Top 10 Wood Burning Stove Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them) — Mr Logs’ Essential Guide
Wood burning stoves are a fantastic way to heat your home, create a cosy atmosphere, and even save on energy bills. But if you’re not careful, a few common mistakes can lead to poor performance, safety risks, or costly repairs.
At Mr Logs, we’ve seen it all — so here’s our handy guide to the top 10 mistakes people make with wood burning stoves, and how you can easily avoid them.
1️⃣ Burning Wet or Unseasoned Logs
The mistake:
Using logs with high moisture content (above 20%) is one of the biggest and most common errors. Wet wood produces excessive smoke, poor heat, and dangerous creosote build-up.
The fix:
✅ Always burn kiln dried or properly seasoned logs like the ones we supply at Mr Logs.
✅ Check moisture content with a moisture meter if in doubt.
2️⃣ Overloading the Stove
The mistake:
Stuffing too many logs into your stove can reduce airflow, cause inefficient combustion, and create excess smoke.
The fix:
✅ Add logs gradually and maintain a steady fire.
✅ Allow space between logs for proper air circulation.
3️⃣ Slamming the Air Vents Closed Too Early
The mistake:
Shutting off airflow too soon chokes the fire, leading to incomplete combustion and creosote buildup.
The fix:
✅ Allow the fire to establish fully before adjusting air controls.
✅ Use the vents to fine-tune the burn, not to extinguish it.
4️⃣ Using the Wrong Type of Wood
The mistake:
Burning unsuitable wood like treated timber, MDF, or construction scraps can release toxic fumes and damage your stove.
The fix:
✅ Only burn natural hardwood or softwood logs, free of chemicals and treatments.
✅ Mr Logs supplies only high-quality, safe firewood.
5️⃣ Letting Ash Build Up Too Much
The mistake:
Excessive ash can block airflow and reduce efficiency, while no ash at all makes lighting harder.
The fix:
✅ Maintain a thin layer of ash (around 1 inch is ideal).
✅ Empty your ash pan regularly.
6️⃣ Poor Log Storage
The mistake:
Storing logs directly on the ground, under tarps, or in damp areas allows them to reabsorb moisture.
The fix:
✅ Store logs off the ground, under cover, and with good airflow.
✅ Read our full Mr Logs Guide to Log Storage for tips.
7️⃣ Neglecting Chimney Sweeping
The mistake:
Ignoring chimney maintenance allows creosote and soot to build up, increasing the risk of chimney fires.
The fix:
✅ Have your chimney swept professionally at least once a year — more often if you burn daily.
8️⃣ Burning the Stove Too Hot
The mistake:
Over-firing your stove can warp metal components, damage the stove, and reduce its lifespan.
The fix:
✅ Use a stove thermometer to monitor temperatures.
✅ Keep your stove burning within the manufacturer’s recommended range.
9️⃣ Poor Air Circulation in the Room
The mistake:
A room that’s too sealed can starve the stove of fresh air, leading to poor combustion and smoke spillage.
The fix:
✅ Ensure adequate ventilation.
✅ In some cases, a small air vent may be required, especially in modern airtight homes.
🔟 Ignoring Your Stove Manufacturer’s Guidelines
The mistake:
Not reading the manual can lead to missed maintenance, misuse, and lower efficiency.
The fix:
✅ Always read and follow your stove’s instructions.
✅ If unsure, ask your installer or the Mr Logs team for advice.
Bonus Mr Logs Tip:
Start every fire with dry kindling and firelighters to get your fire going quickly and cleanly.
In Summary:
Avoiding these common mistakes will keep your stove running safely, efficiently, and economically — giving you many years of cosy evenings and warm winters.
At Mr Logs, we supply top-quality kiln dried and seasoned logs, perfect for safe and efficient burning.
🔥 Order today and keep your stove burning perfectly all season long!