Trying to light a fire, only to find that the logs contain too much moisture to get a roaring blaze going, is a particularly frustrating experience, to say the least. But the good news is that you can avoid such a headache by using logs that have been treated in a firewood drying kiln. Kiln-dried firewood burns hotter and cleaner, and it’s far easier to light, too.
If you’re interested in learning more about how the magic happens in a firewood kiln, below is everything you need to know.
What Exactly Is a Firewood Drying Kiln?
A firewood drying kiln is, to put it simply, a specialized oven designed to remove excess moisture from wood. Users can control the relative humidity and temperature settings, gradually decreasing the former and increasing the latter until the logs reach the right moisture content.
Naturally dried wood has to sit outside for months just to achieve the same results that a wood kiln can accomplish in a few days. Every log that comes out is dry, consistent, and ready to burn right away.
Top firewood suppliers use kilns to provide adequately dried logs to their customers. There are also kilns available for home use, though they can be a bit pricey.
The Science of Moisture in Wood
Wood is naturally porous; when a tree is freshly cut, its cells are full of water and sap, which makes it difficult to ignite and sustain a flame. And even if it does catch, “green” logs with too much moisture will often produce a smoky fire that hisses and crackles.
Don’t worry, the problem here isn’t your technique; it’s all of the excess moisture inside the wood. Freshly cut logs can have a moisture content of 50% or higher, and all of that wetness has to evaporate before the wood will burn properly. As wood dries, though, its moisture levels drop from around 50% to roughly anywhere between 15 and 20%, which is considered the “ready-to-burn” range. Here, less energy will be wasted evaporating water in the cells of the wood.
The drying process is, therefore, so important because it improves combustion, reduces smoke, and helps the wood produce more heat. Kiln-drying wood, in particular, allows you to reach those optimal moisture levels much sooner. In turn, your logs will be much easier to light and will burn cleaner, as well, producing much less smoke and creosote overall. Forgo either form of drying, and you’ll spend more time trying to keep your fire going than enjoying the experience.
How a Firewood Kiln Works
As for how a firewood kiln actually gets the job done, here’s a quick breakdown:
- Heat Application: Large chambers circulate hot air around the stacked logs
- Moisture Control: Fans and vents manage humidity levels, allowing moisture to escape without damaging the wood
- Monitoring: Sensors track the internal moisture content of the logs until it reaches the perfect level
A kiln speeds up the drying process while producing higher-quality logs. Instead of waiting anywhere between six and 18 months, kiln cycles usually last all of three to seven days, and your wood will be ready to burn as soon as it leaves the machine.
But that’s not all; the high-heat environment of a kiln also kills pests and eliminates mold growth, two concerns that are commonly associated with using seasoned wood. Pests can creep into your home, and mold or fungi growth can make your wood unusable.
Why Firewood Suppliers Use Kilns
For businesses, the use of a firewood kiln is all about giving customers the best product possible. Customers don’t want to gamble on whether their firewood will light or smoke; they want consistency. Kilns allow suppliers to deliver that reliability every time, with every batch of wood being uniform, clean, and dependable.
Kilns also help protect inventory. By eliminating pests, mold, and fungi during the drying process, suppliers can store and transport wood without worrying about infestations spreading. Customers can safely store their wood inside or near their homes.
The Difference Between Kiln-Dried and Seasoned Firewood
At first glance, seasoned firewood and kiln-dried logs may look similar. You might assume, after all, that as long as your wood is dry, it is good enough. But it’s not quite that simple. The following comparison table demonstrates why kiln-dried firewood is far superior:
With kiln-drying, you don’t need to wait seasons for your logs to be ready; you get reliable, efficient firewood right away.
Why Kiln-Dried Firewood Burns Better
When you choose kiln-dried logs, you’re choosing the best wood for campfire cooking, heating, and making memories. Drier wood burns hotter and cleaner, producing less creosote and fewer sparks. That means less smoke in your face around the fire pit and less creosote buildup in your chimney.
How to Dry Wood Fast Without a Kiln
Not every homeowner has access to a firewood drying kiln, of course. As such, if you’re cutting your own logs and want to know how to dry wood fast without a kiln on standby, here are a few tips:
- Split Your Logs: Smaller pieces dry much faster than whole rounds
- Keep Your Wood Off the Ground: Use pallets or racks to prevent moisture absorption
- Stack With Airflow in Mind: Crisscross your logs or leave gaps between stacks
- Choose the Right Spot: Place stacks in a sunny, breezy location
- Cover the Top, Not the Sides: A tarp over the top will keep rain out but still allow for airflow
Air and shed drying may take longer, but they’re cost-effective options if you already have logs on your property.
Benefits Beyond the Burn
Kiln-drying doesn’t just improve how the wood burns. It has other real-world benefits, such as:
- Eco-Friendliness: As kiln-dried logs burn cleaner, they release fewer pollutants
- Better Storage: You can keep them in a garage, basement, or shed without worrying about bugs
- Convenience: No waiting a year for seasoning
- Great for Cooking: Species like cherry, birch, hickory, and oak all smell great
Don’t compromise your fire with inadequately dried wood that has been naturally seasoned; when you are in the market for high-quality fuel for your next fire, kiln-dried logs are the clear choice.
How to Find Kiln-Dried Firewood Near Me
If you’ve ever searched for “kiln-dried firewood near me,” you know it can be tricky to find a reliable supplier. Many places offer naturally seasoned wood, which isn’t as good as kiln-dried options.
When looking for a supplier, aim to find someone local who offers pickup or delivery services. A provider that has different bundle options and mixed species of wood will ensure you get the fuel you need for an enjoyable night by the fire. The best suppliers will act as true one-stop shops, offering other wood products, including cooking wood and mulch, all at once.
Why Campers Love Kiln-Dried Logs
Packing camping firewood is just as important as your tent and sleeping bag, and kiln-dried logs make campfires stress-free. There’s no need to fuss with wet, smoky wood or waste half your evening just trying to keep the flame alive; instead, you’ll have a fire that starts fast, burns steadily, and leaves less ash behind.
Don’t wait until you are on the way to a campsite. A little planning can set you up for a more enjoyable time away, so make the most of it.
The Best Wood for Backyard Fires and Cooking
Not all logs burn the same. Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and cherry are considered the best options for backyard fires and cooking, and that’s because they burn longer and give off steady heat. Cherry and applewood also rank high as great-smelling and flavorful cooking options.
These species of kiln-dried wood will set you up for a cozy, relaxing evening. Just make sure you know what you’re using it for so you can choose the right one for you. A mixed bundle that includes one or more of these hardwoods is a great option for a campfire or backyard fire, but for cooking, you may want to use a single species for consistency.
Why Go With Lumberjacks?
A great fire brings people together, and the right firewood makes all the difference. At Lumberjacks, we’re proud to provide locally-sourced kiln-dried wood. You can have your wood delivered or arrange for pickup at one of our sites. We also offer mulch and cooking wood for sale, as well as great customer service. When you’re ready to get kiln-dried lumber for your next fire, contact us to place your order!
