Wood Products & Processing
Log ProcessingAcross Stafford& Staffordshire.
Turn round timber into ready-to-burn firewood logs — cut to length, split to size, stacked where you want them.
✓ Petrol log splitter · Cut to spec · £5m insured
What is Log Processing?
Log processing converts round timber (from your felled tree, our forestry operations, or supplied delivery) into firewood: cut to your stove length, split for burning, stacked ready to season. Saves hours of axe work and produces consistent, easy-to-burn pieces.
We process on-site with a petrol log splitter or processor depending on volume. Standard length is 250mm (10") for most stoves; we'll cut to whatever length your appliance requires.
Combine with felling for a full felling-to-firewood service: tree comes down, processed on site, stacked in your woodshed.
Who It's For
- Anyone with felled timber to convert to firewood
- Wood-burning stove owners
- Off-grid properties using wood as primary heat
- Smallholders processing windblown timber
When It's Needed
- Felled tree needs converting to firewood
- Round wood delivery needs processing
- Annual firewood preparation
- Storm timber needs processing before rotting
What Happens If You Leave It
Hand-splitting a winter's worth of firewood with an axe takes 20+ hours and a lot of blisters. A log splitter does it in 2–3 hours with no fatigue.
Round timber left unsplit for over a year starts to rot from the cut ends. Process within 6 months for clean burning.
Our 5-Step Process
Free Site Inspection
We visit, listen and assess access, hazards and surrounding structures before quoting a single penny.
Written Diagnosis & Quote
You get a clear scope of works, fixed price and method statement — usually within 24 hours of the visit.
Scheduled Visit
We agree a date that suits you, confirm the day before and arrive on time with the right kit and crew.
Safe Execution
Risk assessments and permits handled. Roping, rigging and cutting carried out to NPTC and BS 3998 standards.
Clearance & Sign-Off
All arisings removed (or chipped/logged for you), site swept clean, photos sent and invoice issued.
Why Choose RJ Hutchinson
Cut To Your Length
250mm standard or whatever your stove takes.
Splitter, Not Axe
Hours not days, no broken backs.
Stacked On Site
In your shed, on a pallet, wherever — included.
Felling-To-Firewood
Tree down, processed, stacked — single visit.
Consistent Pieces
Easy to load, easy to burn, easy to stack.
Mixed Species Sorted
Hardwood and softwood separated if required.
Log Processing: The Full Detail
Firewood Quality & Seasoning
Freshly processed firewood has 30–50% moisture content — too wet to burn cleanly. It needs 6–24 months of covered, ventilated stacking to season down to under 20% moisture for proper burning.
Hardwood (oak, ash, beech, sycamore) burns longer and hotter than softwood. Ash is unique in being usable when freshly processed (lower moisture); other hardwoods need seasoning.
Processing Equipment
We use petrol-driven log splitters for domestic-scale work and a tractor-mounted firewood processor for larger volumes (1+ cord per visit). Both produce consistent, manageable pieces.
Every job is covered by £5m Public Liability Insurance and carried out under method statements and risk assessments tailored to your site.
Log Processing — Frequently Asked Questions
How much can you process in a day?+
1–3 cords (about 4–12m³) depending on species and starting size.
Do you supply the logs?+
Optional — see Firewood Supply for delivered seasoned logs.
What length?+
250mm standard; we'll cut to your stove length.
Do I need to be home?+
No — just access to the timber and instructions for stacking.
How much does it cost?+
From £150 per visit for small jobs; quoted by volume for larger.
Can you split tough wood (oak, elm)?+
Yes — log splitters handle anything; manual axe is for the brave only.
Will the logs be ready to burn?+
Process now, burn next winter — most species need 6–18 months seasoning.
Are you insured?+
Fully — £5m PL.
Related Services
Ready For a Free Quote on Log Processing?
Free site visit, fixed-price written quote, no pressure. Call directly or send a few details — most quotes back within 24 hours.