Why Dry Logs Matter
Wet logs are bad news. They smoke, they give off very little heat, they blacken your stove glass, and they create creosote that can line your chimney. Dry logs burn clean, hot and efficient.
The Visual Test
Look at the ends. Dry logs have cracks radiating from the centre of the cut end — like the spokes of a wheel. The more cracks, the drier the wood.
Look at the colour. Fresh-cut wood is bright and pale. Dry wood has darkened to a deeper, warmer tone.
Look for bark. On dry logs, the bark often starts to peel away from the wood underneath.
The Sound Test
Pick up two logs and knock them together. Dry logs sound hollow and sharp — like two wooden blocks. Wet logs sound dull and thuddy — like hitting a sponge.
The Weight Test
Dry wood is lighter than wet wood. If a jumbo bag feels surprisingly heavy for its size, the logs may still be holding water.
The Burn Test
Light a piece of kindling, then add one log. Dry logs catch quickly and burn with a lively flame. Wet logs hiss and sizzle as the water boils out of them, and the flame struggles.
What About Moisture Meters?
You can buy a moisture meter for about £15 — we sell stove thermometers in our shop. But honestly, the visual and sound tests above will tell you most of what you need to know.
How We Keep Our Logs Dry
At B&A Firewood, we dry our logs properly:
- Kiln-dried: dried in our kiln for consistent results
- Barn-dried: stacked in our barn for 18 months of natural air drying
- Seasoned: stacked and left to dry in the open air
We don't make any certification claims — we just dry the logs properly and honestly. See our range and check if we deliver to your postcode.
Storing Your Logs
Even dry logs will go damp if you store them badly. Keep them off the ground, under cover, with good airflow. Read our guide to storing logs for more detail.