What Is the Difference Between Kiln Dried & Seasoned Firewood?

Firewood can be seasoned or kiln dried.

Fresh cut wood contains about 40 to 50 percent water. To get a good fire going, the wood's water content needs to be half that amount or lower. Kiln and air drying are two methods of reducing the water content.

Control

Using a kiln controls the drying process and makes it more even. Seasoned firewood is dependent on environmental conditions, as well as the type and size of the wood.

Time

Seasoned firewood can take more than 12 months to dry out. Kiln-dried firewood takes a matter of days.

Energy Cost

Seasoned firewood uses no energy for drying. Kiln dried needs a source of energy to heat the firewood.

Space

Unlike kiln-dried firewood, seasoned wood needs space for a long time period.

Problems

Badly seasoned firewood is hard to light and can result in smoky fires. Extremely dry kiln processed firewood will also cause smoky fires.

References

• WoodHeat.org: Good Firewood
• FirewoodKiln.com: Kiln Drying Time of Split Oak