How do you dry your logs?
All our logs are Kiln Dried.
We have an industrial biomass boiler in which we burn poor quality timber which does not meet our quality standards, together with sawdust and bark etc. The heat produced is blown into our storage shed to ensure that our logs are maintained in as good condition as possible.
All our logs are guaranteed ‘ready to burn’ on leaving the yard.
Why don’t you deliver by the ton?
The quantity of logs in a ton varies depending on the moisture content – the wetter and heavier the logs, the fewer you get in a ton. Much of the energy output of wet logs is lost driving off the excess moisture resulting in a hissing fire and little heat. It is better for you to buy a measured volume (not weight) of guaranteed dry logs.
Does it matter whether I burn hardwood or softwood?
Generally speaking, a similar sized hardwood log will produce more heat than the same size of softwood log. But not all hardwoods are good, and not all softwoods are bad. Willow and poplar, for example, are classed as hardwoods but make poor firewood. Larch and Douglas fir are classed as softwoods but burn well, having a calorific value of 85% of good hardwoods. The resin content of larch adds to the calorific value of the log and burns well in a properly functioning stove, although it will spark and is not therefore suitable for an open fire.
Why do hardwood logs cost more than softwood logs?
There is more demand for hardwood logs and there is less hardwood timber available and the cost of buying in hardwood timber is therefore higher. Hardwood trees are less uniform than conifers and are therefore more time-consuming to cut and split into logs.
Larch logs can therefore be sold at a cheaper price and offer a cost effective alternative to hardwood, providing good value for money based on cost per calorific output – which is what matters!
How can I compare prices?
It can be difficult when some suppliers sell logs by the ‘trailerload’ or by the ‘tractor bucket’ or in bulk bags. And not all wooden boxes are as large as potato boxes, although they look similar! To help you compare, the following will be useful:-
| Bulk bag (or ton bag) |
• Usually refers to a builder’s bag which holds a ton of sand or gravel, but only 0.67 m3 of logs when full.
• Some logs are sold in special breathable log bags about 1.5 m high which do hold a cubic metre of logs. |
| Trailer load | • 6’x4′ trailer filled level to top of sides (14″ deep) – 0.78m3
• 8’x4′ trailer filled level to top of sides (14″ deep) – 1.0 m3 |
| Potato box | • Filled level to top of sides (1170 x 1780 x 760) – 1.58m3 |
Why do log prices vary from different suppliers?
To produce large quantities of guaranteed dry logs available throughout the year requires a large covered area for storage, heat drying facilities and expensive machinery. Producing a few logs for home use can be done more cheaply but log quality and availability will suffer as soon as the scale increases. Transport is also a major cost. We minimise this cost by sourcing timber and delivering as locally as possible.
Where do you deliver?
We deliver loose tipped logs and bulk bags within approximately 25 miles of our yards, as indicated on the map, for free.
We also deliver Pallets of log nets across the UK mainland for free. Pallets of UK Log nets are the only item we ship across the UK.
Do I need to be home for delivery?
No! You do not need to be at home to receive your delivery. Simply let us know where you would like your order to be tipped in the notes section at checkout and our driver will do the rest.
If you wish to leave a tarpaulin out for us to tip onto or cover the logs just let us know. We have tarpaulins for sale should you require one.
How should I store my logs after delivery?
All our logs are kiln dried before delivery. If your logs get wet from rain or snow after despatch, this will not effect the kiln dried inner wood and will only dampen the surface. This will quickly dry off in a few hours of sunshine or wind, providing the logs are in an open, well ventilated place. If your logs are dry on delivery and you are unable to stack them under cover immediately, we advise that you cover them with a tarpaulin to keep the rain and snow off until you can put the logs under cover. If the logs get rained on during delivery, we suggest you do not cover them (unless snow is forecast), but let them dry out before putting them under cover. Ideally, logs should be kept off the ground in a well-ventilated, dry store. Even kiln dried logs, if damp on the surface, will not dry out in unventilated conditions and may go mouldy. They will also be difficult to ignite, although they will burn well once alight. In order to assess the moisture content of a log with a meter to check that it is kiln dried, you must cut or split the log to test the inside of the log. An external probe will only record the surface moisture.
Whilst we guarantee our product, our logs must be stored correctly to ensure that you get the best results.
If you do not find the answer to your question, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01356 648700 with any query you have.