Storing kindling properly makes the difference between a fire that catches in seconds and one that sulks. Kiln dried kindling is very dry when it arrives, but it soaks up damp air quickly. At Empress Fencing, we supply fencing and timber supplies in Clitheroe, including kiln dried kindling delivered across the BB postcode area. This guide explains where to keep your kindling and how much to order for the winter.
Why Kindling Needs More Care Than Logs
Kindling is thin, so it has a large surface area for its size. That helps it catch fast. However, it also means storing kindling takes more care, because it absorbs moisture far more quickly than a log does.
How Dry Kindling Picks Up Damp
Our kindling is kiln dried softwood. It arrives ready to light. Yet a few weeks in a damp spot can change that completely.
Lancashire air is often heavy with moisture through autumn and winter. In addition, cold buildings collect condensation overnight. As a result, kindling left in the wrong place can feel cool and limp within a fortnight.
Damp kindling smokes and struggles to catch the logs. Consequently, you end up using more firelighters and more sticks for every fire.
Keeping Nets Off the Ground
When storing kindling, remember the ground is always the dampest place. Concrete, flagstones and soil all draw moisture upwards. So, never leave kindling nets directly on the floor.
Instead, lift them onto a shelf, a pallet or a hook. Even a few inches of clearance makes a real difference. Moreover, air can move underneath, which helps the sticks stay dry.
Storing Kindling at the Top of the Log Store
A log store is often the best home for kindling. The top shelf sits just beneath the roof, away from splashing rain. Our log store 5×5 has a sloping feather edge board roof and slatted sides for airflow.
Place one or two nets at the top, above the logs. That way, rain runs off the roof and the airflow keeps the nets fresh. Furthermore, everything you need to light the fire sits in one place.
For more ideas, see our guide to log storage solutions. It covers stores, placement and airflow in more detail.
Storing Kindling in a Dry Porch or Utility Room
A porch or utility room makes a good indoor store for a net or two. These spaces are usually dry and close to the stove. However, keep the main supply outside.
Firewood brought indoors can carry insects into the house. So, only bring in what you need for the next few days. Our guide to insects in firewood explains why.
Keep kindling well away from the stove itself. A hearth basket is fine, but never stack sticks against hot metal.
Why a Damp Garage Floor Is the Worst Place
Many people try storing kindling in the garage. It feels dry, because it is out of the rain. However, garages are often cold, unheated and damp.
Concrete floors sweat in cold weather, especially after a wet spell. A net left on that floor can draw up moisture within days. In addition, cars bring in rain and road spray that raise the humidity further.
If the garage is your only option, use a high shelf. Better still, keep the kindling in a lidded plastic crate with a few air holes.
Checking Whether Kindling Has Gone Damp
Dry kindling feels light and sounds hollow when two sticks knock together. By contrast, damp kindling feels heavier and slightly cool to the touch. It may also bend a little before snapping.
If a net has picked up some damp, don’t throw it away. Instead, bring a day’s worth indoors and leave it near, but not against, a warm stove. After a few hours, it usually lights normally again.
However, kindling that has been soaked through or turned mouldy is best replaced. Then move the rest of your stock to a drier spot straight away.
5 Nets or 10 Nets for a Winter
One net of our kindling lights roughly 10 to 12 fires. So, the right order depends on how often you light the stove. Most households fall into one of two groups.
If you light the stove a few times a week, the 5 nets of kindling should last for months. That gives roughly 50 to 60 fires in total. On the other hand, daily burners usually get through more.
For a fire every day from October to March, you need well over 150 fires. In that case, the 10 nets of kindling is the better starting point. Many daily users order it twice through the season. Both options are available to buy online only.
Lighting With Less Kindling
Dry kindling goes further than damp kindling. Storing kindling well means you need fewer sticks for each fire. Consequently, a net may stretch beyond the usual 12 fires.
Pair your kindling with dry logs and a good firelighter. Our Samba firelighters come as 64 cubes in two blocks. One cube is usually enough, so keep the box with the kindling and close the lid tightly.
Ordering in Rishton and Clayton-le-Moors
Many homes in Rishton are terraced, with small yards and narrow back streets. Space is tight, so a compact kindling supply on a shelf works well. Our page on logs for sale Rishton covers deliveries in the town.
Similarly, Clayton-le-Moors has plenty of terraced streets with limited parking. Please add access notes when you order. See our logs for sale Clayton Le Moors page for local detail.
Running low on dry kindling, or ready to start storing kindling properly this winter? Call Empress Fencing on 01200 449930 to order kindling, logs and firelighters together. Delivery is free on orders over £150 across all BB postcode areas, and we aim to deliver within 5 working days.
