A guide to log storage

If you use wood logs as firewood to heat your home, it is imperative that you store them correctly to ensure that they are dried and seasoned ready for use during the winter months. Logs that are to be used for building materials equally need to be stored until they are ready for use. Read the guide below to learn about log storage.

Seasoning your logs

Log stores or log sheds The ideal way in which to store your logs would be to house them inside a purpose-built wood store or shed. The main function of this type of storage facility is to contain the wood while it is being seasoned or drying out ready for use. Correct way to store the logs Logs in storage for future use on a fire are best seasoned when they are stored cut or split and into the sizes ready for burning. The exposed surfaces can then be exposed to the sun and wind as these aid in the drying out process.
Covered and off the ground The stored logs should be a few inches off the ground and placed onto a dry surface. A wooden pallet is ideal for this purpose. The wood should be covered on top to help to protect it from rain, but as much as possible, the sides should be open to allow the air to circulate through the stored wood.

Log storage points to note

A simple log store The simplest type of log store is to place a pallet on the ground and to store your logs in a circular pattern up to a height of two metres. Cover this with a tarpaulin or large sheet of plastic and your basic log storage facility is complete. Positioning your log store Ideally, you should position your log shed in a convenient place that is easy to reach for both re-supplying with a fresh batch of logs as well as for reaching when filling your log basket of seasoned- wood ready for use.
Division of stored wood Inside your wood store, you should divide your wood into two sections. One should contain only seasoned-wood that is ready to be used and the other should be fresher wood that has not yet completed the seasoning process. Wood should be stored for up to one year before use.
Log basket Any log baskets that are designed to hold the seasoned logs inside the house should ideally be large enough to hold two or three days supply of fuel for your fire. This will allow for any final drying off of the logs prior to burning and will help to reduce smoke from excess moisture.