VLI Timber FAQ | Firewood Industry 4.0 & Kiln Drying

FAQ | Frequently asked questions

  • Are there any additional taxes for firewood import to my country?

    For wood products circulating in the EU there are no extra charges.

  • Do your prices include VAT?

    If your company is located in the EU and is a VAT payer, 0% VAT rate applies. For those who are not VAT registered, 21% VAT rate is applied.

  • Are there any restrictions regarding ash import due to the ash dieback disease?

    Yes, there are certain restrictions for ash import in the UK and Ireland. Our firewood complies with regulations and is suitable for import as it is kiln dried to a low moisture content, which prevents disease from spreading.

  • What are your payment terms?

    For the first delivery, we have a requirement to pay 100% in advance. All further deliveries are required to be paid in two halves, transferring first  50% during production process and the remaining 50%  – upon the delivery of the goods. All payments should be transferred to our company’s account.

  • What is your production lead time?

    The average time from purchase to delivery is estimated from 3 to 4 weeks, however each case should be discussed individually.

  • The usual delivery lead time?

    Germany 3-4 days
    Belgium, the Netherlands 4-5 days
    France 5 days
    UK 14-21 days
    Denmark 4-5 days

  • Is it possible to have several types of products in one delivery?

    Yes, you are welcome to combine a wide variety of products of different species and packaging in one load.

     

  • How to measure moisture content?
  • What is kiln-dried firewood?

    Kiln-dried firewood is wood dried in industrial kilns to a moisture content of 15–20%. This process ensures fast ignition, higher heat output and reduced smoke compared to air-dried logs.

  • How does kiln drying improve firewood quality?

    Kiln drying shortens the drying process to just a few days while ensuring precise moisture control. It removes insects, mold and excess moisture, resulting in cleaner burning, higher heat output and lower environmental impact compared to traditional air drying.

  • How is kiln drying different from air drying?

    Air drying relies on natural weather conditions and can take 6–24 months depending on climate. Moisture levels remain inconsistent.
    Kiln drying achieves stable results in days, regardless of weather, producing uniform moisture content, better ignition and superior heat output.

  • Why is moisture content important in firewood?

    Moisture content determines how efficiently wood burns. Logs with <20% moisture produce more heat, ignite faster and generate fewer emissions. Kiln drying ensures stable and predictable moisture levels.

  • What is low-grade timber and why do we use it?

    Low-grade timber refers to wood unsuitable for furniture or construction due to natural imperfections. Using low-grade timber for firewood helps reduce waste and supports sustainable forestry practices.

  • Does low-grade timber affect heat output?

    No — heat output depends primarily on wood species and moisture content, not grade. Kiln-dried low-grade hardwood delivers excellent heat performance, making it an efficient and environmentally responsible choice.

  • What certifications does VLI Timber hold?

    VLI Timber follows strict quality and sustainability standards across the entire production chain. Our firewood meets Ready to Burn requirements, is made from FSC-certified raw materials, and aligns with the guidelines set by the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) — an organisation promoting efficient, low-emission wood-burning appliances and fuels.
    These standards help ensure consistent moisture levels, predictable performance and responsible use of low-grade timber resources.

  • What wood species do you use?

    We use sustainably sourced hardwood species such as oak, ash, birch and alder.

    • Oak – long burn time and high heat

    • Ash – stable burning and good embers

    • Birch – fast ignition and bright flame

    • Alder – lightweight, suitable for quick heating

  • Does kiln drying kill insects and mold?

    Yes. The high temperatures inside the kiln eliminate insects, larvae, fungal spores and mold. This makes kiln-dried firewood safer for indoor storage and reduces contamination in packaging and transportation.

  • How long does kiln-dried firewood last in storage?

    When stored in a dry, ventilated environment, kiln-dried firewood can maintain its quality for several years. Moisture can re-enter the wood if exposed to rain or humidity, so proper storage is essential.

  • Is kiln-dried firewood better for the environment?

    Yes. Kiln-dried firewood produces fewer emissions due to lower moisture content and more complete combustion. Using low-grade timber also supports sustainable forest management by utilising wood that would otherwise be discarded.

  • What production standards do you follow?

    VLI Timber follows strict moisture control protocols, automated quality checks and international standards, including Ready to Burn certification and FSC-certified raw material sourcing. Our processes ensure consistent log size, moisture levels and packaging quality.

  • What is the best moisture content for firewood?

    The optimal moisture content is below 20%. This ensures efficient combustion, reduced smoke, higher heat output and improved stove performance. All VLI Timber kiln-dried logs meet this requirement.

  • How does VLI Timber ensure consistent moisture content across large volumes?

    We use advanced kiln-drying systems, automated sensor monitoring and continuous data tracking to ensure that every batch reaches target moisture levels. Each production stage is digitally controlled for consistency and repeatability.

  • How do you guarantee log uniformity and packaging standards?

    Automated cutting, sorting and packaging lines ensure consistent log size, shape and weight. Visual inspections and quality checks verify density, moisture content and packaging integrity before shipment.

  • Where do you source your raw materials?

    We source timber from responsibly managed forests, working with FSC-certified suppliers and ensuring full traceability of low-grade hardwood materials.

  • Do you supply firewood for business and wholesale clients?

    Yes. VLI Timber supplies kiln-dried firewood for B2B customers across Europe, offering bulk orders, custom packaging formats and long-term supply partnerships.

  • What is Firewood Industry 4.0?

    Firewood Industry 4.0 refers to the integration of automation, digital monitoring, data-driven quality control and energy-efficient technologies in firewood production. VLI Timber applies Industry 4.0 principles to ensure consistent quality at large-scale production volumes.

  • Did not find the answer to the question you have?

    FAQ section contains the most often occurring questions, thus if you have specific inquiries, we will be glad to answer them directly.

    Please contact us at vilte@vli.lt