If you have a wood burning stove then you are going to need somewhere to store your logs! Yes you could just nip down to the shops and purchase a bag of logs every time you need them – but you will quickly find this costing you a small fortune, especially over winter, and it really isn’t practical either! Purchasing a log store is going to allow you to stock up on logs, rotate your use as you dry them out and find the best deals on cheap logs (and maybe even stock up on logs for free from time to time!). Newly cut logs are going to take around six months to dry out – so where are you planning on storing these logs if it isn’t in a log store?
The bigger the log store, the more money you are going to be able to save on your logs and therefore the cheaper your energy bills are going to be too. It really is a win win situation! There are so many log stores out there, all coming in different shapes and sizes, so we have compiled some of our favourites. You need to consider whether you want open fronted, a log store with doors, raised feet and much more. But don’t panic – we are here to help!
Best Pick – Arbor Garden Solutions Wooden Log Store
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In A Hurry?
If you are currently storing your logs in your living room, garage or other completely unideal space then this is the part of the article you need to be reading. We have compiled all the essential information you need to know so that you can get to buying a log store as quick as possible.
Size and Storage Capacity
Obviously the first thing that you need to consider is the size of the log store that is going to be right for your garden. Arguably the bigger the better, as this is going to allow you space to store more logs, but if you only have a small wood burner that isn’t used too regularly then purchasing a big model may be overkill and take up unnecessary space in your garden. We would always suggest that you make sure to have some spare space available in your log store rather than purchasing one that is JUST big enough, as this will allow you the flexibility to look out for more reasonable purchases when buying your logs! We found most ranged in size from around 100cm x 100cm x 50cm up to a massive 250cm x 130cm x 80cm. Obviously, there are models smaller and larger than this but it really depends on exactly what you are looking for.
You will sometimes find that models are attractive in design but actually can’t hold the same number of logs as a smaller model would, which arguably is then a waste of space. This means you need to make sure to look for the storage capacity as well as the general size when you are purchasing your log store. We found models that ranged in storage capacity from around 0.3㎥ up to around 1.5㎥ – which as you can see is quite a considerable difference!
Build Material
Most log stores are actually going to be made from wood as this is a nice natural looking material for your garden allowing it to be in keeping with the rest of the garden. Not only this, but providing it is well maintained wood is a durable and strong material that will be able to cope with the pressure of storing all of the logs and protecting them from the elements. The one downside, is the irony of the fact that you are going to have to maintain the log store to protect it from damp and rot if you want it to do the same for your logs! But this is as simple as treating the wood once or twice a year, so a relatively small task!
If you are wanting to avoid the task of having to treat a wooden log store then you will find models that are made from metal or heavy-duty plastic. You can rely on these to be relatively strong and durable (particularly the metal models) and you will be safe in the knowledge that they are going to remain free from rot! However, you will often find that the plastic models, no matter how heavy duty, are going to struggle to last quite as long as the wooden and metal log stores.
You also need to look at the material that is going to be used for the roof of your log store. Some are going to be made from wood like the sides whereas others use different materials such as tiles or shed roof felts. These are usually more expensive but are going to be much more weather resistant and also better able to ensure the rainwater runs off the roof of the log store quickly and effectively! If you do opt for a model with tiles or roof felt make sure that the colour is going to work well with your property and not clash with other roof materials that are on sheds or garages, for example.
TOP TIP: If you have decided that a wooden log store is the best choice for you then look out for models offering “pressure treated timber” as this will last much longer. The treatment is forced into the grains of the wood allowing it to stay protected and rot free for up to 15 years!
Design Features
When looking to purchase a wood store, you need to think about whether the store has been designed with specific features to aid the drying and airing of your logs and also to maximise the space and ease of use that you will achieve.
- Single storey or two storey – Some basic designs will be single storey allowing you to simply pile the logs up one on top of the other until you reach the roof of the log store. These can create an attractive feature in the garden and allow flexibility in the sizes of logs that you can store. However, two storey models allow you to store logs and different stages in their drying process without them getting muddled.
- Open fronted or doored – Most log stores will have an open front which allows the logs to air quicker and easy access to them when you need them. However, this means that you need to be careful about where you are positioning your log store as you will need to make sure that it is protected from the elements at all times. Models with doors are going to be more expensive due to the extra materials and design considerations that are needed, but these will help to keep your logs protected in all weather conditions.
- Slanted wood sides – Opting for models with slanted slatted sides will allow the rainwater to run off the sides of the log stores whilst still allowing air to ventilate through the log store to help the logs dry out.
- Raised flooring – Logs that are close to the damp floor are going to spoil and rot much quicker. Making sure to choose a log store that is raised from the floor will help to ensure you don’t need to sacrifice ANY logs to the sodden ground.
- Slanted roof – More often than not you will be placing your log store against the side of your property, shed or garage. If this is the case then you need to make sure the design of the roof of your log store is going to send the water AWAY from your property not towards it or this could cause dampness to form on property walls.
Best Budget – Rowlinson Narrow Log Store
- Keeps logs dry and aired
- Shelf included
- Easy assembly
- Pressure treated against rot
- Natural timber finish
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
The Best Log Stores Features
Now that you know the main things to think about when purchasing a log store, here are some of the additional features we felt we had to mention before you commit to the one that is going to be right for you. If you are wanting the best log store then these are the features to look out for.
- FSC approved wood – If you are purchasing a wooden log store then look out for one that is FSC approved as this means that the wood has come from sustainable sources, making it much better for the environment.
- Easy to assemble – It is rare that you will find a log store that is ready built, most of them are going to come flat packed and require some assembly so look out for ones that are easy to put together. It is also worth checking if they need power tools to be put together and if the job can be completed with one person or if you are going to need an extra set of hands. Some weigh upwards of 80kg when built so you may need help moving it into position!
- Corrosion resistant fixtures and fittings – For almost all log stores there is going to be some aspect of metal fixtures involved. Make sure that these are treated so that they will be safe from rust for a number of years.
- Kindling shelf – When lighting a fire, you don’t just have the logs to consider but also the kindling that you are going to use. Some of our favourite log stores included a small shelf just for this reason so that you can store and dry your kindling separate from the logs so it is ready for when you need it.
- Colour – If you opt for a wooden log store then you are going to be able to determine the colour by the varnish and treatments that you apply to the log store over time, however there are variations in colour from when you first purchase depending on the type of wood that is used as the build material. Bear in mind that darker woods are going to show less dirt and stains from the logs. We also found some that were stained green or pale blue which is quite nice if you are wanting something different for your garden!
Best of the Rest
- Ideal outdoor storage solution for garden tools, equipment and X2 240 L wheelie bins
- Thick, rib reinforced, double wall panels for greater strength with 1150 L capacity
- Piston assisted lid for easy use with lockable option for added security
- Made of durable, weather-resistant and maintenance fade-free resin
- Assembled external dimensions: 141 x 82 x 123.5 cm (L x W x h); internal dimensions: 133.4 x 75 x 112 cm (L x W x h)
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- 4FT internal capacity - 0.6m3, 4FT internal measurements : W-127cm, H-87cm, D-54.5cm
- Raised base to reduce the risk of ground damp causing damage. Lower rear panel to allow for ventilation.
- We are hand manufacture high quality garden furniture for the domestic, commercial and public sectors. Our products are heavy duty in construction with pressure-treated timber for maximum durability. All of our products are highly durable and beautifully finished to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Frame constructed from heavy duty pressure treated timber. Roof and panels constructed from featheredge boards.
- In rainy days, your fire or log burner will require a ready supply of quality, dry (seasoned) logs to work effectively. We offer a wide range of log stores, tool storages, log and tool chest and wheelie bin covers manufactured to the highest of standards.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- Decorative wood panel-style finishing with 570L capacity keeping all items ventilated and dry
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an outdoor log store last?
This really depends on the quality of the build materials on the model that you purchase. If you opt for good quality wood that has been pressure treated (and you maintain it regularly) then you should find it can last upwards of 15 years.
Should a log store have doors?
This really depends on where your log store is going to be positioned. The most important thing is that your logs are kept dry, so they are going to need protection from the weather and if this is not something that you can provide from a party wall or in the position of your log store then chances are you are going to need to opt for a model with doors. However, many people argue that doors allow for a more humid, less aired environment, which is going to encourage mould and damp to form and actually hinder the logs from drying out! In short, if the front of your log store is exposed then yes you need doors – if it isn’t then try to avoid having them!
How long does firewood take to dry out?
Drying firewood can take anything from six months to two years depending on the condition of the wood and of the weather where you are storing them. The drier the wood the more effectively it is going to burn so purchasing a larger log store that allows you to rotate through a number of logs throughout the year is going to be the most cost effective and efficient way to burn.
Where should I position a log store?
Ideally, you want to position a log store somewhere that it will get additional protection from either the external walls of your home, a garage or fencing. If your log store has an open front then you need to make sure that this is going to be protected from rain which will stop the logs from drying out! Speaking from experience, we would also recommend placing the log store close to your home, if possible, so that you don’t have to carry the logs far when you need them!
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