How and Why to Dry Your Own Larch Firewood (With a Dash of Northern Know-How)
Let’s face it: nothing beats the satisfaction of a roaring fire—unless it’s the satisfaction of knowing you dried the logs yourself. If you caught my previous musings on the art of DIY log drying, you’ll know it’s not just for the penny-pinchers and the overly enthusiastic wood geeks (though we salute both). Drying your own larch firewood is practical, cost-effective, and, dare I say, a bit of fun—if you like the smell of fresh timber and the thrill of beating the British weather.
Why Bother Drying Larch Yourself?
- Save money—fresh logs are cheaper, and you’re not paying someone else to dry them in a fancy kiln
- Spread the cost—Avoid big heating bills around Christmas when you need it least
- Total control—no more wondering if your “seasoned” logs are secretly soggy in the middle
- Compliance—burning wet wood is now a no-no, thanks to clean air regs. Keep that moisture below 20% or risk the wrath of your neighbours (and the law)
How to Dry Larch Like a Pro (or at Least Like a Keen Amateur)
- Timing is everything: Larch needs about 3 months to season properly. Work backwards from when you want to light your first fire, and get those logs in early
- Location, location, location: Sun and wind are your best mates. Stack your logs somewhere light and airy with a bit of cover—think carport, not garage. Garages are for cars and cobwebs, not log drying
- Stack smart: Raise your logs off the ground (pallets are perfect), and leave gaps for air to do its thing. Neat stacks not only dry faster, but they also impress the neighbours
- Moisture check: To satisfy the law in England & Wales, and good practice in Scotland, grab a moisture meter off Amazon (they’re cheap and oddly satisfying to use). Logs MUST be under 20%—split a log and test the middle, not just the ends
The Bottom Line
Drying your own larch isn’t rocket science, but it does require a bit of planning and patience. Do it right, and you’ll have a stash of firewood that burns hotter, cleaner, and longer—plus you get bragging rights for being a true log legend.
Ready to give it a go? Your future self (and your wood burner) will thank you.
See our Semi-Seasoned Larch Offer Here