How Much Firewood Do I Need for Winter? Bulk Bag Guide (UK)

How Much Firewood Do I Need for Winter? Bulk Bag Guide (UK)

If you own a wood burner or open fire, one of the most common questions is:

“How much firewood do I actually need for winter?”

The answer depends on how often you use your stove, the size of your home, and the type of logs you burn.

In this guide we’ll break down how many logs most UK homes use and help you estimate the right amount for your home.

Quick Answer

Most UK homes using a wood burner will typically need:

Occasional fires: 1–2 cubic metres (around 2–3 bulk bags)
Most evenings: 2–4 cubic metres (around 3–7 bulk bags)
Primary heating: 4–6 cubic metres or more (7–10+ bulk bags)

If you're burning kiln-dried hardwood logs, most households use around 6–10 logs per day when the fire is used regularly in the evenings.


How Many Logs Do You Burn Per Night?

A typical evening fire usually burns:

3–5 logs for a short fire
6–10 logs for a normal evening of heat
10+ logs if the stove is running for long periods

Hardwoods such as oak, ash and birch burn longer than softwoods, meaning you’ll generally use fewer logs overall.


How Many Bulk Bags Do Most Customers Buy?

At Sevenoaks Firewood, most homes with a wood burner typically buy:

Usage Typical Order
Weekend fires 1 bulk bag
Regular evening fires 2–3 bulk bags
Heavy use / main heating 4+ bulk bags

 

Most Sevenoaks Firewood customers start the season with 2–3 bulk bags, then top up later during colder periods.


What Affects How Many Logs You Use?

Several factors influence how much firewood you burn.

Stove efficiency

Modern EcoDesign stoves are far more efficient than older stoves or open fires.

Home insulation

Well-insulated homes require less fuel to stay warm.

Log quality

Kiln-dried hardwood logs burn hotter, cleaner and last longer than wetter or poorly seasoned logs.


Tips to Avoid Running Out of Logs

• Order logs before the winter rush
• Store logs in a well-ventilated log store
• Keep a small reserve for cold spells

Many people underestimate how quickly logs get used during colder weather.


Final Thoughts

If you’re unsure how much firewood to order, a simple rule is:

Start with two bulk bags of kiln-dried hardwood logs.

For most households using their stove regularly, this is a comfortable starting point for the winter season.

You can always top up later — but having plenty of dry logs ready means you’ll never be caught short on a cold evening.


Browse Our Kiln-Dried Hardwood Logs

At Sevenoaks Firewood we supply premium kiln-dried hardwood logs with fast delivery across Sevenoaks, Kent and surrounding areas.

Choose from:

Birch logs
Oak logs
Ash logs
Mixed hardwood logs

If you're unsure which logs to choose, you can read our guide comparing birch vs ash vs oak firewood to understand how different species burn.

You may also find our guide helpful explaining how long a bulk bag of logs lasts depending on how often you use your stove.

See all articles in Fireside Tips