The Coldest Months Are Still to Come: Is Your Log Store Ready for Jan & Feb?

Author: J&H Logs Team Category: Market News & Advice

There is a strange psychological phenomenon that happens in the UK every year. Once the Christmas tree comes down and the New Year’s Eve champagne is finished, we mentally decide that "Winter is done." We start looking for snowdrops in the garden and thinking about spring.

But if you look at the meteorological data, the reality is very different.

In the UK, January and February are statistically the coldest months of the year. The days might be getting fractionally longer, but the ground temperatures are at their lowest.

At J&H Logs, we often see a "Panic Rush" in late January—usually when a cold snap or snowstorm hits and customers realise their log stores are empty.

Here is why you should check your stock levels today, and how to calculate exactly what you need to make it to Spring comfortably.

The "Beast from the East" Effect

We all remember the heavy snows of recent years. They almost always arrive in February or even early March. The Atlantic weather systems shift, dragging freezing air from the continent.

If you have burned through 50% of your wood supply during the festive break, you are now facing the coldest 8 weeks of the year with a half-empty store. Running out of dry wood during a freeze is not just inconvenient; it forces you to rely on expensive backup heating or, worse, panic-buying petrol station logs that may not be fully dry.

How to Calculate What You Need (The "Net-Per-Night" Rule)

Don't guess. Use this simple formula to work out if you have enough fuel.

Think about your average usage.

• The Weekend Burner: Lights the fire Fri/Sat/Sun nights. Uses approx. 1 net/bag per night.

  • Need: 12–15 nets to reach mid-March.

• The Daily Heater: Uses the stove to heat the main room every evening.

  • Need: 40–50 nets (or a bulk bag) to reach mid-March.

Go and look at your store right now. Count what is left. If you are short, it is better to order a bulk delivery now while the roads are clear, rather than waiting for the gritters to be out.

Why Buying in January is Smarter

1. Delivery Reliability: In deep winter, icy lanes can make deliveries to rural homes difficult. Ordering during a mild week ensures you get your logs right to your door.

2. Guaranteed Quality: When you buy Kiln Dried Logs from us, they are ready to burn immediately. If you wait until you run out and try to scavenge wood from the garden or a neighbour, it will likely be damp, leading to smoke and no heat.

3. Peace of Mind: There is nothing quite like the feeling of looking at a full wood store when the weather forecast predicts -5°C.

Storage Tip for Mid-Winter Deliveries

If you are refilling your store in January, the air is damp.

• Ensure your log store roof is watertight.

• If you buy a crate or bulk bag, try to get it under cover immediately.

• Bring a basketful of logs into the house 24 hours before you burn them. This brings the wood to room temperature, ensuring it lights instantly and burns fiercely.

Don't get caught out by the February freeze. Check your levels, do the math, and top up today.

[Shop Bulk Bags (Best Value)] | [Shop Nets & Crates]