You may have heard the terms 'wet wood', 'green wood', or 'unseasoned logs', but what do they actually mean? And more importantly, why does it matter so much what kind of wood you burn in your stove or open fire?

Using the wrong type of wood doesn't just lead to a disappointing fire; it can be inefficient, costly, and even dangerous. This guide will explain exactly what wet wood is and why you should avoid it at all costs.

What Defines "Wet Wood"?

Wet wood is simply timber that has a high internal moisture content. This falls into two main categories:

1. Green Wood: This is wood that has been recently felled and has not had any time to dry out. It can contain as much as 60-80% water.

2. Partially Seasoned Wood: This is wood that has been left to air-dry for a short period but hasn't had enough time to dry sufficiently.

For wood to burn efficiently and safely, it must have a moisture content of less than 20%. Any wood with a moisture content above this level is considered wet wood.

The Problems with Burning Wet Wood

Trying to burn wet wood is the source of most common fireplace and stove problems. Here’s what happens when you use it:

1. It's Incredibly Inefficient

When you put a wet log on a fire, a huge amount of the fire's energy (the heat) is wasted just boiling off the water trapped inside the wood. This process creates a lot of steam and hissing, but very little of what you actually want: warmth. You'll burn through a large volume of wet logs to produce a fraction of the heat you'd get from properly dried fuel, costing you more money in the long run.

2. It Creates Dangerous Creosote

As the water in the wood vaporises, it travels up your chimney, carrying unburnt wood particles with it. As this smoke cools, it condenses on the inside of your flue, forming a black, tarry, and highly flammable substance called creosote.

A thick build-up of creosote is the primary cause of dangerous chimney fires. Using dry wood dramatically reduces this risk.

3. It's Bad for Your Appliance

The smouldering, low-temperature burn of wet wood is damaging to modern stoves. It can blacken the glass in minutes and cause acidic residue to corrode the internal components and the flue liner, shortening the life of your appliance.

4. It's Harmful to the Environment

The incomplete combustion of wet wood releases a large amount of smoke and harmful particulates into the atmosphere. This is why the government's Ready to Burn legislation was introduced—to ensure only low-moisture, less polluting wood is sold for domestic use.

The Solution: Always Choose Kiln-Dried Logs

So, how can you be certain your wood is dry enough? The answer is simple: always choose kiln-dried firewood.

Kiln-dried logs are professionally dried in a controlled environment to guarantee a moisture content below 20%. This means every log is ready to burn perfectly, providing maximum heat, minimum smoke, and complete peace of mind.

At Dawsons Fuels, all our firewood is 'Ready to Burn' certified, so you know you're getting the best possible fuel for your home.

Don't settle for a smoky, inefficient fire. Shop our premium, 'Ready to Burn' Kiln-Dried Logs today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I tell if wood is wet?

Wet wood often looks darker, feels heavier than you'd expect, and may have visible moisture on the split ends. When you knock two pieces together, they will make a dull 'thud' sound, whereas dry logs make a clearer 'clink'. For certainty, you can use a moisture meter.

How long does it take to season wood myself?

To air-dry (season) freshly cut wood down to a moisture content below 20% can take a very long time, typically between 18 and 24 months, depending on the wood type and storage conditions.

Is kiln-dried wood worth the extra cost?

Absolutely. While the initial price may be slightly higher, kiln-dried wood produces significantly more heat per log. This means you use less fuel to heat your home, making it more cost-effective and efficient in the long run.