Frequently asked questions
We are always willing to discuss any queries you might have, so if your not able to find the answer your looking for in the list below, please feel free to give us a call. Alternatively you can send your query using the contact form on the contact page.
Why do you sell by Volume (M3) and not weight?
We charge our customers for wood and not water!
Even Kiln dried logs have a moisture content of around 20% so buying by weight means you also paying for the water within the logs.
Our loads are a true loose cubic meter so you will be getting exactly what you pay for!
What does a loose cubic meter equate to when stacked?
Once a loose cubic meter is stacked, it will equate to approx. 0.75m3 of solid logs (no gaps or air spaces).
How are your logs delivered?
Our logs are delivered loose tipped, meaning they are not in a bag or pallet.
For 1 or 2m3 loads, they are delivered in a small pick-up truck which can get anywhere a standard car can.
This means we can reverse up to your driveway or log store (if the ground surface allows) and tip off as close to your log store as possible.
Larger loads are delivered by a slightly larger tipper van, please let us know of access restrictions when placing your order.
Do you offer a stacking service?
Yes! We do appreciate that not everyone has time or ability to stack their logs following delivery.
We can do this for you at an additional cost, please see pricing page for more information.
Many places sell in builders bags?
Generally, a builders bag will not be a full cubic meter (m3).
If a bag is 90x90x90 you will get a loose 0.73m3
If a bag is 80x80x80 you will get a loose 0.51m3
If a bag is 70x70x70 you will get a loose 0.34m3
Our loads are a true loose cubic meter so you will be getting exactly what you pay for!
What sort of wood are your logs?
The raw material for our Hardwood logs come from our sister Tree surgery company, this means all timber is from the central belt of Scotland.
They are composed of mixed Hardwoods including Alder, Ash, Beech, Birch, Cherry, Lime, Sycamore, etc.
Our Softwood logs are generally composed of Larch and Pine. Again, this is Scottish Softwood Timber.
What is the difference between Hardwoods and Softwoods?
Hardwood logs have a higher calorific value so generally they burn hotter and longer than Softwood logs.
Softwood logs can be used in closed fires but due to the high Sap content they tend to ‘spark’ so we would not advise the use of softwood logs in an open fire.
How dry are your logs?
All of our logs are kiln dried to a maximum moisture content of 20% and in most cases are much lower than this.
We are BSL (Biomass Suppliers List) and Woodsure accredited.
How do you dry your logs?
We have 2 large Biomass boilers which are fed by dried woodchip from our tree surgery operations.
They produce heat for our drying floor on which we dry the logs and wood chip.
Why do you kiln dry?
As I’m sure you already know, wet logs do not burn and damp logs do not burn well!
By kiln drying we ensure our logs are below the accepted standard of 20% moisture contact.
This also means the logs burn more efficiently giving you a better heat and reduces the soot produced which will clog your chimney.
Do you sell other products?
We currently sell kiln dried wood chip which is BSL registered for RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) schemes.
We sell kindling, ‘rustic / off cut’ kindling and wood wool fire lighters. Costs are noted on our pricing page.
We are constantly looking at increasing the products we supply.
Do you offer any other services?
We also run a Tree Surgery and site clearance company. For further information please head to: www.caledoniantreeservices.com
What is the best way to light a fire?
There are lots of tutorials on YouTube but generally a fail safe is to use 1 or 2 of our wood wool fire lighters and add a small handful of kindling.
Once the kindling has ‘caught’ and starting to burn well just add 1 or 2 logs, close the stove and ensure the drawing vent is open to allow oxygen into the fire.
Once the logs are burning, add more and enjoy!
Am I really allowed to burn the wood you sell me?
Yes, Of course! All of the wood we sell is from trees that have been felled for a variety of reasons by our sister company, Caledonian Tree Services Ltd.
Only good quality hardwood is used for our hardwood logs and it is split and barn dried for a period of 6 months – 2 years.
Where Do the Logs come from?
At our sister company ‘Caledonian Tree Services Ltd.’ through Forestry, Tree Clearance and Arboricultural operations we are in the fortunate position of having an abundant supply of timber.
Nothing goes to waste at CTS / CWF and all timber is processed into Saw logs, Firewood or Woodchip. All of the Trees we fell and Timber we remove from woodlands is taken to our yard to be processed and dried. All of our Timber is Scottish and the majority from the Central Belt of Scotland in particular.
How are the logs and Chip processed?
At CWF we have invested in machinery from log splitters to Kindling machines to ensure a cost effective way of producing logs – this saving can then be passed onto our Customers.
We also have a specialist wood chipper for producing wood fuel which has screens attached to ensure the ‘Grade’ of chip is correct.
Which wood burns best?
Hardwood timber has the most ‘calorific’ value – meaning they produce more energy when burned than softwood. There is an old Rhyme detailing the benefits of some common types of hardwood timber when used for logs:
“Beechwood logs burn bright and clear, If the wood is kept a year
Store your Beech for Christmas-tide, With new-cut holly laid aside
Chestnut’s only good, they say If for years it’s stored away
Birch and Fir wood burn too fast, Blaze too bright, and do not last
Flames from larch will shoot up high, And dangerously the sparks will fly…
But Ashwood green, And Ashwood brown Are fit for Queen with golden crown”
Is burning logs Environmentally Friendly?
Wood is a renewable resource, most firewood in the UK comes from sustainable sources, so for every tree cut down another is planted, and the carbon released from the felled tree will be absorbed by another tree.
Logs cut locally have not been transported long distances; this also has wide reaching environmental implications.
