Is kiln dried firewood better than seasoned?

When it comes to firewood, there are two main options – kiln dried and seasoned. Kiln dried firewood has become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to traditional seasoned firewood. But is it actually better? There are pros and cons to both methods that are worth considering.

What is Kiln Dried Firewood?

Kiln dried firewood refers to wood that has been placed in a large oven or kiln to rapidly remove moisture. The intense heat from the kiln evaporates any water content from the wood, drying it out completely in just a few days.

This differs from seasoned firewood which is air dried slowly outside over 6-12 months. Kiln drying accelerates the drying process using heat. The main benefit is that kiln dried wood has a very low moisture content of around 15-20% compared to 25-35% for seasoned wood.

Pros of Kiln Dried Firewood

Here are some of the main advantages of using kiln dried firewood:

Lower moisture content – The rapid drying results in firewood with only 15-20% moisture content. This lower moisture means it burns hotter and more efficiently.
Ready to burn faster – Kiln dried firewood is ready to burn straight away, unlike fresh cut logs which take over a year to season properly. No need to stockpile wood in advance.

Less creosote buildup – With less moisture in the wood, there is less creosote created when burning which reduces chimney blockages and fire risk.
More heat output – The lower moisture content also means more heat energy can be derived from burning kiln dried wood as less energy is expended evaporating water.
Less bugs and mold – The high heat kills any bugs, eggs or mold spores present in the wood.

Consistent sizing – Kiln dried wood is usually sold in uniform sizes which makes it easier to stack and calculate costs.

Cons of Kiln Dried Firewood

Despite the advantages, there are also some downsides to using kiln dried firewood:

Higher cost – Kiln drying adds an extra production cost making it around 50% more expensive than seasoned firewood per cord.

Can burn too quickly – Very low moisture content means kiln dried logs can burn up much faster than seasoned wood. This means having to refill the fire more often.
Less aroma – Some people prefer the smell that seasoned wood emits when burning compared to kiln dried.
Drier storage needed – Requires being stored somewhere dry to avoid absorbing moisture from the air prior to burning.

Not as available – Kiln dried wood is less common and mainly sold through specialty firewood suppliers, unlike seasoned wood which is widely available.

Kiln Dried vs Seasoned Firewood Comparison

Here is a direct comparison of some key differences between kiln dried and seasoned firewood:

Factor	Kiln Dried	Seasoned
Moisture content	15-20%	25-35%
Heat output	Higher	Lower
Burn time	Shorter	Longer
Creosote buildup	Less	More
Cost	Higher	Lower
Availability	Limited	Widely available
Aroma when burning	Less	More

As shown, kiln dried firewood has lower moisture content, provides more heat output and reduces creosote buildup due to the rapid drying process. However, it also costs significantly more and can burn faster than seasoned wood. The choice often comes down to the advantages of lower moisture vs the extra cost.

Ways Kiln Dried Firewood Can be Better

In some situations, kiln dried firewood can be the better option over seasoned firewood:

For supplemental heating needs

If you only occasionally use your wood fireplace or wood stove for extra heating on cold days or nights, kiln dried wood can be easier to use. There is no need to stockpile firewood in advance to allow seasoning time – you can just buy a small quantity of kiln dried logs as needed and they will be ready to burn straight away.

For reducing creosote buildup

The lower moisture content of kiln dried wood results in less creosote accumulation in chimneys and flues. If you have experienced chimney fires or significant creosote blockages previously, switching to kiln dried firewood may help reduce this fire hazard and avoid the need for expensive chimney cleaning as often.

For higher heat output

Kiln dried firewood can provide more heat and warmth as the wood is able to achieve complete combustion. This extra heat output can be desirable on very cold winter nights when you want to quickly warm up a space. The lower moisture content means the heat generated is not offset by evaporation.

For firepits and chimineas

When burning wood in outdoor firepits, patio chimineas and portable fire bowls, using kiln dried wood can be better than seasoned. Kiln dried logs start faster and produce flames quicker, so there is no messing around trying to get a fire going. The wood also burns hotter which is useful in outdoor areas where heat dissipates rapidly.

For wood burning appliances

Modern wood stoves, fireplace inserts and furnaces are designed to only burn seasoned wood with less than 20% moisture content. Most manufacturers specify using properly dried wood. In this situation, kiln dried firewood is a better match for the appliance than traditional seasoned wood, allowing them to operate at optimal efficiency.

When Seasoned Firewood is the Better Choice

Seasoned firewood also has some advantages that can make it a better option in certain situations:

For a robust fire overnight

Seasoned wood takes longer to burn, so it is better for situations when you want to maintain a fire for many hours overnight without refueling. The slower burn prolongs the fire compared to quicker burning kiln dried logs.

For ambiance and aroma

Some homeowners value the comforting aroma that seasoned wood emits when burning. The distinctive smell of an open fire creates an enjoyable ambiance that kiln dried wood lacks.

For occasional recreational fires

If you only have an outdoor firepit that gets used a couple of times a year, it usually is not worth the extra cost for kiln dried wood. Purchasing seasoned firewood is perfectly adequate for infrequent recreational fires.

As an inexpensive heat source

For households that rely on wood as their primary heat source, seasoned firewood provides an affordable option. There is no need to pay a premium for kiln dried logs if you will be burning large amounts throughout winter to heat your home and water.

Better availability and access

Seasoned firewood is easy to source locally at big box stores, gas stations and directly from tree removal companies. Kiln dried wood has far less widespread availability currently, making seasoned wood a more convenient option.

Storing Kiln Dried vs Seasoned Firewood

Proper storage is important for both kiln dried and seasoned firewood to keep it dry:

Kiln Dried

Store in a completely dry, covered area e.g. woodshed
Keep off the ground on pallet or blocks

Avoid exterior storage where it will absorb moisture
Only purchase quantities needed for short term use

Seasoned

Allow rounds to season properly for 6-12 months split and stacked in single rows

Stack off the ground on pallet or blocks
Keep covered with tarp or vented woodshed
Stack bark side up to shed rain

Store larger quantities since it takes longer to season

Kiln dried firewood needs drier storage as it will absorb moisture from the air. Seasoned wood has already completed the drying process before being stacked for storage and use.

How to Decide Between Kiln Dried vs Seasoned Firewood

Here are some tips on choosing between kiln dried and seasoned firewood for your needs:

Calculate your expected firewood usage for the season based on home size, heating requirements and climate
Determine what qualities are most important – cost, heat output, burn times, availability etc
Consider any special needs like reducing creosote or fast ignition

Decide on your budget and if the higher cost of kiln dried wood is feasible
Look at your current firewood storage options and their level of weather protection
Think about your willingness to stockpile and properly season firewood in advance

Ask local suppliers about price and supply logistics of both seasoned and kiln dried wood
Start with a smaller quantity of each to compare the burning characteristics
Consider a blend of kiln dried and seasoned wood to get the benefits of both

Often a combination approach is good – using some kiln dried wood for ease of ignition along with lower cost seasoned wood for overnight burns. Matching the firewood to your specific heating needs and situation will provide the best results.

Finding Suppliers of Kiln Dried Firewood

While seasoned firewood is widely available, kiln dried firewood may take some searching to source. Here are some tips on finding suppliers in your area:

Search online marketplaces like Craigslist and Nextdoor for sellers advertising kiln dried firewood

Contact tree trimming companies in your area to ask if they offer kiln drying services
Look for firewood vendors at farmer’s markets and state fairs
Check listings on sites like Angie’s List, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau

Search for firewood suppliers advertising “dry seasoned wood under 20% moisture”
Join local social media groups related to firewood and ask for kiln dried supplier recommendations
Call chimney sweeps as they often have contacts with regional kiln drying operators

Search for firewood suppliers attending home & garden shows
Join regional firewood associations which list kiln dried providers

While availability is currently limited, the popularity of kiln dried firewood is increasing. As demand grows, more firewood suppliers are investing in kiln drying capabilities so check back periodically until you locate an ideal supplier.

Conclusion

Kiln dried and seasoned firewood both have their merits, with the preference depending on your specific needs and situation. Kiln dried provides low moisture content for clean, hot fires but at a higher cost. Seasoned firewood takes more planning but is cheaper and offers long burn times. Consider your priorities for convenience, heat output, budget and features like aroma when deciding. Often a combination of both seasoned and kiln dried firewood provides the best of both worlds.