Are Kiln-Dried Logs Better Than Seasoned Logs?

Whether you’ve just invested in a wood-burning stove or you’ve owned one for years, you might be wondering whether kiln-dried or seasoned logs are the best choice. Let’s break down the key differences between the two types of logs and give you the definitive answer on which one is right for you.

Kiln-Dried Logs:

• Dried in a controlled kiln to below 20% moisture
• Ready to Burn certified 
• Burns hotter, cleaner and more efficiently
• Easy to store indoors or outdoors

Seasoned Logs:

• Naturally air-dried for 12–24 months
• Moisture content 25–40% - not Ready to Burn certified 
• Cheaper but may take longer to burn efficiently
• Requires ventilated outdoor storage

TL;DR: For convenience, efficiency and a cleaner burn, kiln-dried logs are the best choice, while seasoned logs are only the right choice if you have sufficient storage and want the cheapest firewood. 

For high-quality kiln-dried firewood, check out our range at Westdale Logs - all our firewood is Ready to Burn certified with a typical moisture content of around 18%, ensuring you get a high-quality burn!

Keep reading for a more in-depth comparison of seasoned logs vs kiln-dried logs to help you make the right decision for your wood-burning stove or fireplace. 

Jump to Section:

• What Are Seasoned Logs?
• What Are Kiln-Dried Logs?
• What Is the Difference Between Seasoned and Kiln-Dried Logs?
• Which Is Best Kiln-Dried or Seasoned Logs?
• High-Quality Kiln-Dried Logs from Westdale Logs
• Seasoned Logs or Kiln-Dried Logs FAQs

What Are Seasoned Logs?

Seasoned logs are wood logs that have been naturally air-dried over a period of 12–24 months (sometimes longer for larger logs) to reduce their moisture content. The moisture content of seasoned logs can range from 25 to 40%, depending on the wood species and storage conditions. 

During seasoning, logs are stacked in a well-ventilated, covered area to allow air circulation while protecting them from rain or excessive moisture, which helps prevent mould, rot and fungal growth.

Key Facts About Moisture Content:

• The moisture content of freshly cut (“green”) wood is often 40–60%, which is too high for safe or efficient burning, according to the Forestry Commission UK.
• Properly seasoned logs should have less than 30% moisture content, with 20% or below being ideal for cleaner, more efficient combustion and ensuring the logs are certified as Ready to Burn, which allows the firewood to be sold in quantities under 2m3. 
• Higher moisture content reduces net calorific value, meaning more energy is spent evaporating water rather than producing usable heat. For example, in a 2022 study, it was found that wood with a 30% moisture content took double the time to reach a useful combustion temperature compared to very dry wood with a 10% moisture content. 

Benefits of Seasoned Logs

While kiln-dried logs are considered the gold standard of firewood, there are still some benefits to choosing seasoned logs:

• Cost-effective - seasoned logs are always cheaper than kiln-dried logs because they require less processing. For households with enough storage space to continue the drying process, they can be a cost-effective choice.
• Sold in large quantities - because most seasoned logs don’t have a moisture content below 20%, they can’t be certified as Ready to Burn and therefore can only be sold in quantities over 2m3. This can make them suitable for homes with a lot of outdoor storage space or that use a lot of firewood. 
• Environmentally friendly - the air-drying process does not use any additional energy, unlike the kiln drying process, which can make seasoned logs a more environmentally friendly choice. At Westdale Logs, we are passionate about reducing our carbon footprint, so all our kiln-dried logs are dried in our unique solar-powered kiln!

What Are Kiln-Dried Logs?

Kiln-dried logs are logs that have been dried in a controlled, heated environment (called a kiln) to reduce their moisture content to below 20%, making them ready to burn immediately. At Westdale Logs, all our kiln-dried firewood is Ready to Burn certified with a moisture content below 20% (on average, about 18%), allowing it to be sold in smaller quantities under the most recent UK legislation (Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020).

View our Ready to Burn certification. 

The kiln-drying process involves carefully controlling temperature and airflow to rapidly and uniformly remove water from the wood, unlike natural air-drying, which can result in a non-uniform moisture content. At Westdale Logs, all our firewood is dried in our sustainable solar-powered kiln with battery stores used over the winter months.

Key Facts About Moisture Content:

• Kiln-dried logs typically have 15–20% moisture (at Westdale Logs, ours are around 18% moisture on average), compared with 25–40% for seasoned logs. This allows kiln-dried logs to burn hotter, cleaner and more efficiently. Guidance by DEFRA (The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) states that “dry wood should have 20% moisture or less”.

Benefits of Kiln-Dried Logs

Kiln-dried logs offer a range of advantages over seasoned logs, making them a convenient and efficient choice for UK homes:

• Ready to Burn certified – kiln-dried logs are dried in a controlled environment to a moisture content below 20%, meaning they are certified as Ready to Burn and will provide a clean, high-quality and efficient burn.
• Higher heat output – because of their low moisture content, kiln-dried logs burn hotter and more efficiently than seasoned logs. Fewer logs are needed to achieve the same warmth, making them ideal for wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and traditional open fires.
• Cleaner and safer burning – kiln-dried logs produce less smoke, soot and creosote, reducing chimney maintenance and improving indoor air quality. This makes them safer for both stoves and open fires.
• Easy to store – kiln-dried logs can be stored indoors or in covered, sheltered spaces without risk of mould or fungal growth. Unlike seasoned logs, they don’t need long-term outdoor storage, which is perfect for homes with limited space.
• Consistent quality – because the drying process is controlled, kiln-dried logs are uniform in moisture content, providing a reliable and predictable burn every time.
• Environmentally conscious – while kiln-drying requires energy, it produces a cleaner, more efficient burn, helping to reduce smoke and particulate emissions. At Westdale Logs, all our kiln-dried logs are dried in our unique solar-powered kiln, helping to reduce our carbon footprint while delivering high-quality firewood.
• Compliant with regulations - our kiln-dried logs are certified with the Ready to Burn scheme, ensuring compliance with the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) Regulations 2020. This also means they are an authorised fuel which can be burnt in Smoke Control Areas (as designated by the Clean Air Act 1993), which includes Sheffield, Chesterfield and parts of the Peak District, such as Buxton.

What is the Difference Between Seasoned and Kiln-Dried Logs?

The main difference between seasoned logs and kiln-dried logs is how they are dried and their resulting moisture content, which affects burn efficiency and heat output:

• Seasoned logs are naturally air-dried over 12–24 months, resulting in a moisture content usually around 25–40%, depending on wood type and storage. They are generally cheaper but take longer to burn efficiently and require proper outdoor storage.
• Kiln-dried logs are dried in a controlled, heated environment to a moisture content below 20% (at Westdale Logs, our logs average around 18%), making them Ready to Burn certified and ensuring they burn hotter and cleaner than seasoned logs. They are also much more straightforward to store. 

Kiln Dried vs Seasoned: Key Differences

Which is Best: Kiln-Dried or Seasoned Logs?

Choosing between kiln-dried and seasoned logs depends on your priorities, storage space, and budget:

• Kiln-dried logs are ideal if you want immediate usability, higher heat output, cleaner burning and easier indoor storage. They are ideal for wood-burning stoves, open fires, chimineas, pizza ovens, firepits and more!
• Seasoned logs can be the better choice if you have ample storage space, want a cost-effective solution, and don’t mind waiting for wood to dry naturally. But be aware, they may take longer to ignite and produce more smoke than higher-quality kiln-dried logs. 

Bottom line: For convenience, efficiency and consistent performance, kiln-dried logs are usually the preferred option. If cost and natural drying are your priorities, seasoned logs remain a valid choice.

High-Quality Kiln-Dried Logs from Westdale Logs

At Westdale Logs, we offer a wide range of premium kiln-dried hardwood and oak, speciality pizza oven logs and cost-effective kindling. All our firewood is Ready to Burn certified and has an average moisture content below 20%, helping it burn hotter and cleaner than seasoned firewood! 

With free local delivery to Sheffield, Chesterfield and the Hope Valley, as well as national delivery available at an additional cost, you can rely on Westdale Logs for all your firewood needs. All our kiln-dried logs are delivered with a complimentary rain poncho to keep your oak logs dry on rainy days. 

View our full range of kiln-dried firewood and kindling. 

Seasoned Logs or Kiln-Dried Logs FAQs

Are Kiln-Dried Logs Worth the Extra Cost?

Yes, kiln-dried logs are often worth the higher upfront cost because

• They are dried in a temperature-controlled kiln (at Westdale Logs, ours is solar powered!) to a consistently low moisture content (below 20%).
• They burn more efficiently and produce more usable heat.
• They ignite much quicker and easier than seasoned logs.
• They produce less smoke and soot, making them a cleaner choice.

Because kiln-dried logs are more efficient, this means you can use fewer logs overall, helping you save money on fuel in the long run - so in many cases, kiln-dried logs can actually be the more cost-effective choice!

Browse quality kiln-dried logs and kindling from Westdale Logs.

Do Kiln-Dried Logs Produce More Heat Than Seasoned Logs?

Yes, because kiln-dried logs have a significantly lower moisture content, more of the wood’s energy goes into producing heat rather than evaporating water. This results in a higher heat output and better burn efficiency. 

A technical report from Forest Research explains that moisture content has the greatest effect on the net calorific value of logs because any water in the timber must be evaporated before combustion can fully generate heat. Higher moisture reduces the useful heat released and contributes to more smoke and inefficient burning.

Which Logs Create Less Smoke When Burning?

Kiln-dried logs typically create significantly less smoke compared to seasoned logs because their low, uniform moisture content allows them to burn more completely and cleanly. Logs dried to under 20% moisture (at Westdale Logs, our kiln-dried firewood is usually around 18% moisture) produce fewer particulates and less unburnt vapour. This helps to:

• Improve indoor air quality.
• Reduce harmful emissions.
• Lower creosote build-up in chimneys.

Are Kiln-Dried Logs Better for Wood-Burning Stoves?

Yes, kiln-dried logs are considered to be the best fuel for wood-burning stoves because their low moisture and consistent dryness help the fire to start quickly, burn hotter and maintain steady combustion with minimal smoke output. This improves stove performance and reduces the build-up of soot and creosote on stove glass and inside flues. Ultimately, kiln-dried firewood offers a more reliable and efficient heating experience compared with using higher-moisture seasoned logs.

Do Seasoned Logs Need Additional Drying Before Use?

Seasoned logs can require additional drying before they burn well, especially in a damp UK climate, because they are naturally air-dried and their final moisture content depends on weather, airflow and storage conditions. While well-seasoned wood (with a moisture content below 20%) can be used straight away, some seasoned logs may benefit from additional drying to improve their heat efficiency. 

If you want logs that are ready to burn straight away and are Ready to Burn certified with a moisture content below 20%, browse kiln-dried log options at Westdale Logs.

Which Type of Logs Are Easier to Store?

Kiln-dried logs are generally easier to store because they already have a low moisture content, meaning they are less prone to absorbing water and developing mould when kept under cover or in a sheltered indoor space. With seasoned logs,  outdoor storage needs to be covered and well-ventilated to prevent moisture reabsorption, mould growth or rot.

Browse kiln-dried firewood at Westdale Logs.