kiln-dried firewood is Ready to Burn® certified, giving you complete confidence that you're burning high-quality, legally compliant firewood that performs exactly as it should.

What Is Ready to Burn®?

Ready to Burn® is the UK's official certification scheme for firewood and solid fuels. It helps customers identify firewood that has been independently checked to ensure it has a moisture content of 20% or less.

Firewood with a moisture content below 20% burns hotter, cleaner and more efficiently than wet or unseasoned logs.

When you buy Ready to Burn® certified firewood, you know you're getting logs that are ready to use immediately—no additional drying or seasoning required.

Why Moisture Content Matters

Many people don't realise that the biggest factor affecting the quality of firewood is its moisture content.

Wet logs can contain over 30–50% moisture, making them difficult to light and causing them to produce more smoke than heat.

Ready to Burn® logs offer a number of advantages:

  • Easier to light
  • Produces more heat
  • Burns for longer
  • Creates less smoke
  • Reduces tar and creosote build-up in your chimney
  • Helps keep stove glass cleaner
  • Improves overall stove efficiency
  • Better for the environment

Why Kiln-Dried Logs Are the Best Choice

Our premium hardwood logs are kiln dried in carefully controlled conditions to reduce the moisture content below 20%.

Unlike naturally seasoned logs, kiln drying delivers a consistently low moisture content all year round, meaning every load performs to the same high standard.

Our logs are ideal for:

  • Wood-burning stoves
  • Log burners
  • Open fires
  • Multi-fuel stoves
  • Pizza ovens
  • Fire pits
  • Chimineas
  • Outdoor entertaining

Is It a Legal Requirement?

Yes. In England, businesses selling small quantities of firewood (under 2m³) must ensure it is certified as Ready to Burn® or provide clear advice that the wood needs further drying before use.

Buying Ready to Burn® certified logs removes any uncertainty—you know the wood is ready to use as soon as it arrives.

The Benefits of Buying from The Northern Firewood Co

At The Northern Firewood Co, we're committed to supplying premium-quality kiln-dried firewood that delivers exceptional performance every time.

When you order from us, you can expect:

  • Premium kiln-dried hardwood logs
  • Ready to Burn® certified firewood
  • Reliable nationwide delivery
  • Consistent log size
  • Excellent heat output
  • Clean-burning, low-moisture logs
  • Sustainably sourced timber
  • Friendly customer service

Whether you're ordering a single crate or stocking up for winter, we're here to make buying quality firewood simple.

How to Store Your Firewood

Even Ready to Burn® logs should be stored correctly to maintain their quality.

For best results:

  • Store logs in a dry, well-ventilated log store.
  • Keep them raised off the ground.
  • Allow air to circulate around the stack.
  • Protect the top from rain while leaving the sides open for ventilation.
  • Avoid storing logs in damp sheds or directly on concrete.

Proper storage helps keep your logs dry and ready to burn whenever you need them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What moisture content should firewood be?

Firewood should have a moisture content of 20% or less for efficient burning.

Can I burn freshly cut wood?

No. Freshly cut timber contains a high level of moisture and burns poorly, producing excessive smoke and deposits inside your chimney.

How can I tell if logs are dry?

Ready to Burn® certified logs have already been tested and verified to meet the required moisture standard. You can also use a moisture meter if you want to check your logs at home.

Are hardwood logs better than softwood?

Both have their uses, but hardwoods such as Oak and Birch are denser, generally providing a longer-lasting burn and sustained heat output, making them a popular choice for home heating.

Order Premium Ready to Burn® Firewood Today

If you're looking for high-quality kiln-dried logs that are ready to use from the moment they arrive, you've come to the right place.

At The Northern Firewood Co, we supply premium Ready to Burn® certified firewood with fast, reliable delivery across the UK.

Browse our range today and enjoy cleaner fires, greater heat output and complete peace of mind every time you light your stove.