Key Takeaways -

• Keep logs dry by ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding moisture buildup.
• Choose sheltered locations with good airflow and avoid placing logs on grass.
• Use wooden or metal log stores with raised bases for effective storage.
• Regularly inspect and maintain log stacks to prevent instability and rot.

Storing logs outside in the UK can be challenging due to the wet weather. However, with the right methods, you can keep your logs dry and ready to burn. It’s important to understand that while logs can be stored outside, proper storage is key to maintaining their quality.

We will cover the essential factors to consider for outdoor log storage. You’ll learn how to choose the best location, use effective storage solutions, and ensure good airflow. We’ll also share practical tips to protect your logs from moisture and rot.

Read on to discover how to keep your logs in great condition all winter. No matter how much firewood you store, understanding these tips will help you keep it dry and usable.

Factors to Consider When Storing Logs Outside

Moisture Levels

Do logs stay dry in a log store? This is a common question when considering outdoor storage. The truth is that logs can attract moisture quite easily, even when stored outside.

Keeping logs dry is crucial to prevent mould, rot, and decay. Moist logs burn inefficiently and can produce excess smoke and creosote, which can clog your chimney.

Moisture significantly reduces log quality, making them harder to ignite and producing less heat. Ensuring your logs are dry will improve their performance and longevity.

Positioning

Place your log basket or store it in an area that receives sunlight and a steady breeze. Sunlight helps dry the logs, while airflow prevents moisture buildup.

However, avoid positioning your logs where they are exposed to direct rain and strong winds. Use a sheltered area that provides some protection while allowing for good ventilation.

Overhead Protection

Avoid storing logs under trees, as dripping water from leaves can keep your logs wet. Be cautious of overhanging roofs or guttering, as these structures can drip water onto your logs, leading to moisture buildup and potential damage.

Ensure overhead protection is designed to keep water away from the logs.

Stacking Logs Height

Stack logs no higher than 3 feet (1 meter) to avoid instability. Tall stacks can become unstable and collapse, potentially damaging the logs and posing safety risks.

Stack logs neatly and securely, using a crisscross pattern to enhance stability and promote air circulation. Regularly check your stacks for stability and adjust as needed to maintain safety and log quality.

Choosing the Right Location

Where is the best place for a log store? Ideally, you want to choose a location that offers protection from harsh weather conditions and allows for good ventilation. Here are some suitable locations to consider:

Ground Surface

Choosing the right ground surface is essential for storing logs outside. Place your logs on hard ground surfaces like concrete or paving stones to prevent moisture from seeping in from the ground.

Avoid placing logs directly on grass, as grass retains moisture and can lead to rotting logs and a damp storage environment.

Sheltered Areas

Find a location that balances shelter and airflow. A sheltered area protects logs from direct rain and excessive wind, but it should also allow good air circulation to keep the logs dry.

Using wind direction indicators can help you identify the best spot in your garden, ensuring that your logs get sufficient ventilation while staying protected from the elements.

Types of Log Storage Solutions

Wooden Log Store

Wooden log stores are popular for their natural appearance and effectiveness. They often feature a slanted roof, raised floor, and open front to promote airflow while protecting logs from rain.

Benefits include good ventilation and aesthetic appeal, but they may require regular maintenance to prevent rot and insect damage. Additionally, wooden stores can be less durable in extremely wet conditions.

Metal Log Store

Metal log stores offer robust protection for your firewood. They are fully enclosed, raising logs off the ground and featuring multiple vents for airflow. These stores are often fire-resistant and maintenance-free, with a long lifespan.

Ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture buildup, and high-quality models offer excellent resistance to corrosion, ensuring durability.

Pallets and Covers

Using pallets to elevate logs off the ground is a simple yet effective storage method. Pallets allow air to circulate underneath the logs, reducing moisture contact (1). Covers like tarpaulins can protect logs from rain, but they should not be too tight to allow for proper airflow.

Remove covers on sunny days to help dry out the logs and prevent them from sweating.

Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Logs

Step #1 Stack Logs Neatly

Place your logs close to a wall or fence, but ensure they do not touch to prevent moisture accumulation. Keeping the stack off the wall allows for better airflow.

Stack logs no higher than 3 feet (1 meter) to maintain stability and prevent the pile from collapsing, which could damage the logs and create a safety hazard.

Step #2 Consider Location Carefully

Position logs in an area sheltered from prevailing winds and rain to keep them dry. Avoid placing logs under trees, as moisture from leaves and branches can drip down onto them. Steer clear of low-lying areas prone to dew, mist, or fog, as these conditions can increase moisture levels.

Step #3 Use Pallets or Covers

Are you wondering if can you store logs in plastic bags? or can you store logs under tarpaulin? The answer is yes, as long as you use appropriate covers. Use tarpaulins or plastic sheets as covers to avoid having wet logs due to the rain, but ensure they are not too tight to

Remove covers on sunny days to let the logs dry out and prevent moisture buildup. Additionally, placing logs on wooden pallets elevates them off the ground and ensures good air circulation.

Step #4 Provide Good Circulation

So, should a log store have gaps? Yes, gaps are crucial for proper airflow. Ensure good airflow by leaving a gap of about 4 inches (10 cm) between the logs and any wall or fence. This helps prevent moisture accumulation and promotes drying.

Consider using a dedicated log store with a raised floor and a slanted roof to provide additional protection from the elements while ensuring adequate ventilation.

Additional Tips

If you're asking, what is the most efficient way to store logs? Here are some additional tips to help you store logs efficiently and effectively:

Avoid Stacking Too High

Avoid stacking your logs too high, as tall stacks can become unstable and pose a safety risk. High stacks are more likely to collapse, potentially damaging the logs and creating hazardous conditions.

Keeping stacks to a manageable height ensures stability and makes it easier to access the logs when needed.

Store in a Dry Environment

Whenever possible, store your logs in a dry environment such as a garage or shed. Ensure there is good airflow to maintain dryness. This setup protects logs from rain and excessive moisture, helping to preserve their quality and making them more efficient for burning.

Consider Metal Log Stores

Consider using metal log stores for a robust storage solution. These stores provide fully enclosed protection, shielding logs from the elements.

Metal log stores are often fire-resistant and require little maintenance, offering a durable and long-lasting option for keeping your firewood in optimal condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Store Kiln Dried Logs in a Log Store?

Storing kiln-dried logs in a log store requires proper storage conditions to prevent moisture from entering the logs. First, ensure the store is in a dry, well-ventilated area. Stack the logs neatly on a raised base, such as pallets, to keep them off the ground.

Leave gaps between the logs for air circulation, and cover the top of the stack with a slanted roof or tarp to protect from rain while allowing airflow. Regularly check your kiln-dried wood for moisture and adjust the cover as needed to keep it dry.

Can You Store Logs in a Loft?

Storing logs in a loft is not recommended due to the potential for moisture accumulation and lack of proper ventilation. Lofts often have limited airflow, which can lead to damp conditions and cause the logs to rot.

It is better to store logs in a well-ventilated area to ensure they remain dry and ready for use.

Can I Store Logs in a Plastic Shed?

Yes, you can store logs in a plastic shed, but it is important to ensure the shed has proper ventilation. Plastic sheds can trap moisture, so consider adding vents or opening the doors periodically to allow airflow. Keeping the logs off the ground with pallets can also help prevent moisture buildup.

Should Log Stores Be Slatted?

Yes, log stores should be slatted to allow for proper airflow. Slats enable air to circulate around the logs, helping to keep them dry and preventing mould and rot. Good ventilation is essential for maintaining the quality of your stored logs.

How Do You Store Whole Logs?

Store whole logs in a dry, well-ventilated area, preferably on a raised surface like pallets. Stack the logs neatly to allow air to circulate between them, and cover the top with a tarp to protect them from rain. Ensure there is some airflow to prevent moisture buildup.

What Is the Best Way to Store Logs Outside When It Rains?

The best way to store logs outside when it rains is to use a dedicated log store with a slanted roof and good ventilation. Elevate the logs off the ground using pallets and cover them with a tarpaulin that allows for airflow. Removing the cover on sunny days helps keep the logs dry.

Do Log Stores Need Doors?

Log stores do not necessarily need doors, as an open front can promote better airflow. However, doors can provide additional protection from heavy rain and snow. If you use doors, ensure they have vents or can be partially opened to allow for ventilation.

Does a Log Store Need to Be Waterproof?

Should a log store be waterproof if it will be storing logs outside? A log store does not need to be completely waterproof but should provide adequate protection from rain and moisture.

The roof should be slanted to direct water away, and the structure should allow for airflow to keep the logs dry. Proper ventilation is key to preventing rot and mould.

But if you want to know how to waterproof a log store, you can always apply a sealant or waterproofing product to the exterior of the store for added protection.

Does a Log Store Need a Base?

Yes, a log store needs a base to keep the logs off the ground and prevent moisture from seeping in. Using a raised base like pallets helps with airflow and keeps the logs dry. A solid base also provides stability to the log stack and prevents ground moisture from affecting the logs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, proper storage of logs outside is essential to maintain their quality and usability. By considering factors such as moisture levels, positioning, and overhead protection, you can ensure your logs remain dry and ready to burn.

Choosing the right storage solutions, such as wooden or metal log stores, and following best practices for stacking and ventilation will help protect your firewood from the elements. Implement these tips to effectively store your logs and enjoy a warm, efficient fire all winter long.

Sources -

1. https://www.trimetals.co.uk/2017/12/store-logs-outside/