Preparing for Winter at Lakes Kiln Dried Logs

While many people are enjoying the warmer weather, the team at Lakes Kiln Dried Logs is already preparing for the colder months ahead.

Summer is an important time in our yard. Alongside producing and delivering our kiln-dried firewood, we use this period to maintain our machinery, service our equipment and build up stocks of logs, kindling and other firewood products ready for the busy autumn and winter season.

A reliable supply of quality firewood does not happen overnight. Considerable preparation takes place behind the scenes to ensure our customers across Cumbria and Lancashire can receive properly dried logs when they need them.

Maintaining Our Firewood-Processing Machinery

Our machinery works hard throughout the year, processing large quantities of timber into consistently cut firewood.

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping the production line running safely and efficiently. Our summer maintenance programme includes cleaning, inspecting, greasing and servicing our firewood processors and supporting equipment.

We also inspect cutting blades, chains, bars, sensors and other wearing components, replacing or sharpening parts where required. This planned maintenance helps reduce the risk of breakdowns during winter, when demand for kiln-dried logs is at its highest.

Our machinery includes a high-capacity Pezzolato firewood processor capable of handling timber up to approximately 65 centimetres in diameter. This allows us to process substantial hardwood timber efficiently while producing logs suitable for household stoves and fires.

We also maintain our kindling equipment, forklifts, telehandler, bagging systems and the machinery used to handle and move timber around the site.

Preparing Our Biomass Kilns

Proper drying is one of the most important stages in producing quality firewood.

At Lakes Kiln Dried Logs, our logs are dried on-site using our biomass boiler systems. Together, our 500-kilowatt Herz boiler and one-megawatt Heizomat boiler provide a total drying capacity of 1.5 megawatts.

The boilers are fuelled using recycled woodchip from our own operations, allowing us to turn a by-product into the heat required to dry our firewood.

During our maintenance programme, the boilers and drying systems are thoroughly cleaned and inspected. This helps keep them working efficiently and reliably as we increase production and build stock for winter.

Our yard also benefits from solar panels and battery storage. The electricity generated helps power our operations and charge equipment, including our electric forklifts.

Why We Build Firewood Stock During Summer

Demand for kiln-dried logs naturally increases when temperatures begin to fall. As soon as the first cold evenings arrive, households across the region begin lighting their stoves and open fires again.

By processing, drying and bagging firewood in advance, we can build a substantial stock before the busiest part of the year. This preparation helps us provide a dependable service while maintaining the quality of every load.

Our team works throughout the year to ensure logs are properly processed and kiln-dried before being stored under cover, ready for delivery.

Preparing early also helps us plan delivery routes more efficiently. Grouping deliveries within similar areas reduces unnecessary mileage and allows us to serve more customers across Cumbria and Lancashire.

Properly Dried Firewood Makes a Difference

Burning properly seasoned or kiln-dried firewood provides several advantages over burning wet timber.

Dry firewood lights more easily, produces more usable heat and burns more cleanly. Wet logs use a considerable amount of their energy evaporating moisture before they can provide useful heat. They can also create more smoke and increase deposits within a stove and chimney.

Our firewood is produced in accordance with the Ready to Burn requirements, giving customers confidence that they are purchasing suitable fuel for their home.

We are proud to hold both Ready to Burn certification and Woodsure accreditation as part of our commitment to providing responsibly produced, high-quality firewood.

Firewood Products for Different Homes

Not every household has the same storage space or delivery access, which is why we offer our kiln-dried firewood in several convenient options.

Our range includes:

• Bulk bags of kiln-dried logs
• Barrow bags for properties with restricted access
• Kindling nets
• Eco firelighters
• Seasonal firewood packages

Our standard bulk bags measure approximately 85 by 85 by 85 centimetres and provide a convenient quantity for customers with suitable storage space.

For homes where a bulk bag cannot be placed close to the log store, our smaller barrow bags offer a practical alternative. These can be moved through tighter gateways, paths and access areas.

Supplying Kiln-Dried Logs Across Cumbria and Lancashire

Based in the South Lakes, Lakes Kiln Dried Logs supplies domestic and commercial customers throughout Cumbria and Lancashire.

As a family-run business, we have continued investing in our machinery, kilns, renewable energy systems and storage facilities to increase capacity and provide customers with a reliable local firewood supply.

From maintaining the machinery to processing timber, operating the kilns, bagging the finished logs and planning deliveries, the work taking place during summer ensures we are prepared when winter arrives.

Order Your Winter Firewood Early

Although winter may still feel some distance away, ordering firewood early is one of the best ways to make sure your log store is stocked before colder weather and increased seasonal demand arrive.

Our team is currently working hard in the yard, maintaining our equipment and building stocks of kiln-dried logs, kindling and firewood products for the months ahead.

To arrange a delivery or discuss the most suitable option for your property, contact Lakes Kiln Dried Logs today.