air-dried logs, hetas, moisture content, woodsure - June 05, 2025

The Perfect Time to Buy and Store Air-Dried Logs: Why June Is Ideal for Stocking Up for Winter

When it comes to firewood, timing, preparation, and storage can make all the difference. As we head into the warmer months, many people naturally shift their focus away from fires and heating — but for those in the know, June is one of the best times to buy and prepare your logs for the winter ahead.

At Leicestershire Logs, we take pride in supplying high-quality, Woodsure Ready to Burn and HETAS Approved firewood, and we believe that a bit of forward thinking now will reward you with beautifully seasoned, efficient-burning logs when the cold weather returns.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

Why June is an excellent time to stock up on logs.
The advantages of further seasoning air-dried logs over the summer.
How to correctly store and stack your firewood.
The long-term benefits of early preparation.
Why choosing approved suppliers matters.
Our premium mix of birch, oak, cherry, and hawthorn — and how each wood performs.

Why June Is a Smart Time to Buy Logs

At first glance, summer might not seem like the obvious time to think about firewood. However, for those who rely on wood burners, open fires, or outdoor fire pits, early purchase is smart purchasing. Here’s why:

1. Maximum Drying Time

By purchasing now, you allow any remaining moisture in your air-dried logs to continue reducing naturally over the warm, dry months. Even well-processed air-dried logs may benefit from a few extra months of seasoning if stored correctly.

2. Avoid the Winter Rush

Come autumn, many suppliers face peak demand. Stock shortages and price increases are common. Buying early ensures:

You get the pick of the best stock.
You lock in current prices.
You avoid the seasonal scramble.

3. Flexibility in Delivery & Storage

During summer, deliveries can be scheduled more flexibly. The ground is drier, your storage area is easier to access, and you can organise your stacks carefully without rushing.

4. Peace of Mind

There’s a certain satisfaction in knowing your winter fuel is ready and waiting, fully seasoned and well-stored. You can sit back as the first frost arrives, knowing your logs are perfectly prepared.

Why Air-Dried Logs Benefit from Summer Storage

Even high-quality air-dried, Woodsure certified logs contain some natural moisture — usually below 20% to meet certification standards. But firewood continues to dry if stored correctly, and small reductions in moisture content can greatly improve burning efficiency.

The Science of Drying

As temperatures rise, the ambient air holds more moisture.
Dry air combined with good air circulation encourages evaporation from the logs.
Natural seasoning continues, gently improving your logs’ combustion quality.

A log purchased in June at 18-20% moisture may reduce to 15-16% by October if stored well — resulting in a hotter, cleaner, and more efficient burn.

The Benefits of Well-Dried Logs

Higher heat output per log: Less energy is wasted evaporating moisture.
Reduced smoke and creosote: Protecting your flue and chimney.
Cleaner glass on your stove: Less tar deposits.
Better for the environment: More complete combustion means lower particulate emissions.
Cost efficiency: You use fewer logs to generate the same heat.

How to Store and Stack Logs for Optimal Drying

Buying now is only half the job — how you store your logs is equally important. Poor storage can reverse months of seasoning; excellent storage can enhance it.

1. Location, Location, Location

Choose an elevated, well-drained site. Avoid low ground where moisture collects.
Position with airflow in mind. Prevailing winds are your friend.
South-facing if possible: Maximum sun exposure helps warm and dry the stack.

2. Protect from Rain but Allow Ventilation

Use a log store with a solid roof and open sides.
Avoid wrapping logs completely in plastic or tarpaulin — this traps moisture.
If using a temporary cover, ensure it's loosely draped and allows airflow from the sides.

3. Raise the Stack

Stack logs on pallets, concrete blocks, or timber rails to avoid ground contact.
This prevents moisture wicking into the bottom layer.

4. Stack Correctly

Stack loosely enough for air circulation.
Place split sides facing outward to expose more surface area.
Alternate layers for stability: think of a criss-cross pattern for better airflow.

5. Allow Space

Leave a gap between the back of the stack and any walls or fences.
Avoid tight corners where air cannot circulate.

Indoors vs Outdoors

If you have space, an open-sided covered outdoor log store is ideal for long-term storage.
Bring smaller quantities indoors (garage or shed) for short-term access, but avoid keeping large volumes in fully enclosed areas for extended periods — logs still need to breathe.

Why Approved Suppliers Matter

At Leicestershire Logs, we only supply Woodsure Ready to Burn and HETAS approved firewood. Here’s why this matters:

Certified Moisture Content: Below 20% at point of sale.
Sustainably sourced: Responsibly harvested from well-managed UK woodlands.
Reduced emissions: Cleaner burning, better for your stove and the environment.
Peace of mind: You know you’re burning safe, legal, compliant fuel.

Buying from an approved supplier ensures you get exactly what you pay for — no under-seasoned or inferior quality logs that risk damaging your stove, chimney or your wallet.

The Beauty of a Mixed Hardwood Load

We offer a well-balanced mix of species, each bringing something unique to your stove or fire pit:

1. Birch

Burns hot and fast.
Perfect for quick, easy lighting.
Beautiful flame and light smoke aroma.
Excellent kindling alternative.

2. Oak

Denser, slower burning.
Ideal for longer overnight burns.
High heat output and longer-lasting embers.
Best when fully seasoned.

3. Cherry

Sweet, subtle fragrance while burning.
Moderate heat and flame.
Clean-burning with little smoke.
Great for both indoor and outdoor use.

4. Hawthorn

Extremely dense, very high heat output.
Burns slowly with long-lasting embers.
One of the finest traditional hardwoods for cold winter nights.

Why a Mix Is Ideal:

Birch gets your fire started quickly.
Oak, cherry, and hawthorn sustain the heat.
You control your burn depending on your needs.

The Financial Benefit of Buying Early

Avoid seasonal price spikes.
Secure supply while availability is high.
Plan larger orders without winter delivery delays.
Savings from buying now can be significant by the time winter demand peaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my logs dry out too much if I store them over summer?

No. As long as you store them correctly (covered but ventilated), your logs will season perfectly. Wood never gets “too dry” for burning — but poor storage can allow logs to reabsorb moisture.

Should I restack my logs mid-summer?

Not necessary if initially stacked well, but reshuffling can help if you suspect poor airflow.

Can I store logs in my garage?

Yes — if the garage is ventilated. Avoid airtight spaces where humidity can build.

How do I know when my logs are perfectly seasoned?

Invest in a moisture meter — inexpensive and very useful. Aim for readings under 20%.

Is it worth buying kiln-dried instead?

Kiln-dried logs are a fantastic ready-to-burn option, but for many customers, buying air-dried now and allowing a few months of further natural seasoning is both cost-effective and efficient.

Be Ready Before the Rush

The best time to prepare for winter is when everyone else is thinking about BBQs and garden parties. A well-stocked, properly stored log pile now will pay dividends when the first frost bites.

With high-quality, mixed hardwood loads from Leicestershire Logs — fully WoodsureUK and HETAS certified — you're not just buying logs. You’re investing in:

Reliable heat.
Cost savings.
Environmental responsibility.
And the unbeatable comfort of a well-stoked fire.

Ready to Order?

Get in touch today to reserve your summer delivery slot. Secure the finest air-dried logs now, and enjoy perfect firewood exactly when you need it.

👉 Contact Leicestershire Logs
👉 Or call us directly to discuss your perfect order.

Use DISCOUNT code - AIRDRY25 - for Air-Dried logs reduced from £130 to £115

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