What is the Ready to Burn Scheme?

Firewood labelled as Ready to Burn has a moisture content of 20% or less. Ready to Burn logs burn more efficiently than unseasoned, green wood and reduce environmental impact. Ready to Burn wood is not only better for your appliance and chimney but will also reduce maintenance and fuel costs
The “Ready to Burn” logo shows that woodfuels are ready for immediate use and has been awarded to Delamere Logs following an auditing process undertaken by Woodsure Ltd who are the DEFRA appointed Certification Body.

View our Woodsure certificate.

Ready more about The Ready to Burn Scheme

View the HETAS advice leaflet: Using Wood Fuels for a Sustainable Future.

Wood weight vs Volume - how do they differ?

Many customers ask us for a tonne of logs. Put simply when logs are wet they weigh more, so therefore we supply by volume, and if you wish to compare us with other suppliers, volume is the best comparison. Please note may suppliers will deliver 1m3 loads, where as our loads are either half or a full pickup load which is either 1.3m3 or 2.6m3. A 1 tonne builder’s bag is only 0.6m3 in volume so please be aware of this.

How important is moisture content in logs?

Wood burns at its most efficient at a moisture content of 25% or less. We can provide you with moisture content reading upon delivery using a handheld device. Wood that is above 25% in moisture will not burn efficiently and more importantly will not provide you with the same amount of warmth.

As we continue to grow and develop, we have found that the moisture meters (pictured left) even though they give an approximate reading are not 100% accurate.  We have just purchased a Timbermaster moisture meter, which can be set to the type of timber it is testing and is professionally calibrated.  We found in the comparison between the two, that results can vary up to 4%, which can be the difference in a happy and disappointed customer when you come to burn the logs.

Hardwood vs Softwood - what is the difference?

Premium species of either hardwood or softwood offer a clean efficient burn when correctly seasoned.

Hardwood is a denser slower growing timber and therefore offers a longer burn with increased heat output.  Softwood is faster growing and less dense giving it the qualities of easy to light, easy to get going but burns quicker than hardwood.

Cheshire is mostly a county covered by development or prime agricultural land with only a very small proportion of woodland compared to other counties located in Scotland and Wales. We have access to hardwood from our own land but the supply will not last forever and with new hardwood plantations taking anywhere from 30-70 years to mature, this is where softwood comes in.  We recommend customers burn a mixture of the both.  Our mixed loads of logs are by far the best selling product.  Get the best of both and save some money and order a mixture of soft and hardwood.

Are your logs seasoned?

To ensure our timber is to the correct moisture content we store them in open fronted barns for 6-12 months and often longer depending on the timber type. Soft wood can dry within a matter on months in the correct conditions where as hardwood such as oak can take 12 months or longer. The open fronted barns allow good air circulation around the logs whilst protecting them from the weather. Some suppliers use kiln drying as a method of seasoning timber. This to us seems madness as kilns are usually powered by gas, oil, wood or solar, all of which use valuable energy, where as simply seasoning in open barns uses no energy at all just time! We aim to be 12 months ahead of supply to our customers to ensure we supply you with an efficient burning log!

How do you tell when a log is seasoned?

When hit the log will give off a “clack” where as a wet log will just give off a dull thud!
Another sign is when cracks are visible at the end of the log.

When is the best time to order our logs?

Are aim is to deliver a good product at a competitive price within 48 hours of your order. We would also like to note that if possible order your wood in advance in the months of March – September, this allows you to stockpile in advance and ensures that even in the coldest of weather (our busy periods!) you always have seasoned timber to hand. Call, email or text us with your order and we will get in touch agreeing a delivery day and time to suit you. The next time you will see us is when we are pulling into your driveway with your order – on time as agreed.

How many to buy?

Its very difficult to say as so many factors effect usage such a fire or burner size, severity of the winter, hours lit and room size, however below will be a guide to help:

Small – medium sized log burner – Used 3-4 hours for weekend use only – 1 x 1.3m3 load for the winter

Small – medium sized open fire – Used for 3-4 hours daily, 3 nights a week – 2 x 1.3m3 loads for the winter

Medium – Large sized log burner – Used 6-8 hours daily, 5-6 days of the week – 4/5 x 1.3m3 loads for the winter

How to store the logs?

Ensuring your logs are stored correctly is vital. If ordering a loose pickup load from us, then we would advise that you stack them in a ventilated area away from the elements. Log stores are very popular nowadays especially with the increase in log burner installations. The stores will help you have dry logs to hand throughout the winter months, and enable you to gauge when you need to reorder rather than having then stacked around the garage, garden shed and up against the side of the house!

What size are your logs?

With many log burners have varying door openings, we have taken the decision to supply as standard an 8″ long log. This fits in the smallest of log burners and also aids the seasoning process. If you require larger chunky logs for large open fire grates then please get in touch.

Using state of the art timber processing equipment we ensure all logs are uniform and this prevents you the customer from receiving odd shaped logs that don’t fit in your wood burner.

When we cut the logs, we pass them over a screen to filter out the majority of any saw dust and small shards of wood etc.  However when logs dry and season, the bark can fall off meaning that when we deliver to you there is likely to be a small proportion of small loose material within the load.  This is something we can’t really avoid but its worth noting so you know to expect it.

Kiln Drying v's Natural Seasoning

We choose to naturally season our firewood the traditional way by allowing the natural elements and most importantly time to dry our firewood rather than force drying logs in fuel powered ovens (kilns). The end product is exactly the same (dry logs!) its just our process uses significantly less energy. Many consumers are lead to believe that kiln dried logs are the only option.  This is a myth! By naturally seasoning our logs we can still achieve 15% – 20% moisture content firewood.

SEE OUR NEW SIZING CHART TO HELP YOU COMPARE DIFFERENT LOG QUANTITIES.

Have we answered all your questions?

If there is anything else you would like to ask then please do not hesitate to contact us.

CALL US ON:
07734 964 212 / 07919 221 333