If you use a stove or open fire at home, you will know the feeling. You get the fire going nicely, pop the kettle on, sit down…and before you know it, the logs have vanished. Learning how to make logs last longer really does make a difference, not just to heating costs but to how enjoyable your fire is in the first place.
If you’re burning wet wood, a lot of the heat is wasted just driving moisture out of the log, which is why fires struggle to stay alight and burn through fuel so quickly.
From our experience supplying Essex logs to homes across the county, it is rarely one big issue. It is usually a few small things that add up. Understanding how to make logs last longer is not about tricks or gimmicks; it is about using the best, well-seasoned, kiln-dried Essex logs.
Start With The Right Logs
How to make logs last longer by using properly dried wood
In simple terms, dry logs burn better. One of the biggest factors in how to make logs last longer is moisture content, and it is something we see making a difference every single day.
Logs that still hold too much moisture burn fast, smoke more and give off less heat. Properly kiln-dried or well-seasoned logs burn steadily and give you a much more controllable fire. As a Woodsure approved supplier, we know just how important low moisture content is for reliable performance.
Hardwood Essex logs such as ash, oak and beech are especially good for longer burns. They are ideal if you want a fire that stays in nicely through the evening without constant topping up.
Store Your Logs With Airflow In Mind
Storage plays a big part in how to make logs last longer, and this is an area where we often see good logs let down. Firewood needs to stay dry, but it also needs airflow.
Logs should be kept off the ground and protected from rain, ideally in a log store with an open front. Fully wrapping logs in plastic might seem like a good idea, but it often traps damp air and causes problems. Good airflow keeps logs in the condition they arrived in.
Only Bring Logs Inside When You Need Them
Another simple tip for how to make logs last longer is not bringing too many logs indoors at once. We see this a lot, especially in winter.
Bringing logs inside for long periods can allow them to absorb moisture from the air. A better approach is to bring in what you plan to burn over the next day or so and leave the rest stored properly outside.
Use A Sensible Mix Of Fuels
Using the right fuel at the right time really helps with how to make logs last longer. Softwood is great for getting a fire going quickly, while hardwood burns slower and gives lasting heat.
Many people start the fire with softwood and then add hardwood once it is established. Some households also use smokeless coal fuel by local coal merchants, alongside logs where suitable. Used correctly, this can give excellent heat and good burn times during colder spells.
Keep Your Stove Working As It Should
A well-looked-after stove makes life much easier. Good airflow means logs burn steadily and last longer. Poor airflow usually means logs disappear far too quickly.
Regular chimney sweeping and routine servicing help keep everything running efficiently. It also makes your fire safer and more enjoyable to use, which is always a bonus.
Build The Fire Steadily
The way a fire is built really does matter. The top-down method works particularly well. Larger logs go at the bottom, smaller logs and kindling on top.
Lighting from the top allows the fire to burn down gradually instead of racing through the fuel. It is a simple but very effective part of how to make logs last longer, especially when combined with dry, well-stored logs.
A Few Good Habits Make All The Difference
The simple truth about how to make logs last longer is that it comes down to a few good habits. Dry logs, sensible storage and a stove that is working properly will always give you a better fire.
Whether you heat your home mainly with bulk Essex logs, buy logs for sale as needed, or use local coal merchants alongside them, these small changes can make a noticeable difference to heat, burn time and enjoyment.
Ready To Put It Into Practice?
If you want to get more from your fires this season, starting with properly prepared fuel really does help. We supply Essex logs and local coal that are ready to burn and easy to work with.
You can view our current logs for sale or get in touch if you would like a bit of advice on what will suit your stove or fireplace. We are always happy to help.