Useful Advice
Hardwood versus Softwood
We are often asked to explain the difference between softwood and hardwood logs.
Hardwood refers to any of the slow growing “broadleaf” deciduous trees such as Oak, Sycamore, Ash and so forth.
Softwood refers to what people would normally call “pine” or “larch” but as a general rule it refers to any tree that has needles, cones, and does not lose its leaves in winter (there are exceptions of course). Softwoods are generally not very dense (i.e. light weight) and tend to burn relatively quickly and with less heat. Softwood tends to be fast-growing unlike hardwood which can take decades to reach a usable size.
These are general descriptions and within each category some species burn better than others.
Hardwood is very dense and burns longer and hotter compared with softwood which doesn’t produce as much heat and burns quicker.
Ultimately it is personal preference; some customers prefer one over the other whilst some use both.
Seasoning
Seasoning refers to the process of lowering the moisture content of logs to a level where they will burn efficiently and safely. In the case of naturally (or “air”) seasoned logs the drying process is achieved simply by the sun, wind and the passage of time making the log production almost entirely environmentally green.
Logs that are not fully seasoned will, due to the high moisture content
• Be difficult or impossible to start burning
• Produce little heat as most of the heat will be wasted boiling of the excess moisture
• Eventually damage your stove or chimney due to the steam and un-burnt chemicals released.
Purchasing Logs
Unseasoned or partly seasoned logs will contain more moisture than their fully seasoned equivalent and therefore weigh more. There can also be significant differences in weight between different types of wood. Logs should therefore always be purchased on the basis of volume rather than weight.
Log Storage
We recommend that our logs are stored off the ground, preferably stacked, in a covered & sheltered but well ventilated location to keep them protected from moisture such as rain, snow etc. We do not supply log stores but we can put you in contact with a local manufacturer.
We are often asked to explain the difference between softwood and hardwood logs.
Hardwood refers to any of the slow growing “broadleaf” deciduous trees such as Oak, Sycamore, Ash and so forth.
Softwood refers to what people would normally call “pine” or “larch” but as a general rule it refers to any tree that has needles, cones, and does not lose its leaves in winter (there are exceptions of course). Softwoods are generally not very dense (i.e. light weight) and tend to burn relatively quickly and with less heat. Softwood tends to be fast-growing unlike hardwood which can take decades to reach a usable size.
These are general descriptions and within each category some species burn better than others.
Hardwood is very dense and burns longer and hotter compared with softwood which doesn’t produce as much heat and burns quicker.
Ultimately it is personal preference; some customers prefer one over the other whilst some use both.
Seasoning
Seasoning refers to the process of lowering the moisture content of logs to a level where they will burn efficiently and safely. In the case of naturally (or “air”) seasoned logs the drying process is achieved simply by the sun, wind and the passage of time making the log production almost entirely environmentally green.
Logs that are not fully seasoned will, due to the high moisture content
• Be difficult or impossible to start burning
• Produce little heat as most of the heat will be wasted boiling of the excess moisture
• Eventually damage your stove or chimney due to the steam and un-burnt chemicals released.
Purchasing Logs
Unseasoned or partly seasoned logs will contain more moisture than their fully seasoned equivalent and therefore weigh more. There can also be significant differences in weight between different types of wood. Logs should therefore always be purchased on the basis of volume rather than weight.
Log Storage
We recommend that our logs are stored off the ground, preferably stacked, in a covered & sheltered but well ventilated location to keep them protected from moisture such as rain, snow etc. We do not supply log stores but we can put you in contact with a local manufacturer.
