Kiln-Dried Firewood

Whether it’s a cool Fall evening or a Summer bonfire, the warmth and crackle of a fireplace has been a staple of some of our best times. Most don’t give much thought to the type of wood they’re burning because, after all, wood is wood. Right?

Actually, it turns out that not all firewood is created equal. In fact, some wood burns hotter, lasts longer, creates less smoke, and causes less creosote buildup in your chimney. There’s one thing that this all boils down to: moisture content.

Low Moisture Content : High-Quality Firewood

Moisture content is one of the most important factors in creating good firewood to burn.

• Efficient Burning: Firewood with a low moisture content maximizes heat output. More of the wood’s energy is used for heating rather than evaporating moisture, leading to more effective and cost-efficient heating.
• Reduced Smoke and Creosote: Moist wood wastes energy on evaporating moisture which creates smoke and creosote. Low-moisture firewood produces less smoke and creosote, which means cleaner combustion and fewer emissions. This reduces the risk of chimney fires and helps maintain better air quality.
• Fewer Pests and Mold: Moist wood is softer and more inviting to pests, mold, and rot. These are things that aren’t good to have in or around your house. Kiln Dried Wood all but eliminates pests and mold and is much more resistant to rot.
• Easier Handling: Dry wood is much lighter and easier to handle compared to wet wood. This makes it more convenient to stack, transport, and use.

The Kiln-Drying Process

Kiln-dried firewood is the modern approach to preparing wood for burning. Kiln-drying is a systematic and controlled method for reducing the moisture content of firewood. Here’s how the process unfolds:

1. Heating: Once the wood is cut to size and stacked, the process starts by raising the temperature within the kiln to a controlled range, typically between 120°F and 200°F (49°C to 93°C). This temperature is effective for evaporating moisture without causing damage to the wood.
2. Drying Duration: The drying process usually takes between 48 to 72 hours. During this time, the kiln circulates air and heat to remove moisture from the wood efficiently. The goal is to achieve a target moisture content of around 15% to 20%, significantly lower than that of wood dried through traditional methods. While 15% - 20% is the industry standard, our wood typically has a moisture level around 6%, which is incredibly dry and conducive to optimal burning.
3. Cooling and Unloading: After the drying cycle, the kiln is gradually cooled to prevent any thermal shock. Once the wood reaches ambient temperature, it is removed from the kiln and ready for use.

Seasoned Firewood vs. Kiln-Dried Firewood

The common alternative to kiln-dried firewood is called “seasoned firewood”. Seasoned firewood is what comes to mind when you think of someone outside splitting firewood and stacking it for winter. While this is how it’s been done for thousands of years, there are some drawbacks..

• Moisture Content Variability: Traditionally seasoned firewood can have a wide range of moisture content, often between 20% and 50+%, depending on weather conditions and how well the wood is protected. In contrast, kiln-dried firewood maintains a consistent moisture level, resulting in more reliable burning performance.
• Drying Time: The seasoning process takes much longer and is less predictable. It depends on environmental factors like temperature, rain, and humidity, which can extend drying times and lead to inconsistencies. Seasoning firewood can take a few months to over a year to attain an acceptable moisture level. Kiln-drying is controlled and much quicker, usually completing in just a few days.
• Storage and Handling: Kiln-dried firewood is less susceptible to mold and pests, making it easier to store and handle. Traditionally seasoned firewood requires careful storage to protect it from the elements and potential infestations.
• Efficiency and Convenience: Kiln-dried firewood is convenient and efficient, lighting easily and burning hotter. Traditional firewood often requires additional preparation and may burn less efficiently due to higher moisture content.

PA's Best Firewood Supplier.

While it seems like firewood is not an important choice, buying our premium wood can make your fires easier, cleaner, and healthier. While industry standard aims for a moisture content of 15% - 20%, we run our kiln hotter for longer to achieve a moisture content of around 6%. 

Our delivery service is fast, convenient, and able to bring organized, bulk firewood that is ready to burn. If you live in Southeastern Pennsylvania, we are ready to enhance your firewood experience. Take a look at our products now!