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Buying Cheap Firewood Logs in the UK: An Expert-Written Guide

Buying Cheap Firewood Logs in the UK: An Expert-Written Guide

Whether you own a classic wood-burning stove, an open fire, a fire pit, or a chiminea, the allure of purchasing cheap firewood is understandable. Everything is getting more expensive in the UK. This includes the price of wood hating fuels. So why not spend a bit less on cheap firewood logs at a local supermarket, petrol station, sawmill, or Facebook Marketplace? Many people assume that opting for the cheapest possible logs will help save them money. After all, logs are just logs, right? What difference could there possibly be?

Thinking this is a common misconception often leads to disappointment. Let us tell you why.

While cheap firewood logs may cost less upfront, they:

  • Burn inefficiently, generating far less heat output and burning at a lower temperature.
  • Have a far shorter usable burn time than quality logs.
  • Smoke and smoulder when burned due to increased moisture content.
  • Lead to increased creosote buildup due to their inefficient burn.
  • Are unsafe to store indoors as they often house mould and pests

Don’t want to deal with these problems and just want to get good fuel at a good value?

The Best Value Firewood Choices in the UK:

But if you want to find out more about cheap logs, signs of quality, and how you can assess the quality of logs yourself, continue reading.

In this expert-written guide, we’ll explore why cheap wood might not be the bargain you think it is. We’ll also discuss why investing in quality kiln-dried hardwood logs is a better choice for your wallet and your wood-burning needs.

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Know What You’re Buying: Hidden Costs of Cheap Firewood Logs

So what is it that separates low-quality cheap logs from slightly more expensive but infinitely higher-quality logs? Here are three main areas in which cheap firewood often fails to deliver value.

  • They have a high or uneven moisture content. Cheap firewood logs sold in bulk often do not have Ready to Burn certification, meaning they smoke, smoulder, and cannot be burned legally in the UK without you drying them. And those logs that are certified are given just enough seasoning time to get them under 20%, which is just good enough to be sold legally in the UK and nowhere near the 10%-12% you can expect from quality logs. Read our article about wood moisture meters to learn how to check firewood moisture yourself.
  • They’re Made of Softwood Tree Species. Cheap logs are often made from softwood trees like pine and fir. These trees have a very low density and high sap content. This means they burn out quickly, give off little heat, and smoke and smoulder when burned. So why are these trees used? Because they’re cheap for the manufacturer to buy. While you may be saving 10%-20% on the logs, the manufacturer is often saving over 100% on you. Read our article on softwood vs hardwood logs.
  • They Use the Most Low-Quality Materials. Even when hardwoods are used, they’re made of the worst quality hardwood materials available. We’re talking about wood that would otherwise end up in the wood chipper and made into wood briquettes. This results in a low-quality burning experience, logs that contain mould, and can give you splinters.

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Why Kiln-Dried Hardwood Logs Are the Best Choice

As anyone who is serious about wood burning will tell you, kiln-dried hardwood logs are the best choice when its comes to firewood. They offer an unbeatable value, supreme efficiency, and amazing performance. Here's why they are a far smarter heating investment than cheap firewood logs:

  • They’re Dried to Extra Low Moisture Levels. The kiln-drying process removes moisture from logs much more effectively than the cheaper air-seasoning process. Kiln-dried firewood from a trusted supplier like Lekto often contains under 10% moisture. This means they’re efficient, clean-burning, produce far more consistent heat, and are extremely easy to light.
  • They Burn Longer and Hotter. Quality hardwood logs—especially those made from quality materials like oak or ash—burn for longer and at a higher temperature than the cheapest firewood alternatives. This means you’ll need to use far fewer of them to keep your home warm, which ultimately allows you to save money on wood heating.
  • They’re Better For Your Appliances. Burning wet or poor-quality wood can lead to a fast buildup of creosote and tar in your stove and flue. Creosote is not only a cancerogen and an explosion hazard, but it also may lead to irreparable damage being done to your chimney (read our article about hiring a chimney sweep). Quality logs, on the other hand, burn cleanly, efficiently, and with hardly any smoke. If you have a Defra-exempt appliance, they can also be burned in Smoke-Free Areas.
  • They’re Safe to Store Indoors (Or Even Use as Decoration). The kiln-drying process makes quality logs safe to store indoors by killing the various pests (insects) and moulds that like to make seasoned logs their home. This means you don’t have to worry about the health of your children and pets when storing firewood at home. And it also makes them perfect for use as long-term decoration, whether it is in a photo studio, office, or your home.

Where to Find Quality Firewood at Affordable Prices

So, as we’ve discussed, while you may be tempted to search for the cheapest place to buy firewood, these options often come with compromises in quality.

Instead, look for trusted suppliers like Lekto Woodfuels. We provide massive value by providing you with the finest quality wood fuels at very good prices. Logs and briquettes of quality comparable to ours are often sold at prices that are 50-100% higher than ours. We can do that by cutting out the middleman and selling out quality products directly to you.

Ready to upgrade your firewood game? Shop now or learn more about Lekto.

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