How Firewood Can Make Your Home Cosy this Winter

On a cold, damp winter's night, nothing makes a house feel more like a home than snuggling up in front of a roaring log fire. Close the curtains, make a cup of hot chocolate, watch the flames flicker and dance and feel your worries fade away.

There is something so primal about a real fire. It unleashes a sense of well-being and the warmth that is provided by a real fire is enveloping and soothing, unlike the dry heat created by modern heating systems. Whether your fire is your main source of heating or supplementary to a gas, electric or oil-fired system, there are many reasons why the right firewood can make your home feel more cosy this winter.

1. Wellbeing Benefits.

The very act of building a fire from scratch releases endorphins, which calm the mind and allow you to relax. Watching as the flames slowly build, getting the airflow just right and listening to the crackling sound produced by the fire allows you to unwind and be at ease.

2. Guaranteed Warmth.

Even in a power cut or when a system failure has caused your boiler to stop working, you can always rely on your fire for heat, light and company. A fire allows you to escape from the realities of daily life and to immerse yourself in simpler times.

3. Backup Cooking.

Should the power go out, you will still be able to make a hot drink and toast marshmallows from the comfort of your own home when your wood burner is going. Use a camping kettle directly atop the stove to boil water, and use metal skewers to get the perfect crispy outer to your gooey treat. With a wood fire, the opportunity for an indoor adventure is never far away.

4. Aesthetic Appeal.

A beautiful log burner not only boosts your home's resale value but also its aesthetic appeal. There is little more attractive in a home than the sight of a roaring fire on a dull, drab day. Team it with a sheepskin hearth rug, a warm fleece throw and chunky knitted sofa cushions to create the ultimate cosy space.

There are so many reasons why every home benefits from having a wood burner, but do you know what wood you should burn on it?

New legislation was introduced in the UK in May 2021, which restricts the sale of wet wood for burning in domestic and commercial properties. Wet wood is defined as wood which has a moisture content of greater than 20%.

Although it is possible to purchase wet wood in bulk loads of greater than 2 metres cubed, it should be stacked and stored at home until such time as a properly calibrated moisture meter records a moisture level of less than 20%. This can be achieved by chopping it into chunks measuring less than 30cm in diameter, then stacking the firewood in a dry and well ventilated wood pile for a period of up to a year prior to use.

At Mill Timber Direct, we sell a hardwood ash product which is certified as Ready-to-Burn firewood, meaning that it requires no home-seasoning and is suitable for immediate use. This product is kiln dried to guarantee that its moisture content is within acceptable limits, and it is available in 5L and 22L nets. 

In conclusion, if you want to really enjoy your home this winter, stock up well on your winter wood supplies, and you will be prepared for every eventuality that the British weather can throw at you. With a little planning, your home will be the destination of choice for friends and family who are seeking a cosy, comfortable space in which they can unwind with good company and plenty of heat from a real fire.