Introduction to Outdoor Firewood Storage
Storing timber outdoors is a common practice for firewood, primarily to facilitate natural seasoning, which reduces moisture content and enhances burn efficiency. When dealing with large quantities, logs are often left elevated in open air for extended periods, sometimes spanning months or even years, depending on climate conditions. To prevent deterioration and maintain quality, a protective roof over the storage area can be beneficial.
For individual households or small-scale storage, firewood log stores offer a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution. These structures enable convenient access to firewood and help keep it dry and well-seasoned. For example, after installing a wood-burning stove, many homeowners invest in a dedicated log store nearby, making it simple to gather logs efficiently. Such log stores are typically positioned close to the back door, optimizing accessibility and space utilization.
What Is a Log Store for Firewood?
A log store is a shed-like structure, often constructed from timber, designed specifically for storing firewood. Its primary purpose is to keep logs dry by facilitating airflow, which helps in seasoning and preventing moisture buildup. These structures are placed outdoors, with open sides or slats to promote ventilation, and are usually topped with a sloped roof to shed rain and snow effectively.
Determining the Ideal Size of a Log Store
The size of a log store should align with your specific needs, available space, and the volume of firewood you intend to store. For instance, if you purchase kiln-dried firewood regularly, you might need a smaller, more manageable structure. In contrast, larger households or those with extensive wood-burning setups may require bigger units. When choosing a size, consider the number of logs you buy or season at once, the space limitations of your property, and your burning frequency.
To determine the right dimensions, follow these steps:
- Identify a suitable location that offers good airflow and protection from the elements.
- Estimate your firewood needs based on your consumption patterns.
- Measure the available space to ensure the log store fits comfortably without obstructing pathways or views.
- Select a size that accommodates your volume while fitting within your spatial constraints.
Ideal Placement of a Log Store
Proper placement is crucial for maintaining the quality of your firewood. A well-sited log store should be in an area that keeps logs dry from rain and snow, allows for efficient airflow, and provides easy access. Positioning the store to face sunlight can aid in drying, especially in milder climates, while ensuring it sits on a dry, stable base prevents moisture wicking from the ground.
For example, placing the log store near the back door on a tiled patio offers multiple benefits: easy access, protection from heavy rain by nearby structures, and good airflow. A sloped roof prevents water from pooling on top, while the raised base keeps logs off wet ground, promoting better drying and longevity.
Functionality of a Log Store in Keeping Logs Dry
An outdoor log store is designed to create an environment conducive to drying and maintaining firewood. The key features include:
- A sloped roof to allow rain and snow to runoff, preventing water ingress.
- Open or slatted sides to facilitate air circulation, essential for seasoning and drying logs.
- A raised, slatted base to elevate logs above ground moisture and promote airflow underneath.
These features enable unseasoned logs to naturally season over time and keep seasoned or kiln-dried logs dry, ensuring optimal burning performance. The open front allows easy removal and addition of logs, while the open sides and back enhance ventilation, especially in warmer or sunnier climates where direct sunlight significantly aids drying.
Core Components of a Typical Log Store
Most log stores comprise several fundamental parts, including:
- Roof – sloped to shed water efficiently.
- Sides – usually solid or slatted for ventilation.
- Back panel – providing structural support and weather protection.
- Base – raised and slatted to allow moisture escape.
- Support posts or columns – holding the structure upright.
- Optional doors or shelves – for additional storage or protection.
Assembly and Construction of a Log Store
Many commercial log stores arrive in disassembled parts to optimize transportation. Typically, the assembly involves connecting panels, securing supports, and attaching the roof and base according to manufacturer instructions. For example, our own log store arrived with pre-assembled components, requiring us to join the back and sides, secure the base, and finally attach the roof with screws provided. Optional features like kindling shelves can be added or omitted depending on preference.
Proper Stacking and Storage of Logs
Effective stacking is vital for airflow and drying. When stacking logs inside a log store, ensure that:
- There is adequate space at the back to prevent obstruction of airflow.
- Rows of logs are spaced to allow air to reach the ends and between layers.
- Logs are arranged to be stable yet not overly tight, to promote circulation.
- Logs are not wedged in too tightly, which could impede airflow and cause moisture retention.
Our approach involves stacking kiln-dried logs in two rows, with each layer carefully placed to maximize stability and ventilation. This method ensures consistent drying and easy access.
Why Front-Open Design Is Common in Log Stores
Most log stores are open at the front to facilitate quick access and to allow air to circulate freely. This design promotes faster seasoning and easier loading and unloading. In milder climates, sunlight exposure can further aid in drying, while in wetter environments, ensuring good airflow is more critical.
Role of Doors in a Log Store
While many prefer open-fronted stores for ease of access, adding doors can provide extra protection against rain and snow, especially if the logs are already seasoned or kiln-dried. Doors help prevent water ingress, keeping logs dry during heavy rain. However, they may slightly reduce airflow, which is essential for seasoning unseasoned logs.
Importance of a Base and Ventilation
A sturdy, raised base is essential for preventing ground moisture from seeping into the logs. The base should be slatted to allow air to circulate underneath, aiding in drying and avoiding mold or rot.
Sufficient ventilation is necessary to keep logs dry and suitable for burning. Openings on sides, back, or additional vents ensure continuous airflow, which helps in moisture evaporation, especially in humid climates. Lack of proper ventilation can lead to mold growth and deterioration of firewood quality.
Managing Wet Logs in a Log Store
Despite precautions, some logs may get wet from rain or snow, especially at the lower levels. Proper airflow helps dry these logs over time. It’s advisable to avoid covering the entire log store, as this can trap moisture, leading to deterioration. Instead, cover only the top or use a breathable cover that allows air to pass through, ensuring logs stay dry and ready for use.
Roof Slope Orientation
The direction of the roof’s slope mainly depends on aesthetic preference and site conditions. A standard forward-sloping roof allows water runoff and maximizes internal stacking height. Reversed or backward-sloped roofs can provide larger front openings but may affect water drainage. Our choice of a standard sloped roof was based on functionality and visual appeal, enabling us to stack logs higher at the back.
Optimal Depth for a Log Store
The depth of a log store should accommodate the length of your logs and desired stacking capacity. For logs approximately 10 inches long, a depth of at least 2 feet allows for two or more rows, optimizing space. Our own store is designed to hold two rows deep, balancing capacity and accessibility.
Should A Log Store Be Covered?
Complete coverage of a log store can trap moisture and hinder drying, so it’s recommended to only cover the top or use a breathable cover if necessary. The roof should provide sufficient protection from rain and snow, while openings allow air circulation. Properly designed covers prevent excess moisture buildup, prolonging the life of your firewood and the structure itself.
Further Resources
A Complete Guide to Seasoned Firewood
A Comprehensive Guide to Kiln-Dried Firewood