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As the days grow shorter and temperatures start to drop, preparing your home for winter becomes a top priority. Stocking up on high-quality firewood and having the right tools for handling and storing it are essential to keeping your home warm, cosy, and safe throughout the season. In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential firewood tips and must-have tools to make your fireplace or wood-burning stove experience easier and more enjoyable this winter.
1. Stock Up Early and Choose the Right Firewood
With the colder months approaching, autumn is the best time to stock up on firewood before the winter rush. Opt for Ready to Burn certified firewood like our kiln-dried hardwood and softwood logs, which have a low moisture content that ensures maximum heat output with minimal emissions. This helps you burn cleanly and efficiently, while also protecting the environment.
- Hardwood vs. Softwood: Hardwood logs like oak and ash burn longer and hotter, making them perfect for cold nights and extended fires, while softwood logs ignite quickly and are great for kindling or shorter fires.
- Consider Ordering in Bulk: Bulk orders are cost-effective and ensure you have plenty of fuel for the entire winter season. Check out our firewood shop to explore the options available.
2. Proper Firewood Storage for Winter Readiness
Storing your firewood correctly is essential to preserving its quality and keeping it ready to burn. Here are some best practices:
- Use a Covered, Ventilated Area: Firewood should be stored in a dry, covered area like a wood shed or outdoor rack with a tarp, to protect it from rain and snow while allowing airflow to prevent mould and moisture buildup.
- Stack Correctly: Stack your firewood neatly, off the ground, with a slight gap between pieces to allow air circulation. This setup ensures that your wood remains dry and easy to access throughout winter.
- Keep Firewood Accessible: If you don’t have an indoor log store, consider moving a small amount of firewood indoors for easy access, particularly during bad weather.
3. Tools for an Efficient and Enjoyable Firewood Experience
The right tools make firewood handling safer and more efficient. Here are some must-haves for your fireplace or wood-burning stove:
- Firewood Rack: A small indoor firewood rack near your fireplace or stove keeps logs close by, organised, and off the floor, keeping your space tidy.
- Log Tongs: Heat-resistant tongs make it easy to add logs to a hot fire without the risk of burns.
- Moisture Meter: Even with kiln-dried logs, a quick check with a moisture meter can verify that your firewood is dry enough for an efficient burn. Ideal moisture content should be below 20%.
- Fireplace Tools Set: A shovel, poker, and brush set are essential for safely maintaining your fire, managing embers, and keeping your hearth clean.
- Ash Bucket: A heat-resistant bucket for ashes keeps your space clean and safe for ash removal. Make sure to dispose of the ashes only once they’re fully cooled.
4. Plan for Regular Fireplace or Stove Maintenance
A well-maintained fireplace or stove operates more efficiently and safely. Schedule a chimney sweep before the season begins to remove any creosote buildup and check for obstructions. This maintenance step will prevent smoke backdrafts and reduce fire risk.
5. Create a Cosy and Inviting Fire Space
Finally, turn your fire area into a welcoming retreat with cosy touches that make winter nights even more enjoyable:
- Fire-Resistant Rugs: Placing a rug in front of your fireplace or stove adds warmth and safety, especially for hardwood floors.
- Wood Basket or Carrier: A stylish wood basket or carrier makes it easy to bring in logs while also adding rustic charm to your hearth.
- Comfortable Seating and Blankets: Arrange comfortable seating and warm blankets nearby to create a snug ambience for enjoying your fire with family and friends.
JD Logs: Your Partner in Winter Warmth
At JD Logs, we’re here to help you prepare for winter with high-quality, kiln-dried firewood and the tips you need for a warm and cosy season. Visit our firewood shop to stock up and check out our selection of sustainably sourced, Ready to Burn certified logs that provide efficient, low-emission warmth all season long.
For more guidance on sustainable firewood practices, visit Woodsure UK’s Ready to Burn page, and stay warm and well-prepared this winter with JD Logs.
