A warm, crackling fire is as much a part of rural life as the wind off the North Sea. Many homes in Angus, Dundee and the wider Scottish countryside rely on wood‑burning stoves or open fireplaces not only for heat but also for comfort. The type of firewood you buy makes a surprising difference to how quickly your fire starts, how cleanly it burns and how much heat it produces. Kiln‑dried logs have become the preferred choice for households who value efficiency and convenience. This article explains why dry wood matters and how to select the right logs for your needs.
Moisture and Why It Matters
All timber contains water when freshly cut. Wet logs are heavy and difficult to ignite because much of the energy released goes into boiling off water rather than creating heat. Smoke, soot and tar are by‑products of burning damp wood. To improve performance, wood must be dried. Traditional methods involve stacking logs outdoors for up to two years; even then, seasoned wood may hold around a quarter of its weight in water.
Kiln‑drying solves this problem. Logs are placed in large heated chambers and dried until their moisture content drops below 20 per cent. A lower moisture level means less energy wasted on evaporation. Kiln‑dried logs catch fire more easily and burn hotter and cleaner. They are less smoky and leave fewer residues in flues, which helps keep chimneys cleaner. Because they meet the Ready to Burn standard, kiln‑dried logs can be used in smoke‑control areas throughout the UK. Look for the Ready to Burn mark on Ravensby Firewood products to ensure compliance.
Choosing the Right Species
Different hardwoods burn differently. Ravensby Firewood supplies birch, ash and mixed hardwood crates:
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Birch lights quickly and produces a bright flame. It is ideal for occasions when you want instant warmth or for shorter fires on mild evenings. It tends to burn a little faster than other hardwoods but provides immediate heat and a pleasant aroma.
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Ash is denser. It takes a little longer to get going but burns steadily for a long time, delivering consistent warmth. Ash logs are suitable for long winter nights when you rely on your stove for hours.
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Mixed hardwood crates offer a combination of species. They deliver a balance of easy ignition and long burn time, which is useful if you are new to burning wood or enjoy variety.
Consider how you use your stove. If you have a small burner and light it occasionally, birch may suit you. If the stove is your main heat source, ash gives you longer burns. A mixed crate allows you to test both and choose a favourite for future orders.
Quantity and Packaging
Firewood comes in crates, bulk bags, grab nets and loose tipped loads. Crates provide the best value if you have space, bulk bags suit local deliveries in Angus and Dundee, and grab nets are handy for occasional use or camping. Estimate how much you burn in a winter to decide which format and size you need. Occasional users may only need a bulk bag, while frequent burners might opt for a large or max crate.
Delivery Across Scotland and Beyond
Ravensby Firewood is based near Carnoustie and delivers locally with its own vehicles. This covers Angus, Dundee, North Fife and Perthshire, with free delivery and personal service. For households further afield, crates and grab nets are shipped by national couriers to mainland UK within five to seven days. Deliveries to islands like Skye, Orkney and Shetland are also available but may take a little longer.
When ordering, make sure your property has firm, level access for a pallet truck. If you have specific delivery needs, contact Ravensby; they often accommodate requests such as morning delivery or placement of the pallet in a convenient spot.
Storage Tips
Keep logs off the ground on pallets or racks, cover just the top of the stack with a waterproof sheet and allow air to circulate around the sides. Avoid damp, enclosed spaces and burn older logs first. Bringing a few logs indoors ahead of time helps them light more easily.
Getting the Most from Your Purchase
Quality firewood is an investment. To maximise value, order early in autumn before demand peaks. Ravensby frequently offers discounts to newsletter subscribers, so signing up can save money on your first order. Select a quantity that matches your usage to avoid emergency orders. Using an efficient, well‑maintained stove also ensures that more heat is generated from each log. Clean chimneys and properly sealing stove doors improve performance and safety.
Buying Local and Sustainable
Ravensby Firewood is a husband‑and‑wife business approved under the Angus Trusted Trader scheme and certified under the Ready to Burn scheme. The company sources logs from responsibly managed forests where new trees are planted to replace those harvested. Waste wood and offcuts from processing feed the kilns, reducing waste. Buying from a local supplier supports jobs in Angus and reduces the carbon footprint associated with long‑distance transport. You also gain peace of mind knowing that your fuel meets environmental standards and is handled by a business known for good customer service.
Conclusion
Choosing kiln‑dried firewood isn’t complicated once you understand moisture content and how different species behave in a stove. Dry wood lights easily, burns hot and produces little smoke. By selecting the right species, ordering the correct quantity and storing logs properly, you’ll enjoy warm, efficient fires all winter. Ravensby Firewood delivers certified logs throughout Angus, Dundee and the rest of the UK, making it simple to source quality fuel while supporting a family‑run business committed to sustainability.
