Bulk Bags vs Nets vs Loose Logs: What's the Best Way to Buy Firewood in the UK?

When it comes to heating your home with firewood, the type of wood you burn matters — but so does how you buy it.

With so many options on offer — from neatly stacked nets at the petrol station to large bulk bags delivered to your driveway — how do you know which is right for you?

This guide breaks down the key differences between bulk bags, nets, and loose logs, helping you choose the most efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective option for your home.

🪵 What Are the Main Ways to Buy Firewood?

Let’s look at the three most common formats:

💼 1. Bulk Bags

Best for: Regular wood-burner users, eco-conscious households, families heating their home with logs.

Bulk bags (also known as builders’ bags or dumpy bags) are large sacks delivered on a pallet, filled with kiln-dried hardwood. These typically contain around 0.8–1.2m³ of loosely stacked logs, depending on the supplier.

✅ Pros:

• Best value per log

• Lower delivery emissions (one trip = lots of wood)

• Fewer plastic wrappings or single-use bags

• Often contain higher-quality hardwood

• Long burn times, fewer refuels

🚫 Cons:

• Requires space to store

• Delivery vehicle access required

🔥 J&H Logs offers large bulk bags of kiln-dried hardwood, perfect for winter heating.
👉 View our bulk bags here

🧺 2. Nets

Best for: Occasional burners, BBQs, camping trips, or storing in tight spaces.

Nets usually contain 8–12 small logs and are often sold in garages, garden centres, or supermarkets. They're convenient, portable, and a good introduction to burning wood — but they’re not always the best long-term option.

✅ Pros:

• Easy to carry

• Great for small spaces or light users

• Widely available

🚫 Cons:

• Price per log is much higher

• Often inconsistent wood quality

• More plastic waste (single-use netting)

• May not be kiln-dried or “Ready to Burn” certified

💡 Look closely — many budget nets don’t meet moisture requirements and burn poorly. Always check for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo.

📦 3. Loose Loads

Best for: Traditionalists or those with large outdoor storage and experience checking moisture content.

Some suppliers offer firewood by the trailer or tipper load, often delivered loosely and dumped onsite. While this sounds like good value, it’s not always transparent — and you're not guaranteed the logs are dry, hardwood, or ethically sourced.

✅ Pros:

• Sometimes cheaper up front

• Old-school feel

🚫 Cons:

• May be wet, mixed, or softwood-heavy

• Unregulated sizing — no guarantee on volume

• Messy to store

• No packaging often means no certification

⚠️ Tip: If you're considering loose logs, ask: “Are they certified? What's the moisture content? Are they hardwood?”

📊 Bulk vs Nets vs Loose: Quick Comparison Table

🧠 So, What’s the Best Way to Buy Logs?

It depends on your needs — but for most UK homeowners with a stove, bulk bags are the best long-term choice:

• Better price per burn

• More eco-conscious

• Consistent hardwood quality

• Less hassle

🔥 If you burn logs regularly from October to March, one or two bulk bags from J&H Logs will likely see you through the season.
👉 Order a bulk bag here

❓ FAQ

How much wood is in a bulk bag?
Typically around 0.8–1.2m³ of loosely stacked logs — enough for regular stove use over several weeks or months.

Why are nets more expensive per log?
You’re paying for convenience and packaging. Cost per kWh is far higher than bulk.

Is loose firewood illegal?
Not illegal — but if it’s sold without moisture control or Ready to Burn certification, it may be illegal to burn in Smoke Control Areas.

How do I store a bulk bag of logs?
Keep them raised off the ground, covered from rain but with airflow. Consider transferring to a log store if possible.

🔚 Final Thoughts

Buying firewood shouldn't feel like guesswork. Whether you're heating your home every day or lighting a weekend fire, understanding the differences between bulk, nets, and loose logs helps you burn smarter, cheaper, and cleaner.

💼 Ready to upgrade to smarter firewood?
Browse our best-selling bulk bags now