Do you know how to properly store your logs for winter? It may seem like a simple matter of stacking, but it’s not without its subtleties. Read below to learn why and how to store firewood to make sure they preserve its qualities and avoid potential issues.

Why is it important to store logs correctly?

Storing logs correctly is essential because even if you purchase high-quality firewood, inadequate storage will forgo some of its benefits. For example, it will spoil the moisture levels, driving them well above the desired 20%. It may also invite mold and various pests such as mice, wasps, spiders, and snakes. Whereas storing your logs correctly will prevent them from rotting and ensure they burn as well as expected. A low moisture content means they will burn longer, cleaner, and more efficiently, as well as ignite quickly with less kindling.

How to store firewood outdoors in Winter?

How to store firewood properly is a question of both “how” and “where”. There are a number of good practices you can follow to ensure suitable storage conditions:

• - Prepare your logs for storage

  Split your firewood to increase the surface area that’s exposed to the air and help the seasoning process. Ideally, you can get pre-split logs to save lots of time and effort.

• - Choose a good location 

  One of the best ways to store firewood is outdoors in a sunny, South-facing location. Ensure there is plenty of wind passing through and it’s away from any trees. Choose a spot that’s close enough to your home (e.g. 30 metres) so you don’t need to transport the logs too far, yet, keeping some distance from the foundations of buildings will keep pests away and eliminate fire risks. Alternatively, you could place larger storage at a greater distance, but add a smaller “in-between” log store closer to your door to avoid long trips in the cold.

  If you’re asking yourself “Can I store firewood in my shed?”, yes, you can. Sheds are great at keeping logs safe from the rain and snow. Note, however, that the airflow is restricted, so this only works for dry wood. As for garages, they should be avoided as they’re often too close to your home. Also, the lack of airflow may cause mould spores that are then spread by the fire and cause health issues for people, especially those with allergies or asthma. 

• - Keep the logs off the ground 

  This is essential in keeping moisture from getting into the timber and causing rot. Create a gap between the first layer of logs and the ground by using bricks or wooden palettes, so that air can circulate under the log pile.

• - Properly stack your firewood 

  Stack your logs in rows, leaving some gaps between them, to guarantee good airflow and drainage. You can stack each layer in the opposite direction to the previous one. Each stack should be about a metre tall and one log-length deep. If you’re stacking next to a structure, leave some room (e.g. 10cm) between the logs and the walls.

• - Keep your wood dry 

  You can build a wood store yourself or simply get a pre-built firewood log store. They have a slanted roof and a raised floor and are open in the front to promote good ventilation. Sturdy log stores will also provide great stability year-round in case of strong winds.

• - Protect against pests 

  To keep smaller pests away, you can use certain sprays or Diatomaceous earth around the area. However, be careful not to spray harmful chemicals directly on your firewood.

• - Bring the logs in a day early 

  Some recommend bringing your logs inside a day early and storing them in a dry area of your home to further prep them for burning. However, make sure you only bring in a very small amount for immediate use to avoid potential issues.

How to Choose a Log Store, Log Store Ideas and Tips

To make choosing a firewood log store easier, you can take into account the following factors:

• - Firewood quantities 

Calculate the firewood you expect to buy and store over winter to make sure you plan for enough space. You can use a calculator to estimate the necessary amount for your particular household.

• - Available space

Decide on how much space you’d like to dedicate in a specific location and measure it. Pre-built log stores come in different shapes and sizes, so you can find the best fit. For unusual locations, you could also order a custom-built one.

• - Material  

It’s important to invest in a well-built product that will last you years. For example, our log stores are made of high-quality, pressure-treated timber from FSC-approved sustainable sources to ensure durability and sustainability. The components are fastened with secure corrosion-treated heavy-duty fixings.

• - Design

An open front will give you easy access to the logs. The roof needs to be at least at a 15-degree angle. For aesthetic purposes, you can pick a colour (brown or light green) to match your garden, fence, etc.

• - Waterproofing a log store

As for how to store firewood outside in winter, you can do further waterproofing. For example, applying a fresh layer of waterproof wood sealer or paint on a regular basis will increase the longevity of your log store. In addition, you can add felt or another material to the roof of the log store. You can also close the front with a tarpaulin in heavy rain or snow storms, but don’t forget to remove it when it’s no longer necessary. As an extra measure against adverse weather conditions, doors can be added to your log store.

Types of Log Stores

There are small, medium, and large log stores measuring anywhere from 60cm to 180cm in height, and from 80 to 340cm in width. They could be single, double, or triple-bay. The smallest models can accommodate 0.12 m3 of wood, while the largest can hold up to 3.5 m3! They’re usually rectangular in shape, but if you’re looking for an interesting feature for the garden or balcony, there are triangular, circular, or square-shaped models, some of which are made from steel or iron.

How to Store Firewood Indoors

Besides outdoor storage, firewood can be also kept inside, as long as you keep several things in mind. Here are a few guidelines that you can follow:

• - Only bring a small amount of seasoned wood indoors at a time, for example, enough for the next 1-2 days.

• - Do not bring in unseasoned wood to avoid pests. Always inspect your logs before transporting them indoors.

• - Keep it away from flame or heat sources, including firelighters or kindling, to prevent a fire hazard.

There are countless ways how to store logs for firewood indoors that are not only practical but aesthetically pleasing.

For an eye-catching display, you can stack the logs neatly and use them as a prominent design feature. A tall, narrow alcove in your living room or a hollow space in a dividing wall can work perfectly. You can also fill up an awkward space between two beams, for instance.

Another great idea is to use existing furniture, such as a nearby storage unit, and dedicate some low-level shelves for log storage. You can also stack logs underneath a bench or in an empty fireplace that you’re no longer using.

There are also plenty of containers you can use to add a rustic touch to your home. You can fill up a wicker basket, a vintage log crate, or go for a basket made of iron, leather, or bras for a more modern look.

With these tips on how to store seasoned firewood outdoors, plus compelling ways to keep some of it indoors, you’re sure to keep your logs dry and safe, and enjoy a bright, warm fire all winter.