Autumn’s arrived! The nights are drawing in, the air is crisp, and the thought of sitting in front of a roaring log fire is enough to make anyone giddy with excitement. And for good reason! But before you enthusiastically strike that match and set your logs alight, your log burner (or multifuel stove) – and its flue – need a little TLC first.

Here at The Log People, we’ve been keeping homes and businesses warm and cosy with our range of Ready To Burn certified kiln dried logs for over 10 years. We’ve seen the mistakes, the triumphs, and everything in between — so here’s our expert-approved guide to preparing your wood burner for cosy season!

Bring on the log burning triumphs!

Book a Chimney Sweep and Flue Inspection

Your chimney is the engine of your stove. Skip its service and you’ll end up with poor draw, smoky fires, and an increased risk of chimney fires.

• Sweep at least once a year (twice if you use your stove daily). Many people ask how often should you have a chimney swept — once a year is the minimum recommendation in the UK, but more often is safer if you burn habitually.

• Choose a HETAS registered chimney sweep near me for expert advice and peace of mind.

• Ask them to check for cracks, leaks, blockages (birds nests are a common discovery) and combustible creosote build-up in the chimney.

• Test your chimney damper or flue door to make sure it opens and seals properly.

👉 Skipping a chimney sweep is one of the biggest log burning mistakes.

Give Your Log Burner a Service a Pre-Season MOT

Your stove should have a pre-season MOT before you fire it up!

• Check rope seals: doors should be airtight. If worn, arrange a stove rope seal replacement.

• Inspect the glass and firebricks: because cracks or chips affect safety and efficiency.

• Remove old ash and debris: leave a thin layer for insulation, but don’t let it build up too much.

• Check external seals and hearth: make sure joints and tiles are solid and draught-free.

Making time for simple stove maintenance will keep your stove efficient and reliable throughout the cooler months.

Choose the best logs for your wood burner

Firewood quality should never be underestimated. Try to burn wet or unseasoned wood and more energy will be used to burn off the water than the wood – resulting in excessive black smoke, soot, and dangerous creosote build-up. Burn Ready To Burn certified kiln dried logs and you’ll get more heat, use less fuel, lower emissions…and a happier stove.

• Kiln dried softwood logs – quick to ignite, perfect for getting fires started fast and bring appliances and flues up to combustible temperatures.

• Kiln dried hardwood logs – slower-burning, providing high heat, ideal for long-lasting fires.

• Kindling + natural firelighters – to get your log fires started quickly and sustainably

🔥 Customers often ask about unseasoned logs vs kiln-dried logs. If you want logs for immediate burning then kiln dried logs always win — consistent heat, Ready to Burn certified, and better for your stove and the environment.

Top tip: Always order early to beat high winter demand.

How to store logs outside wisely

You’ve wisely invested in quality Ready To Burn certified kiln dried logs — so it makes sense to keep them that way! After all, there’s little point choosing kiln dried logs that are ready for immediate burning if they’re going to get wet again due to poor log storage.

• Use a log store with a raised base and slanted roof.

• Ensure the top is covered but sides are open to allow sufficient airflow.

• Stack neatly using firewood stacking tips like crisscross patterns.

• Rotate your logs (first in, first out).

• Keep away from dripping gutters, overhanging trees or over damp ground.

👉 More reading here: How to store logs and keep them dry

How to light a log burner – tried and trusted tips!

Lighting your stove correctly makes all the difference between a smoky disappointment and a perfect cosy log fire.

The Traditional Fire Lighting Method

1. Leave a thin bed of ash at the bottom to provide insulation.

2. Build a base with plenty of kindling to give your fire plenty of energy.

3. Add 1-2 natural firelighters on top and light.

4. Fully open the air vents to get enough oxygen to energise the fire.

5. Add 1-2 kiln dried softwood logs to build the fire once the kindling has burned to embers.

6. Once established, add kiln dried hardwood logs to sustain the burn.

7. Slowly close the vents to provide a slow, steady burn.

👉 Need more detail? How to start a log fire and keep it going

The Scandinavian Top-Down Fire Lighting Method

This method is favoured by the pros!

If you’ve ever wondered how to light a log burner without excessive smoke, try the Scandinavian top-down fire lighting method:

1. Leave a thin bed of ash at the bottom for insulation.

2. Place kiln dried hardwood logs at the bottom.

3. Stack kiln dried softwood logs crosswise above.

4. Add a layer of kindling on top.

5. Place 1-2 natural firelighters on top of the kindling.

6. Light the firelighters and let the flames burn downward.

🔥 Why it works: This highly efficient fire lighting method preheats the flue, reduces smoke, and creates a cleaner, longer-lasting burn using less fuel.

Ready, Steady, Burn!

A little preparation and thinking ahead means you’ll enjoy hassle-free, efficient, and cosy log fires all season long — and these steps will make sure your stove performs at its best.

At The Log People, our logs aren’t just kiln dried and Ready to Burn certified — they’re locally and sustainably sourced too. That means supporting local jobs, planting more trees, and reducing delivery carbon footprints.