How Big Is a Barrow Bag of Logs?

When shopping for firewood in the UK, you’ll often see suppliers offering barrow bags of logs, alongside bulk bags, crates, and nets. But just how big is a barrow bag of logs, and how much firewood can you expect to receive?

In this detailed guide, we’ll explain exactly what a barrow bag is, how it compares to other log sizes, and how much heat and burn time you can expect for your money.

What Is a Barrow Bag of Logs?

A barrow bag is a smaller type of firewood bag that’s easy to handle and manoeuvre — typically delivered on a pallet or carried using a sack barrow (hence the name).

It’s designed for households that:

Have limited storage space, or
Only burn logs occasionally, or
Need to restock between larger firewood orders.

Barrow bags are particularly popular in towns and villages where driveway or garden access is restricted, and where larger log crates or bulk bags can’t be delivered by pallet truck.

Typical Size of a Barrow Bag of Logs (in the UK)

Although sizes vary slightly between suppliers, a standard barrow bag usually measures approximately:

Measurement	Typical Size
Height	60–70 cm
Width	45–50 cm
Depth	45–50 cm
Volume (approx.)	0.20–0.25 cubic metres (loose-filled)

That’s roughly one-third the size of a standard builders’ bulk bag, which holds around 0.6–0.8 cubic metres when filled loosely with logs.

It’s important to note that barrow bags are not standardised — suppliers use slightly different dimensions and filling methods, which can make comparisons tricky.

How Many Logs Are in a Barrow Bag?

The number of logs in a barrow bag depends on:

Log length (typically 25 cm for stove-ready firewood)
Wood type (denser hardwoods like oak or beech pack more tightly than softwoods like pine)
How the bag is filled (loosely vs. neatly stacked)

As a general guide:

A barrow bag contains around 60–80 kiln dried logs on average.
In comparison, a bulk bag may contain 200–300 logs, while a large crate could hold over 400–500 logs, depending on stacking.

How Much Heat Does a Barrow Bag of Logs Produce?

The heat output depends on wood type, moisture content, and burning appliance efficiency.

A well-dried hardwood barrow bag (moisture content below 20%) typically provides:

Around 6–8 full evenings of burning in an average wood-burning stove, or
Around 15–20 hours of continuous burn time, depending on stove size and airflow.

For comparison:

A bulk bag may last two to three times longer.
A large kiln dried crate can provide several weeks of regular heating.

Barrow Bag vs Bulk Bag vs Crate — What’s the Difference?

Type	Approx. Volume	Delivery Method	Best For
Barrow Bag	0.20–0.25 m³	Carried on sack barrow or pallet	Small spaces, occasional use
Bulk Bag (Builders’ Bag)	0.6–0.8 m³	Pallet truck or tail-lift delivery	Moderate to regular use
Large Crate of Logs	1.2–1.6 m³ (stacked)	Pallet truck	Frequent burners, best value per m³

Barrow bags are ideal for convenience and flexibility, while bulk bags and crates offer better value per cubic metre if you have the storage space.

Hardwood or Softwood – Which to Choose?

If you’re buying a barrow bag, choose kiln dried hardwood logs whenever possible.

Here’s why:

They burn hotter and longer than softwoods.
They produce less tar and soot, helping to keep your stove glass cleaner.
They’re more cost-effective per hour of heat.

Common hardwoods used in barrow bags include ash, oak, birch and beech.
Softwood options (like pine or spruce) are cheaper, but burn faster and are best suited for kindling or quick fires.

How Barrow Bags Are Measured: Loose vs Stacked Volume

One key thing to understand is how volume is measured:

Loose-filled volume: Logs are simply poured into the bag. This creates air gaps, so you get less wood per cubic metre.
Stacked volume: Logs are neatly arranged. This packs around 30–40% more wood into the same space.

Most suppliers list barrow bags by loose-filled volume, so if you’re comparing with stacked crates, remember that crates hold significantly more wood even when both are described as 1 cubic metre.

Delivery and Storage Tips

Access: Because of their smaller size, barrow bags can usually be wheeled through garden gates or narrow paths — ideal if you live in a terraced property.
Storage: Keep the bag off damp ground using a pallet or paving slab. Cover the top to prevent rain ingress but allow airflow around the sides.
Usage: Always burn logs that are Ready to Burn certified (below 20% moisture) for efficient combustion and minimal smoke.

Are Barrow Bags Worth It?

A barrow bag is worth it if:

You burn logs occasionally,
Have limited access or storage, or
Want to test a new supplier before committing to a larger order.

However, if you use your stove regularly, you’ll usually find better long-term value by purchasing kiln dried log crates or bulk bags, which reduce your cost per cubic metre and require fewer deliveries.

Final Thoughts: How Big Is a Barrow Bag of Logs?

To summarise:

A barrow bag typically holds around 0.20–0.25 cubic metres of loosely filled logs.
Expect around 60–80 kiln dried logs, lasting roughly 6–8 stove sessions.
They’re perfect for smaller households, occasional burners, or restricted-access properties.

If you have space, you’ll save money per burn by upgrading to a bulk bag or large kiln dried log crate instead.

In short:

A barrow bag of logs is compact, convenient, and easy to handle — but it’s only around a quarter of a cubic metre, so it’s best for topping up or small-scale wood burning rather than as a main fuel source.

Explore Our Barrow Bags of Kiln Dried Logs

If you’re looking for convenient, ready-to-burn firewood delivered straight to your door, our barrow bags of kiln dried logs are the perfect choice. Each bag is easy to handle, filled with premium hardwood, and certified below 20% moisture for a clean, efficient burn. Ideal for smaller spaces or occasional use — browse our barrow bags on sale today and keep your fire burning bright.