When it comes to buying firewood, not all measurements are created equal. One of the most common mistakes people make is purchasing logs by weight rather than by volume. While it might seem logical at first glance, buying firewood by weight can actually leave you with poorer quality wood—and less value for your money.
Let’s break down why volume is the only reliable way to buy firewood, and what you should be looking for instead.
The Problem with Buying Firewood by Weight
At first, weight sounds like a fair and precise way to measure firewood. After all, heavier means more, right? Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
The key issue is moisture content.
Freshly cut or poorly seasoned logs contain a high amount of water. Water is heavy—so the wetter the wood, the more it weighs. This means when you buy firewood by weight, you may actually be paying for water rather than usable fuel.
In other words:
- Wet wood means heavier load
- Heavier load does NOT mean better value
Why Wet Wood is a Bad Deal
Aside from costing you more, wet firewood comes with several downsides:
- Harder to light – Damp logs struggle to ignite
- Lower heat output – Energy is wasted evaporating moisture instead of heating your space
- More smoke – Creates excess smoke and soot
- Chimney buildup – Increases creosote, which can become a fire hazard
So not only are you paying more upfront, but you’re also getting a worse performance from your fire.
Why Volume is the Right Way to Buy Firewood
Firewood sold by volume—such as cubic metres or stacked loads—gives you a much more accurate representation of what you're actually getting: usable wood.
Volume measures:
- The amount of space the wood occupies
- The true quantity of logs, regardless of moisture content
This creates a fairer, more transparent way to compare suppliers and ensures you're paying for wood—not water.
The Importance of Dry Firewood
Moisture content is everything when it comes to firewood quality. Ideally, logs should have a moisture content below 20% to burn efficiently.
That’s where kiln-dried wood stands apart.
Our kiln-dried hardwood logs are exceptionally dry, carefully processed to remove excess moisture and deliver consistent, high-performance fuel. This means:
- Cleaner burns
- Higher heat output
- Easier lighting
- Less smoke and residue
Because the moisture has already been removed, you’re getting maximum energy from every log.
What to Look for When Buying Firewood
To make sure you’re getting the best value and performance, keep these tips in mind:
- Always buy by volume, not weight
- Choose kiln-dried or properly seasoned wood
- Check for low moisture content (below 20%)
- Look for reputable suppliers who are transparent about their measurements
Final Thoughts
Buying firewood by weight might seem straightforward, but it’s often misleading and costly. Wet wood weighs more, burns poorly, and ultimately delivers less value.
By choosing firewood sold by volume—and opting for high-quality, exceptionally dry kiln-dried hardwood logs—you ensure a better fire, better efficiency, and better value every time.
When it comes to firewood, it’s not about how heavy it is—it’s about how well it burns.
