How to Choose a Firewood Supplier: 6 Things to Look For Before You Buy

Finding a dependable firewood supplier isn't just about buying logs, it's about guaranteeing safety, heat efficiency, and real value for money. Buying uncertified or improperly seasoned wood often results in smoky fires, blackened stove glass, and wasted money.

To get the best firewood for your home, look for a supplier who prioritises low moisture levels, sustainable timber management, and excellent customer service. Here's the ultimate checklist for evaluating firewood suppliers before placing your next order.

In the meantime, browse our full range of kiln-dried logs.

What To Look For In A Firewood Supplier (Quick Summary)

1. Guaranteed Moisture Levels (Ready to Burn Certified): Ensure logs are legally certified with a moisture content below 20% for instant lighting, maximum heat output, and minimal smoke.
2. Transparent Volume Measurements: Look for precise, honest measurements (such as stacked cubic metres or exact weight/crate dimensions) rather than vague "builder bag" or "dumpy bag" descriptions.
3. Sustainably Sourced Timber: Choose a supplier that sources wood from responsibly managed, traceable woodlands (accredited by schemes like FSC®).
4. Consistent Log Sizing: Verify that logs are uniformly cut (typically 25cm) to make sure they fit your stove without needing additional chopping.
5. High Customer Service Scores: Confirm that the products and customer service are both rated highly on a trusted platform like Feefo.
6. Reliable Delivery & Protection: Check that the supplier offers flexible, secure delivery options and offers a money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied.

1. Ensure Logs Have Guaranteed Moisture Levels

Moisture content is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing firewood because it directly affects how efficiently the logs burn. Since 2021, UK regulations require that firewood sold in quantities of less than 2m³ must have a moisture content of 20% or less. If you choose a supplier who complies with the 'Ready to Burn' scheme (operated by Woodsure and supported by DEFRA) you'll know your logs are suitable for immediate use in woodburners, open fires, chimineas, pizza ovens, and firepits.

At Certainly Wood, our kiln-dried logs are produced in controlled conditions to provide consistent moisture levels in line with the 'Ready to Burn' scheme. Unlike naturally seasoned wood, which can take several years to dry correctly, kiln-dried logs can be burned straight away.

2. Look For Transparent Volume Measurements

Firewood is most commonly sold by volume rather than weight because moisture content can significantly affect weight measurements. Wet logs weigh more than dry logs, but they will provide less usable heat.

This means that volume measurements often provide a more consistent way to compare firewood quantities between suppliers. When comparing products, it's helpful to know:

• Whether it's loose-filled or stacked volume
• Crate dimensions
• Species density
• Moisture content

At Certainly Wood, we provide a cubic metre volume measurement to help you compare our products. Read our article on stacked vs loose firewood volume if you're trying to choose between stacked crates and loose-filled bulk bags.

3. Choose Sustainably Sourced Timber

Sustainably sourced firewood should come from responsibly managed woodlands and accredited suppliers. Responsible forestry helps to support long-term woodland health, maintain biodiversity, and reduce any environmental impact. When choosing a firewood supplier, look for:

• 'Ready to Burn' certification
• Clear sourcing information
• Sustainable woodland management practices
• Industry accreditations where applicable

At Certainly Wood, all our firewood is sourced from sustainably managed woodlands and we plant thousands of new trees every year in the UK to help combat climate change. For more information about why responsible forestry is important, read our article.

4. Check For Consistent Log Sizing

The size of the logs you buy should match the size of your stove or appliance. Most UK woodburners are designed for logs around 25cm in length, which is why this size is commonly recommended for everyday domestic burning. Choosing the correct size logs helps:

• Improve airflow
• Make loading easier
• Improve combustion efficiency
• Reduce the need for re-cutting logs at home

At Certainly Wood, we find our 25cm logs fit the vast majority of UK woodburning stoves comfortably.

5. Prioritise A Firewood Supplier With High Customer Service Scores

Customer reviews and supplier reputation provide a useful insight into product consistency, delivery reliability, and overall service quality. When researching a firewood supplier, consider:

• Independent customer reviews, like Feefo
• Product ratings
• Delivery feedback
• Repeat customer experiences

At Certainly Wood, product quality and customer service are important to us, which is reflected in our independent customer reviews and long-standing reputation within the firewood industry. As the inventors of kiln-dried logs and an industry pioneer, our 20+ years of experience means that we really know our stuff. We're proud to have held a Platinum Trusted Service Award for over a decade, and invite you to read our reviews to find out what our customers have to say.

6. Demand Reliable Delivery & Quality Guarantees

Delivery standards can have a major impact on the overall customer experience when you buy firewood. Reliable suppliers will clearly explain their delivery process to help avoid confusion or access issues on the day. Look for information about:

• Delivery lead times
• Kerbside delivery policies
• Access restrictions
• Vehicle sizes
• Where products will be unloaded

At Certainly Wood, we've partnered with Palletline, one of the UK's most trusted pallet networks, to deliver our bulk orders of kiln-dried logs. But for other orders, we use a small parcel courier that can access harder to reach properties. Learn more about our delivery service, and check out our money-back guarantee for additional peace of mind.

Choosing the right firewood supplier involves more than simply comparing prices. Factors such as moisture content, species, sustainability, delivery options and product consistency can all affect your decision. Not sure what type of firewood is best for you? Read our Hardwood Firewood Guide to learn more about each species.

Firewood Supplier FAQs

Should You Compare Firewood Prices Alone?

No, not all firewood is the same, so it's important to compare quality and performance rather than price alone. Factors such as species, moisture content, and consistency can all affect how efficiently the logs burn and the heat output they generate. If you burn regularly, our Fire Club membership offers some of the best value throughout the year, including exclusive discounts and member-only savings on kiln-dried firewood.

How Important Is Convenience When Choosing A Firewood Supplier?

Convenience is an important part of the decision making process. Your chosen firewood supplier will need to be able to access your property and provide the right amount of wood for your storage space. For properties with limited access or storage, small bags of firewood might be a more practical option than larger bulk deliveries. The ability to choose delivery slots might be important for busy families, or you may like to schedule small but regular deliveries via a subscription service. Many of Certainly Wood's Fire Club members choose to do this.