Kiln Dried vs. Air Dried Firewood: Which Burns Better and Why

When Winter Comes Knocking: The Burning Truth About Kiln Dried vs. Air Dried Firewood

As the leaves begin to fall and temperatures drop across Long Island, homeowners start thinking about cozy nights by the fireplace. But before you stack that first log, there’s a crucial decision that could make the difference between a perfect evening and a smoky, frustrating experience: choosing between kiln dried and air dried firewood.

Understanding the Moisture Content Battle

The key to understanding which firewood burns better lies in moisture content. Wood from a newly-felled tree is considered green and essentially worthless as firewood, because the water content hovers around 60 percent. This high moisture content makes green wood nearly impossible to burn effectively.

The key to winning this fight is to have a moisture content of below 20%. Firewood experts agree that the 20% threshold is the barrier between a quality fire and a lackluster fire. This is where the fundamental difference between kiln dried and air dried firewood becomes apparent.

Air Dried Firewood: The Traditional Approach

Seasoned firewood results from the natural drying process, which can take six to 18 months. Some people recommend waiting three years for the best results! Air dried wood relies on natural elements like wind, sun, and time to reduce moisture content.

However, this traditional method comes with significant challenges. While you can season firewood down below that threshold, it’s challenging to do so because of all the variables that come with air drying. The wood will also weigh less, with the moisture level dropping to around 20 to 30 percent. Unfortunately, this still leaves many pieces above the optimal burning threshold.

The extended drying time also creates risks. In the time it takes for seasoned wood to dry, a lot can happen to compromise the quality of the wood. For example, if you store the wood outside, there’s a chance a storm could come and get it wet again, even if you put it in a covered rack or tarp it. The wood could also get infested with insects or mold, which are never fun to deal with—especially if you’re using the wood inside your home!

Kiln Dried Firewood: The Superior Solution

Kiln dried firewood undergoes a controlled drying process that transforms the burning experience. Placed in a climate-controlled kiln, the wood bakes between 120 and 220 F with low humidity, typically for three to six days. That lowers the wood’s moisture content below 20 percent, perfect for burning.

This process delivers consistent results that air drying simply cannot match. For starters, you’re guaranteed to have a moisture content at or below 20%. This means you’ll be able to light fires more easily, and they’ll produce a cleaner burn.

Why Kiln Dried Burns Better

The burning advantages of kiln dried firewood are substantial and measurable:

  • Easier Ignition: With less residual water trapped inside, dried firewood lights easier and quicker, often with a little kindling and some shredded newspaper.
  • Cleaner Burn: Less moisture in the wood also means less smoke, so dried firewood burns cleaner and releases fewer fine particles into the atmosphere. One of the main health benefits of kiln-dried wood is that it burns more cleanly, producing fewer emissions. This is because the kiln-drying process effectively eliminates most of the moisture content in the wood, allowing it to burn hotter and more completely. This means less smoke and fewer harmful substances released into the air, reducing the potential health risks associated with wood smoke.
  • Higher Heat Output: When you consider that one kiln dried piece of wood creates the same amount of heat that 3 wet logs produce then you can do the calculations to determine if the wood you are purchasing for your fireplace every year is actually costing you more than kiln-dried wood would cost.
  • Longer Burn Time: Since these woods are dryer and denser than seasoned firewood, they’ll burn longer and hotter, so you’ll require less wood for the same burning time.

Additional Benefits of Kiln Dried Firewood

Beyond superior burning performance, kiln dried firewood offers several practical advantages:

Pest and Mold Free: Kiln-dried firewood is also mold, insect and fungus-free! Kiln-dried firewood is insect-free and mold-free. If firewood is covered in mold and fungus, it’s more challenging to burn and will not be as clean.

Ready to Use: A bonus is that you don’t have to wait months to use it. Instead, it comes ready to burn right away!

Better for Indoor Storage: Kiln-dried wood also tends to harbour fewer allergens than air-dried wood. This is because the kiln-drying process kills off any mould, fungi, or insects that might be present in the wood, making it a better option for those with allergies or sensitivities.

Finding Quality Kiln Dried Firewood on Long Island

For Long Island residents seeking premium kiln dried firewood near me, LI Firewood & Mulch stands as a trusted local provider. LI Firewood and Mulch is a premier firewood and mulch supplier based in Brookhaven, NY, harvesting and processing only the finest hardwoods.

What sets LI Firewood & Mulch apart is their commitment to quality and customer service. We are part of B & B Maintenance Services, Inc., a full landscape service company, established in 2005 with the goal of offering excellent but affordable landscape services to this region’s residents. We pride ourselves on reliability and a 90 percent customer satisfaction rate. We also offer rapid and efficient delivery services.

The company serves both Nassau and Suffolk Counties with a comprehensive approach to customer needs. The products we offer include not just firewood (available in fully and semi-seasoned, kiln dried, bundles and pallets) and mulches (coming in black, natural brown, coco brown, and red), but compost, stone & gravel, topsoil, and sand.

Their commitment to sustainability is particularly noteworthy for environmentally conscious consumers. Sustainable Practices: We are committed to sustainability. All our firewood is sourced responsibly, ensuring minimal environmental impact. This way, you can enjoy your fires knowing that you are supporting eco-friendly practices.

The Cost Consideration

While kiln dried firewood typically costs more upfront, the investment pays dividends in performance and convenience. Kiln-dried firewood costs a little more than seasoned firewood, but don’t let that deter you! Buying kiln-dried firewood is so worth it! You’ll get a better burn, less smoke, and you won’t have to worry about waiting months to burn it.

The efficiency gains often offset the higher initial cost. Clearly, the biggest benefit of kiln-drying wood is efficiency: you can burn fewer logs while getting a higher heat output and cleaner fire. However, they burn more efficiently which can help reduce any cost difference.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

When it comes to heating your home efficiently and safely, the choice between kiln dried and air dried firewood is clear. But when it comes to burning, it’s no contest. In virtually every use, whether for a campfire or cozy blaze in your living room fireplace, kiln-dried firewood is better than traditional seasoned wood.

For Long Island homeowners who value convenience, efficiency, and a superior burning experience, kiln dried firewood represents the smart choice. The combination of guaranteed low moisture content, immediate usability, pest-free storage, and cleaner burning makes it the clear winner in the firewood debate.

As you prepare your home for the winter season, consider making the switch to kiln dried firewood. Your fireplace, your family’s health, and your peace of mind will thank you for choosing quality over convenience. After all, when it comes to keeping your home warm and creating memorable moments around the fire, shouldn’t you choose the option that burns better, cleaner, and more efficiently?