How long do kiln dried logs burn for?

Kiln-dried logs can burn for several hours, especially when used in a modern, efficient stove. Their low moisture content helps them burn cleaner, hotter, and more slowly than damp or poorly seasoned wood. But how long they burn depends on what type of appliance you’re using, and the wood’s density. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose between different types of kiln-dried logs, based on how long they burn. 

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

What are kiln-dried logs?

Kiln-dried logs are split from firewood that has been carefully dried to reduce its moisture content, typically to below 20%. This process is significantly faster and more consistent than traditional air-drying, yielding clean-burning, efficient logs that are ready for use.

Since May 2021, UK law requires firewood sold in volumes of 2m³ and under to be certified as ‘Ready to Burn’. This guarantees that it has been dried to moisture levels under 20%. To ensure quality and compliance, always choose a Woodsure Ready to Burn approved retailer.

At Certainly Wood, our logs are Ready to Burn approved and dried to between 10-15% moisture content. The result? Logs that are clean, consistent and ‘Ready to Burn’ approved. Learn more about the benefits of kiln-dried logs. 

 

 

How long do kiln-dried logs burn on different appliances?

Kiln-dried logs can burn for hours when used on the right appliance, especially modern, efficient wood-burning stoves. Their low moisture content means they light easily, burn cleaner, and deliver consistent, long-lasting heat. On Ecodesign wood burners, which maximise efficiency and reduce emissions, kiln-dried logs can burn slowly and steadily, offering excellent heat output while using fewer logs. For example, to generate 4kW of heat over five hours, you might only need around five kiln-dried logs on a modern stove.

However, burn time can vary depending on how and where they’re used. On open fires or outdoor appliances like firepits and chimeneas, where airflow isn’t controlled, kiln-dried logs tend to burn faster than seasoned or damp wood. This is due to their drier nature, but it also means they provide more immediate, responsive heat. While they may burn faster in these settings, they still burn more cleanly, with less smoke and residue.

 

How much heat will 1m³ actually give you?

Here's a rough breakdown of what you can expect from a 1 m³ (stacked volume) crate of each of our kiln-dried species: how much wood that works out to, how many logs it's likely to be, and roughly how many logs you will need per fire in a modern stove:

• *Approximate weight per 1m³ - Based on stacked volume at kiln-dried moisture content (≤20%). Actual weight will vary depending on species, how it's packed and its moisture.
• * Heat Output - Reflects the intensity of heat produced relative to other species, not an absolute measurement. Output will vary depending on your stove's efficiency and how you operate it.
• * Approx logs per 1 m³ - Based on 25cm cut logs with a typical mix of split sizes. Actual log count will vary depending on log diameter and how the wood is split.
• * Approx logs per fire - Based on use in a typical Ecodesign wood-burning stove. The number of logs needed varies depending on your stove size, how long you want the fire to last, the temperature you want to achieve, and how you manage airflow.

Do hardwood and softwood kiln-dried logs burn differently?

Hardwood kiln-dried logs burn long and hot, while softwood burns faster and is ideal for quick heat. Hardwood species like oak, ash, and birch are dense, so they burn more slowly and sustain heat longer, making them ideal for indoor heating. Softwoods like pine and spruce reach maturity faster and are naturally less dense, so they burn more quickly. This makes them a great option for kindling or when you need short periods of intense heat, such as when starting a fire or cooking outdoors.

To match the same heat output, you’ll need roughly twice as many softwood logs as hardwood. Even among hardwoods, burn speed can vary; silver birch, for example, burns around 20–25% faster than oak or ash. Read our article to learn more about hardwood vs softwood. 

In short, the burn time of kiln-dried logs depends on the type of appliance you use, the species of wood, and how it's burned. But one thing remains clear: kiln-dried logs offer a cleaner, more efficient and consistent source of heat. Whether you're using them in an Ecodesign stove for long, economical burns or outdoors for a pizza oven or firepit, kiln-dried logs are a reliable and environmentally responsible choice.

To get the most from your firewood, always choose Woodsure Ready to Burn certified logs, like those supplied by Certainly Wood. With moisture levels between 10–15%, our kiln-dried logs are not only legally compliant but also high-performing and easy to use, providing more heat with less hassle.

Still weighing up your options? Read our Kiln Dried vs Seasoned Logs article to understand the key differences and choose the best firewood for your needs.