Table of Contents
Our Topics
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter and be in with the chance of winning a year's supply of kiln dried logs.
How can we help you?
Table of Contents
Firewood FAQs
What fuel is best for indoor wood burners?
Answer - Any firewood under 20% moisture content which is Ready to Burn approved.
As stove manufacturers recommend, dry firewood with a maximum of 20% moisture content should only be used in your woodburning stove. Look for the trusted HETAS/Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' logo to ensure this. This logo guarantees the logs are below 20% moisture content and is supported by DEFRA to improve fuel quality.
All Certainly Wood kiln dried logs are approved under this scheme, providing a reliable fuel source.
Low moisture content in logs will ensure a clean burn with no blackening of the stove glass or build-up of soot or tar in the chimney or flue. It also means that you will use far less firewood in an efficient stove, making this type of firewood more cost-effective.
Our kiln dried logs are 'Ready to Burn' so you must ensure they are stored in a cool dry place, either in a log store or garage.
What fuel is best to burn in an open fire?
Answer- Chunky Logs
When burning firewood in an open fireplace, it's difficult to control the airflow, which can cause very dry firewood to burn more quickly than desired.
To address this, it's best to use "kiln dried chunky logs" with a thicker diameter (10-21cm) for a longer burn time. These logs have a slightly higher moisture content in the centre (average 30%), but the overall moisture content is within the recommended level of below 20%.
It's also important to have smaller logs for starting the fire, so consider a combination of standard and chunky logs when stocking up for winter. Avoid using poorly seasoned firewood, as they may burn slower but can produce a lot of smoke when burned in an open fire, releasing it into the room.
What size log do I need for my indoor woodburner?
Our standard logs are cut to 25cm (+/- 10%). After consulting with UK stove manufacturers, we have determined that these logs will fit 99% of UK stoves.
The diameter of our standard logs is 5-15cm, measured at the widest point.
This specification allows smaller logs to build a good fire base and larger ones for a longer burn.
In addition to the standard 25cm logs, we also offer logs with a length of 35cm and 50cm for larger fires or stoves. The longer logs have a slightly larger diameter than the 25cm logs.
What’s the best firewood for firepits, chimeneas and campfires?
Answer- Flaming Firewood
When it comes to outdoor burning, using dry wood is just as important. Whether the appliance is just for sitting around on a summer evening or cooking over, two things are vital—good heat output and minimal smoke. The latter is inevitable when using wet wood, but get a good fire going with dry wood, and there will barely be any smoke.
We offer Flaming Firewood logs sold in small bags. These are kiln-dried as normal but come in a range of shapes and sizes within each bag and are perfect for these applications.
Hardwood vs Softwood
Hardwoods will burn for longer and hotter compared to softwoods and this is the reason why hardwoods are reccomended to burn in woodburners.
Learn more on the difference between hardwood and softwood logs.
How do I store kiln dried logs?
Always store the firewood under cover and in a well-ventilated area.
We always recommend that the bulk bags are decanted, however, if you are lucky enough to be able to get the bag directly into your garage, then it will be fine left in the bag.
If outside, you should really cover the bag as if water gets in, then the logs may go mouldy as there will not be enough airflow.
Don’t forget our bulk bags are only showerproof and not waterproof. The small bags have little breathing holes and are also not waterproof. Again, best stored under cover.
What is the Ready to Burn Scheme, and why is it important?
The "Ready to Burn" scheme is a certification program in the UK designed to ensure that firewood and solid fuels sold to consumers are dry enough to burn efficiently and with minimal environmental impact.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce air pollution and improve air quality, particularly from residential wood burning.
Critical Aspects of the Ready to Burn Scheme:
Moisture Content:
The primary criteria for certification is that the wood must have a moisture content of 20% or less. Dry wood burns more efficiently and cleanly, producing more heat and less smoke and particulates.
Certification and Labeling:
Suppliers who meet the standards can label their products with the "Ready to Burn" logo. This label assures consumers that the wood they purchase meets the necessary moisture content standards.
Compliance and Enforcement:
Suppliers must be certified by an approved certification body, which involves regular testing and audits to ensure ongoing compliance with the scheme's standards.
Why Compliance is Necessary:
Legal Requirements:
As of May 2021, new regulations in the UK mandate that all wood sold in volumes of up to 2 cubic meters must be certified as "Ready to Burn." You must comply with these regulations to legally sell firewood as a supplier or retailer.
Environmental Impact:
Burning wet or unseasoned wood releases more pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can contribute to poor air quality and have significant health impacts. Complying with the scheme, you help reduce these adverse environmental and health effects.
Consumer Assurance:
The "Ready to Burn" label provides assurance that the wood they buy is high quality and will burn efficiently. This means better performance in their stoves or fireplaces and contributes to lower emissions and a cleaner environment.
Market Competitiveness:
Being certified under the "Ready to Burn" scheme can enhance your market reputation and competitiveness. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices and may prefer to buy from certified suppliers.
The "Ready to Burn" scheme is a regulatory and environmental initiative to promote cleaner burning practices and improve air quality. Suppliers must comply legally, which helps reduce environmental and health impacts and provides consumers with a reliable standard for purchasing firewood.
What firewood is best for pizza ovens?
Answer- Grill & Chill Logs
The best logs to use on your pizza oven should include these characteristics:
- Ready to Burn approved- dried to below 20% moisture content
- Low spitting species- you need a low spitting species like beech
- Thinner cut logs- choosing smaller diameter logs will lead to a quicker fire starting and better heat control when cooking
- Hardwoods - make sure to only use hardwood species to avoid sap residue in your pizza oven
As our Grill & Chill logs are only made up of one species, you can ensure consistency and low spitting outcomes when using these logs for cooking your food, helping you cook your food evenly and with more control.
Used in top restaurants throughout the UK, our Grill & Chill logs will make your cooking on wood experience easy and leave everyone in awe of your cooking abilities.
What moisture content should my firewood have?
In line with the new Ready to Burn legislation, wood sold in volumes of up to 2m3 must contain less than 20% moisture content.
The scheme makes it easier for people to find the cleanest fuels for burning at home. If you purchase and burn firewood above this moisture level, you will not comply with the new Air Quality Regulations 2020.
Seasoned vs Kiln dried
There are differences between kiln-dried and seasoned logs. Seasoned logs are naturally dried over months to years, reducing moisture and increasing heat output while minimising creosote buildup.
Kiln-dried logs undergo a controlled drying process in a kiln, achieving low moisture content quickly and ensuring consistent quality. They ignite faster, produce intense heat, and are free from pests and mould.
Both types are efficient and eco-friendly, but kiln-dried logs offer more reliable performance due to their thorough drying process.
How much firewood will I need for a typical winter?
A tricky question to answer as it will depend on so many factors:
However, this is a common question we get asked so here's some guidance. Assuming you use the most efficient fuel – kiln dried- in an average year, you will likely use 3-4 cubic metres of firewood.
- The efficiency of your stove
- The size of your property
- How well insulated your property is.
- How often you use the stove
- What the outside temperature is
- How you use your stove – burning on full airflow all the time or on low heat.
Remember that you will use significantly more wood if it is not dry because it provides far less heat energy – up to twice as much.
What is the most cost-effective way of buying kiln dried logs?
Answer- Loose-filled bulk bags
The large 1.6m3 bulk bag is the most cost-effective purchase, although you can buy the 1.2m3 bulk bag or 0.8m3 bulk bag of kiln-dried logs, which will work out more cost-effectively than the other firewood options.
If you do not wish to have firewood delivered in a large bulk bag, you can also take delivery in small bags, either 80 bags on a pallet, 50 bags on a pallet, or 30 bags on a pallet.
Some people find these easier to manage and handle. It’s really down to personal preference as to which suits best.
Lighting Fires
Best Way To Light A Fire
KindleFlamer Top-Down Method
In the top-down fire, the biggest logs are placed at the bottom, while one KindleFlamer is placed in between these logs. The fire is lit from the top, and once it catches, it spreads to the wood at the bottom.
Why is the top-down method recommended?
This method helps the flue get up to temperature more quickly and removes the need to open the appliance door to add fuel to the kindling, which means there is less of a chance of cooling. Lighting your fires this way will lead to a more efficient, less smoky, and hotter fire.
What is a KindleFlamer?
A KindleFlamer is a natural firelighter made from wood shavings dipped in wax, designed to make lighting fires quick and easy without the need for kindling.
These firelighters are particularly effective for wood-burning stoves and charcoal barbecues due to their long burn time and simple usage. You only need one KindleFlamer placed between logs or in a bed of charcoal, which eliminates the hassle of handling kindling and other fire-starting materials.
They are eco-friendly, being both natural and odourless, and come in various pack sizes to suit different needs.
Flamers Natural Firelighters
Can Flamers light charcoal BBQs?
Yes. If you light your barbeque using a chimney starter, you genuinely only need one Flamer.
Just place the Flamer at the base of the chimney and hey presto!
If you are lighting a bed of charcoal beneath your grill, you may need two flamers to help get a more even burn across the charcoal.
Watch our video with charcoal expert Matt (Whittle & Flame) to learn everything about lighting charcoal BBQs.
Can you light a Flamers with a flint and steel?
Yes, you can, and we have demonstrated this in a video. You will need to fluff up the wood wool a bit to make a little ‘nest’, and it takes a bit of practice, but it does work. Flamers are now reccomended by Scout groups as an easy way to light your fire.
How many Flamers firelighters are needed to light a fire?
You need ONE Flamer along with 6-8 kindling sticks and a couple of logs to light a single fire. That is all you need. For those seeking an even more efficient approch, why not give our KindleFlamers a try?
How do you use Flamers to light a fire?
There are several methods for using firelighters, including the traditional or top-down methods, each offering a different approach to starting a fire.
How to light your fire.
What are Flamers made of?
Flamers are designed to ignite easily and provide a steady burn to help start fires.
They are made from a natural woodwool which is dipped into fully-refined paraffin wax.
Refined Paraffin Wax in Firelighters:
Refined paraffin wax is considered a better alternative to kerosene for several reasons. Firelighters made from paraffin wax burn cleaner than kerosene and have a minimal odour, making them more suitable for indoor use.
Advantages of Refined Paraffin Wax:
- Cleaner Burning: Produces less soot and smoke.
- Convenience: Easier to handle and store than liquid kerosene-based firelighters.
- No Odor: Minimal odour, more pleasant for indoor use.
- Efficiency: Provides consistent heat, helping to establish a fire more effectively.
Disadvantages of Paraffin Wax:
- Cost: Can be more expensive than kerosene.
Do I still need to use newspapers when lighting a fire?
No, definitely not. We recommend against using newspapers to light a fire as they can contain toxic inks, which are not good for fires.
KindleFlamers
What is a KindleFlamer?
KindleFlamers are three times the length of our Flamers, and because of the way they’re manufactured, and the size of them, the need for kindling has been eliminated.
This sustainably produced two-in-one firelighter packs a lot of power, meaning you only have to add Ready to Burn logs to start your fire.
KindleFlamers are odourless, natural, easy-to-light, and made in Britain.
They are suitable for all fires, such as wood burners, open fires, pizza ovens, chimeneas, barbecues, and campfires.
What makes KindleFlamers different from other firelighters?
When using KindleFlamers, kindling isn't required to light your fire.
Can I use KindleFlamers to light a woodburning stove?
KindleFlamers are versatile and can be used in all wood-fired stoves and fireplaces, including wood-burning stoves, open fireplaces, and fire pits.
If you're using your KindleFlamers in a wood burner, in a firepit, we recommend using the top-down method for quick and easy firelighting.
- Take 2 kiln dried logs and lay them next to each other
- Place 1 KindleFlamer between the ridge of the two logs
- Place a small log diagonally across them
- Light the KindleFlamer
- Add more logs when required
Can I use KindleFlamers to light BBQs?
Our KindleFlamers are also excellent for lighting charcoal BBQs as they are chemical-free and odourless, so there is no taint to your food.
We would recommend the following method:
- Create a bed of charcoal and place one KindleFlamer into the bed
- Light the KindleFlamer
How long do KindleFlamers burn?
KindleFlamers typically burn for about 10 to 15 minutes, providing a sufficient burn time to ignite kiln dried logs or charcoal.
Delivery FAQs
How do Certainly Wood pallet deliveries work?
What time can I expect my pallet delivery?
Deliveries are all-day bookings so can be made between 8am and 6 pm. We always encourage our customers to be there at the point of delivery just in case the driver needs instructions.
Surcharges
Even though you can select a specific day of delivery at checkout, some people may need a more narrowed delivery slot. We do have AM/PM deliveries available if needs be, but these do come at an extra charge. See terms and conditions for more details.
Members get free AM/PM deliveries.
What is a kerbside delivery?
You will know when your bulk delivery will arrive as you will select the date at checkout. Your order confirmation will confirm the date shortly after purchase too.
Palletline will always try their best to successfully deliver your pallet the first time around. The goods will be manoeuvred with a manual pump truck and this cannot and will not go over any gravel drives, slopes or uneven surfaces.
If you have a gravel drive, a slope or an uneven surface, the chances are that the pallet will be left just on the inside of your property. In some cases, the pallet will have to be left on the pavement, but they will not do this without a signature.
In all cases, the pallet will be left safely and securely.
How much do I pay for delivery?
On bulk orders over £125, all deliveries will be free to mainland UK. There is an additional shipping charge with delivery of small parcels, that's why we recommend purchasing your kindling and firelighters with your log delivery.
What's your lead time?
Generally, our lead time for bulk products is about one week, however this can extend during busy seasons. DPD deliveries can be expected within 1-3 working days.
Could I choose when delivery takes place?
Yes, on bulk orders you will always have the option to select your delivery date. We offer economy delivery Monday to Friday free of charge, with the option of a Saturday delivery at an extra charge. Please contact us if you require a Saturday delivery.
How much is a Saturday delivery?
Not all depots cover Saturday deliveries, so you will have to call the office on 01981251796 to check with Palletline that this option is available to you. There is an extra charge of £35 per pallet for a Saturday delivery.
How much is an AM/PM service?
An AM service will cost an extra £15 per pallet and a PM surcharge will cost an extra £10 per pallet.
How can I track my delivery?
If you are not buying bulk, your parcel will be delivered via DPD where you will receive both telephone and email tracking notifications. This means you can get an ETA, request to delay the delivery or leave it in a safe place.
With bulk deliveries, you should receive a two-hour timed window slot on the day of delivery, but if not you can call the office on 01981251796 on the morning of delivery and we can chase one for you.
Do you take the pallet away?
Unfortunately we do not offer that service, you will need to dispose of the pallet yourself.
Can I change my delivery date?
You can indeed. As long as you let us know at least 3 days before the delivery date or before it's despatched, we can get this sorted for you free of charge. However, if you request to change the date when the pallets already left our yard (2 days before delivery) there may be extra costs involved.