How to Start a Fire With Seasoned Logs: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

By Ed’s Logs & Forestry – Reliable, Sustainable Firewood in Kent.

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Lighting a fire should feel satisfying, not stressful, but if you’ve ever struggled with damp wood or poor airflow, you know how frustrating it can be. At Ed’s Logs & Forestry, we supply premium seasoned logs and firewood across Kent and the surrounding areas, and we know that even the best wood performs best when paired with good fire-starting technique.

Whether you’re lighting a log burner, open fireplace, chiminea or fire pit, here’s a simple, expert-approved guide on how to start a fire with our seasoned logs.

Why Use Seasoned Logs?

Seasoned logs are pieces of firewood that have been naturally air-dried to reduce moisture content, typically below 20%. This makes them:

• Easier to light

• Hotter and cleaner burning

• More energy-efficient

• Lower in smoke and creosote buildup

Using seasoned firewood gives you a cleaner, safer and more enjoyable fire, especially when combined with proper technique.

What You Need Before You Start:

To build a reliable fire, gather the following:

✔ Seasoned Logs: Your main fuel source. Premium hardwood species such as ash, oak, and beech (all available from Ed’s Logs) burn hottest and longest.

✔ Kindling: Dry, thin sticks that ignite quickly and create heat for your logs to catch.

✔ Natural Firelighters: Wax-based or wood-wool firelighters are ideal for clean burning.

✔ Airflow: A proper draft is essential - open vents, ensure your flue is clear, and avoid overcrowding your firebox.

⭐ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start a Fire With Seasoned Logs

1. Prepare Your Fire Space

Remove old ash, open your stove or fireplace vents fully, and make sure there’s good airflow. A clean space helps the fire breathe.

2. Build a Base With Firelighters

Place one or two natural firelighters in the centre of your fire bed or grate. Avoid chemical-smelling lighters—they produce unnecessary smoke and odour.

3. Add Kindling in a Criss-Cross Formation

Stack 10–15 pieces of dry kindling over the firelighters in a small log-cabin shape.This improves airflow and helps the fire catch quickly.

Tip: Avoid piling kindling too tightly—oxygen is your friend!

4. Light the Firelighters

Spark them at the base and allow the kindling to catch. This stage usually takes 2–5 minutes.Avoid adding logs too early—rushing reduces the fire’s temperature before it properly forms.

5. Add Your Seasoned Logs

Once the kindling is burning strong with visible flames:

• Add 1–2 smaller seasoned logs first

• Place them with space between them for airflow

• Keep vents open

After these first logs catch, you can add larger logs for a long, efficient burn.

6. Maintain the Fire

To keep your fire burning cleanly:

• Add logs when flames are still present (never onto smouldering embers)

• Keep vents open until the fire is established

• Use hardwoods for long-lasting heat

A good fire burns bright—not smoky.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using unseasoned or damp wood

❌ Overloading your stove with large logs

❌ Closing the vents too early

❌ Smothering the fire with poor airflow

Correct these, and your fires will light faster and burn cleaner.

Why Choose Ed’s Logs & Forestry?

At edslogs.co.uk, we supply responsibly sourced seasoned logs, kindling and firewood bundles across Kent, including:

• Maidstone

• Tonbridge

• Sevenoaks

• Canterbury

• Ashford

• Medway towns

• Surrounding rural areas

Our firewood is sustainably harvested from local woodland, carefully processed, and delivered ready to burn.

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🔥 What we offer:

• Premium seasoned hardwood logs

• Bulk bags & nets

• Free or low-cost delivery across Kent

• Expert advice on wood-burning and firewood storage

Whether you’re a regular wood-burner or lighting a cosy fire at the weekend, we’ve got the perfect firewood for you.

Ready to Light the Perfect Fire?

Stock up on quality seasoned logs from a trusted local supplier.

👉 Visit edslogs.co.uk to see our firewood options and arrange delivery in Kent.

👉 Or contact us for advice on log burners, wood types, or our seasoned logs.

Warm homes start with quality wood, and we are here to help you burn better.

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