How Much Firewood Do You Need for Winter? A Simple UK Guide

There is nothing worse than running out of firewood halfway through a freezing evening. Order too little and you may find yourself searching for logs during the busiest part of winter. Order too much without enough suitable storage and your carefully kiln-dried firewood could be exposed to damp.

So, how much firewood do you actually need for winter?

There is no single answer for every household. It depends on how frequently you light your log burner, how long you keep it running and whether it provides occasional warmth or forms an important part of your home heating.

This guide will help you estimate your winter firewood requirements and choose between our 28, 42 and 56-net bundles.

The Quick Answer

As a simple starting point:

• 28 nets: Best for occasional use of around three evenings per week

• 42 nets: Best for regular use of around five evenings per week

• 56 nets: Best for households using their log burner most evenings

These estimates assume that you use approximately half a net during a typical three-to-four-hour evening over a 16-week winter period.

Your actual consumption may be higher or lower depending on your stove, home and burning habits.

A Simple Way to Calculate Your Firewood Requirements

You can estimate how many nets of logs you will need using this simple calculation:

Fires per week × nets used per fire × number of weeks = estimated nets required

For example:

Occasional Use

If you light your log burner three evenings per week and use approximately half a net each time:

3 evenings × 0.5 nets × 16 weeks = 24 nets

A 28-net bundle should provide a sensible winter supply with a small amount to spare.

Regular Use

If you use your stove five evenings per week:

5 evenings × 0.5 nets × 16 weeks = 40 nets

A 42-net bundle would be the closest match.

Frequent Use

If your log burner is used every evening:

7 evenings × 0.5 nets × 16 weeks = 56 nets

A 56-net bundle would be the natural starting point.

If you burn for longer periods, use your stove throughout the day or rely on it as a major source of heat, you are likely to need more than one bundle during winter.

How Long Does One Net of Firewood Last?

Each Firewood Store UK net contains approximately 10–12 logs and weighs around 10kg. Because firewood is a natural product, the exact number, size and weight of the logs will vary slightly.

For a typical evening fire, half a net may be a reasonable starting estimate. However, the amount you actually use will depend on:

• The size and efficiency of your stove

• How many hours you keep it burning

• The temperature you want to maintain

• The size and density of the logs

• How much airflow you give the fire

• Whether you are burning ash or oak

• The weather and temperature outside

The most accurate approach is to monitor your own usage for one week. Count how many nets you use, then multiply that figure by the number of weeks you want your supply to last.

What Affects How Much Firewood You Burn?

Two homes with similar log burners can use very different amounts of firewood. Several factors will affect your winter consumption.

How Often You Light Your Stove

A household lighting its fire on Friday and Saturday evenings will naturally use far less wood than someone burning logs every night.

Be realistic about how frequently you use your stove. If you usually start lighting it in September and continue into April, calculate for the full burning season rather than only the coldest winter months.

How Long the Fire Remains Lit

A three-hour evening fire uses considerably less wood than a stove running from lunchtime until bedtime.

If you work from home, are retired or use your wood burner as a significant source of heating, your daily consumption could be much higher than the basic estimates in this guide.

The Size of Your Log Burner

Larger stoves generally have larger fireboxes and may consume more wood. However, an oversized stove operated inefficiently can also waste fuel.

Use the amount of firewood recommended by your stove manufacturer and avoid overfilling the firebox.

Your Home’s Insulation

A well-insulated room will retain heat for longer. Older or draughtier properties may lose heat more quickly, causing you to keep the stove running for longer or add logs more frequently.

Room size, ceiling height, glazing and airflow between rooms can all affect how much heat is needed.

The Weather

A mild winter can leave you with logs remaining in spring, while a long cold spell can increase consumption quickly.

Having a modest reserve is sensible, particularly if you use your stove regularly. Properly stored kiln-dried firewood will remain ready for future use.

How You Control the Airflow

Closing your stove’s air controls too quickly does not necessarily make your logs burn more efficiently. It can cause the fire to smoulder and prevent the wood from burning properly.

Build a strong fire first, then adjust the airflow according to the stove manufacturer’s instructions.

Does Ash or Oak Last Longer?

Firewood Store UK supplies both 100% kiln-dried ash logs and 100% kiln-dried oak logs.

Ash is an excellent all-round firewood. It lights relatively easily, produces useful heat quickly and provides a lively, dependable flame. It is a strong choice for regular evening use.

Oak is denser and generally burns more slowly once the fire is properly established. It can be an excellent option for longer evenings when you want steady heat and fewer trips to the log basket.

As a general guide:

• Choose ash for easier lighting and responsive everyday heat.

• Choose oak for a slower burn on an established fire.

• Order both if you want to use ash to establish the fire before adding oak later in the evening.

Moisture content remains extremely important whichever species you choose. All Firewood Store UK logs are kiln-dried to below 20% moisture.

Which Firewood Bundle Should You Choose?

We offer three bundle sizes to suit different households and storage spaces.

28-Net Bundle

Our 28-net bundle is ideal if you:

• Light your stove a few evenings each week

• Use your fire mainly at weekends

• Have limited storage space

• Are ordering from Firewood Store UK for the first time

• Want to try either our 100% ash or 100% oak logs

Using the basic estimate of half a net three nights per week, 28 nets could cover approximately 18 weeks.

42-Net Bundle

Our 42-net bundle is a good middle option if you:

• Use your log burner regularly

• Light the fire around four or five evenings per week

• Want a substantial winter supply

• Have space for a medium-sized pallet order

At half a net per evening, five evenings each week, 42 nets could last approximately 16 weeks.

56-Net Bundle

Our 56-net bundle is designed for frequent log-burner users who:

• Light their stove most evenings

• Want to stock up before colder weather arrives

• Have sufficient dry storage

• Prefer the value and convenience of a larger order

At half a net per evening, 56 nets could provide approximately 16 weeks of daily evening fires.

These are planning estimates rather than guarantees. Long fires, larger stoves and particularly cold weather will increase your consumption.

Why Buy Firewood Before Winter?

Demand for kiln-dried firewood rises rapidly when temperatures begin to fall. Ordering early gives you time to organise your log store and means you already have fuel available when the first cold evening arrives.

Buying your winter firewood in one larger order can also be more convenient than repeatedly purchasing small bags from petrol stations, supermarkets or garden centres.

With netted firewood, you can clearly see how much stock you have remaining. Individual nets are easy to handle, organise and move as needed.

How Should You Store Your Winter Firewood?

Kiln-dried logs must be protected from rain and ground moisture while still receiving sufficient ventilation.

For best results:

• Store the nets off the ground

• Keep direct rain off the logs

• Allow air to circulate around the firewood

• Avoid completely sealing the logs in plastic

• Do not stack them directly against a damp wall

• Bring a smaller quantity indoors as required

A roofed log store with open or slatted sides is ideal. A dry, well-ventilated garage or shed can also be suitable.

Before placing an order, measure your available storage and ensure you have enough room for your chosen bundle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will 28 nets of logs last?

If you use approximately half a net on three evenings each week, 28 nets could last around 18 weeks. More frequent or longer fires will reduce this considerably, so monitor your own usage for the most accurate estimate.

Should I order ash or oak for winter?

Choose ash if you want easy-to-use firewood that lights readily and provides responsive heat. Choose oak if you prefer a slower, steadier burn once your stove is hot. Both are excellent kiln-dried hardwoods.

Can kiln-dried firewood be stored outside?

Yes, provided it is raised off the ground, protected from direct rain and given good airflow. Avoid leaving the nets fully exposed or sealing them inside an unventilated cover.

Order Your Winter Firewood Online

Firewood Store UK supplies premium 100% Ash and 100% Oak logs in convenient 25-litre nets.

Our kiln-dried firewood is:

• Dried to below 20% moisture

• Cut to a maximum length of approximately 25cm

• Packed into nets containing approximately 10–12 logs

• Available in 28, 42 or 56-net bundles

• Shipped nationwide, with free next-day shipping available*

Use the calculation in this guide to choose the right quantity for your household, then stock up before the colder weather arrives.

Premium firewood. Properly packed. Shipped nationwide.

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