Behind the Scenes: How We Kiln Dry Our Firewood in North Wales

Ever wondered what happens between a tree being felled and premium kiln-dried logs arriving at your door? At NW Logs, we've refined our process to ensure every piece of firewood meets our exacting standards. Here's an inside look at how we transform fresh timber into the perfect fuel for your wood burner.

Step 1: Sourcing Quality Timber

It all begins with selecting the right wood. We work with trusted suppliers across North Wales and the surrounding region who practise sustainable forestry. The timber we source is primarily:

• Hardwoods like ash, oak, and beech
• Trees felled as part of proper woodland management
• Sustainably harvested with replanting commitments

When timber arrives at our facility, it's typically at 50-60% moisture content – far too wet to burn efficiently. This is where our process begins.

Step 2: Processing and Preparation

Before wood can enter our kilns, it needs to be cut to the right size and prepared properly.

Cutting to Length: Logs are cut to standard firewood lengths (typically 25cm or 30cm) to fit most wood burners and stoves. Consistent sizing ensures even drying and predictable burning characteristics.

Splitting: Larger logs are split to increase surface area, which accelerates drying and makes them easier to handle and burn. We split to various sizes depending on customer preference and wood type.

Initial Sorting: At this stage, we remove any unsuitable pieces – damaged wood, excessive bark, or pieces that won't dry well. Only quality timber proceeds to the kilns.

Byproduct Collection: The sawdust, chips, and offcuts from this processing stage don't go to waste. They're collected and become fuel for our biomass boiler system – more on that shortly.

Step 3: Loading the Kilns

Our kiln system is designed for efficient, controlled drying:

Careful Stacking: Logs are stacked in the kiln with space between each piece. Air needs to circulate around every log for even drying. Stack too tightly and you'll get inconsistent moisture levels; too loosely and you're wasting kiln space.

Strategic Placement: Different wood species and sizes may require slightly different drying times. We plan each kiln load carefully to ensure everything reaches optimal moisture content together.

Capacity Management: Our kilns can handle substantial volumes, but we never overload them. Good airflow is more important than maximum capacity.

Step 4: The Biomass Boiler System

This is where our process becomes truly innovative. Rather than burning fossil fuels to generate heat, we use the byproducts from our own wood processing.

Fuel Source: The woodchip, sawdust, bark, and offcuts from our processing operations are fed into our biomass boiler. This creates a closed-loop system where wood waste becomes valuable fuel.

Heat Generation: The biomass boiler combusts this material efficiently, generating significant heat that's transferred to the kiln chambers.

Temperature Control: Modern biomass systems allow precise temperature control. We can maintain the optimal temperature for gradual, even drying without shocking the wood or causing splits and checks.

Continuous Operation: The system runs continuously during drying cycles, maintaining consistent conditions throughout the process.

Step 5: The Drying Process

Kiln-drying isn't just about applying heat – it's a carefully controlled process:

Initial Phase (Days 1-2): Moderate heat is applied to begin evaporating surface moisture. Rush this stage and you risk case-hardening – where the outside dries too quickly, trapping moisture inside.

Active Drying (Days 3-5): Temperature is increased to accelerate moisture removal. Air circulation is crucial during this phase to carry away the water vapour being released.

Final Phase (Days 6-7): As the wood approaches target moisture content, conditions are carefully monitored. We're aiming for 10-15% moisture – dry enough for optimal burning, but not so dry that the wood becomes brittle.

Monitoring Throughout: Temperature and humidity sensors provide continuous data. Our experienced team monitors each batch, adjusting conditions as needed for different wood species and starting moisture levels.

Step 6: Quality Testing

Before any firewood leaves our facility, it undergoes rigorous testing:

Moisture Meter Checks: We use professional-grade moisture meters to test multiple pieces from each batch. These devices measure electrical resistance, which correlates directly to moisture content.

Multiple Test Points: We test both the surface and the interior of split pieces. It's not enough for the outside to be dry – moisture must be evenly distributed throughout.

Batch Consistency: Every batch must meet our standards. If even a small portion tests above 20% moisture, the entire batch returns to the kiln for additional drying time.

Documentation: We keep records of every batch – wood type, kiln time, moisture readings, and more. This data helps us continuously refine our process.

Step 7: Protection and Storage

Once dried to perfection, the firewood must be protected until delivery:

Covered Storage: Dried firewood is moved to covered storage areas that protect it from rain whilst maintaining airflow. We can't let North Wales' weather undo our careful work.

Ready-to-Burn Status: At this point, the wood has moisture content of 10-15% – well below the 20% threshold for efficient burning. It's genuinely ready to burn immediately upon delivery.

Bulk Bags: When orders are placed, wood is loaded into bulk bags or nets for transport. These provide some weather protection during delivery whilst allowing the wood to breathe.

Step 8: Delivery Across North Wales

The final step is getting your premium firewood to you:

Route Planning: We plan efficient delivery routes across North Wales to minimise fuel consumption and environmental impact.

Quality Assurance: A final check occurs during loading. Any pieces that have absorbed moisture or don't meet standards are removed.

Customer Information: We provide guidance on storage and use to ensure you get maximum value from your purchase.

What Makes Our Process Different?

The Sustainability Factor: Using biomass heat from our own wood waste makes us carbon-neutral and eliminates dependence on fossil fuels.

Local Control: The entire process – from sourcing to delivery – happens in North Wales. We're not middlemen buying and reselling; we're producers with complete quality control.

Professional Equipment: Our kilns and monitoring systems represent significant investment in quality. We can achieve results that home seasoning simply can't match.

Experienced Team: Years of experience have taught us the nuances of drying different wood species in varying conditions. Every batch benefits from this accumulated knowledge.

Consistent Results: Whether you order in January or July, your firewood will have the same low moisture content. We're not dependent on weather or seasons.

The Difference You Can See and Feel

When you receive NW Logs firewood, the quality of our process is immediately apparent:

• Lighter weight (less water = less weight)
• Clean, fresh appearance without mould or degradation
• Satisfying "crack" when pieces are knocked together (sound of dry wood)
• Easy ignition with minimal smoke
• Strong, sustained heat output
• Minimal residue and creosote buildup

Why Process Matters

Anyone can stack wood outside and call it "seasoned" after a year. The quality varies wildly, and in North Wales' climate, it may never reach optimal moisture levels.

Our controlled kiln-drying process eliminates guesswork and guarantees results. Every piece meets the same standard, every batch performs consistently, and every customer gets the same premium quality.

Ready to Experience the Difference?

Now that you've seen what goes into producing premium kiln-dried firewood, you can appreciate why NW Logs stands apart from conventional firewood suppliers. Our investment in equipment, expertise, and sustainability delivers superior results you can rely on.

Want to try the best firewood in North Wales? Contact NW Logs today to arrange your delivery. Experience the difference that proper kiln-drying makes – your wood burner will thank you.