If you have a fireplace, a wood-burning stove or a chiminea, you’re going to need some place to store your timber logs.
The thing is:
There’s no point in buying large quantities of premium firewood logs only to plonk them randomly in the middle of the garden where they’ll ruin your landscaping endeavors and get all wet in the rain.
The answer to this conundrum? A log store.
And at Landscaping Superstore, we’ve got the latest log store ideas to inspire you and get you going on your quest for the ultimate log store for your home. From classic outdoor log store ideas to innovative DIY log store ideas, there’s something for everyone.
Table of contents:
- What is the best way to store logs?
- Create a stunning focal point with a triangular log store
- Embrace functionality with a shed and log store combo
- Ensure your logs are protected from the elements with a timber log box
- Let the logs pile high
- Unleash your inner carpenter and make your own outdoor log store
- Improve your interior design with an indoor log store
- Making the most of the latest log store ideas
What is the best way to store logs?
Storing timber logs properly is essential to preserve their quality, prevent decay and ensure safety. So, before we can take full advantage of modern log storage ideas, we need to understand the general principles of log storage.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how to store logs outside.
Elevate the logs
Place the logs on elevated supports, such as concrete blocks or treated timber, to keep them off the ground. This helps prevent moisture absorption and reduces the risk of decay from ground contact.
Cover from rain
Keep your logs dry and protect them from direct exposure to rain and sunlight. Use a waterproof covering or a weatherproof log store to shield the logs from moisture and UV rays.
Provide air circulation
Ensure proper air circulation around the logs by leaving gaps between them and allowing air to flow through the stacks. This helps prevent the buildup of moisture and reduces the risk of mould and fungal growth.
Stacking patterns
Stack the logs in a stable and uniform manner. Avoid creating tight, unventilated stacks that can trap moisture. Instead, use alternating layers to promote airflow and minimise contact between the logs.
Orientation
Store the logs with the bark facing upwards. This helps shed water and reduce moisture absorption through the ends of the logs.
Drainage
Choose a storage site with good drainage to prevent water from pooling around the logs. Additionally, avoid low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.
Avoid ground contact
If possible, use pallets, rails or other materials to create a raised platform for the logs. This prevents direct contact with the ground and reduces the risk of insect infestations and decay.
Regular inspections
Periodically inspect the stored logs for signs of decay, mould, insect activity or other issues. Remove any damaged or deteriorated logs promptly to prevent the spread of problems.
Keep logs straight
When stacking firewood in your garden log store, try to maintain its natural alignment and prevent excessive bending or warping, which can occur if the logs are stored in a bent or twisted position.
Rotate stock
If you have a large supply of timber logs, consider rotating the stock every once in a while. Use older logs first to prevent the wood from ageing and to ensure that the logs are used in a timely manner.
Treatment
Consider treating the ends of the logs with a wood preservative to help prevent splitting and decay. This is especially important if you expect storing the logs for an extended period.
Safety first
Make sure the stacked logs are stable and won’t collapse. Safety should always be a top priority when handling and storing timber logs. Remember – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Now that we know the basics of outside log storage, let’s zoom in on some of our favourite log store ideas!
Create a stunning focal point with a triangular log store
A sleek, triangular log store will become an excellent focal point in your garden, enhancing your overall landscaping design and providing plenty of room for storage. We recommend that you choose one with two or more shelves. This way, you’ll be able to separate logs by size and type, keeping everything nice, neat and easily accessible.
But wait – there’s more!
Triangular log stores are designed for optimal space efficiency, fitting neatly into corners or tight spaces. Because they utilise otherwise unused or awkward spaces effectively, they’re an excellent choice for smaller gardens. They also provide very good airflow, which is indispensable for keeping your logs dry.
In terms of log store design, triangular long stores are both aesthetically appealing, practical and functional – an easy win on all fronts, as far as we’re concerned.
Embrace functionality with a shed and log store combo
Our customers often ask us:
Should my log store have doors?
Indeed, a log store with doors is something you should definitely consider – especially if you live in a particularly windy part of the UK like, say, the north coast of Cornwall.
The thing is:
Nobody likes strong gales and horizontal rain – not you, not your pets and not your logs!
A log store with doors aside, one way to keep your logs dry is to keep them in the shed. But what if you want to use your shed space for something else?
We’ve got the perfect solution – a two-in-one shed and log store combo. When it comes to log shed ideas, these innovative garden buildings are a seamless blend of a storage shed and log storage space.
Typically, they feature a shed compartment with a securely locked single door, complete with a padbolt, along with a fixed window or two. The log store segment is often intelligently designed with slatted walls to facilitate optimal airflow, effectively aiding in the proper drying of stored timber.
Highly functional and spacious, a shed with an attached log store is quite simply one of the hottest log store ideas right now.
Ensure your logs are protected from the elements with a timber log box
According to modern log storage ideas, another way to make sure your previous firewood is well protected from the elements is with a timber log box.
Perfect for log storage and maintaining their orderliness, top-quality timber log containers are a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Choose a wood log store box equipped with slatted panels to ensure proper airflow, alongside a hinged cover for effortless accessibility.
What’s more:
Storing firewood in a log box reduces the risk of fire hazards, especially if the box is placed at a safe distance from your home or other structures. It helps contain sparks and embers that could ignite surrounding materials.
As an added bonus, you can place garden ornaments or more practical garden items on top of the box when it’s closed, enhancing your overall landscaping design and benefitting from the extra display area.
Let the logs pile high to save space
If you have a small garden, think vertically and opt for a tall, narrow log store. This will enable you to make the most of limited spaces by piling your logs high. By utilising vertical space effectively, a tall, narrow log store will allow you to maximise storage capacity without taking up too much ground area.
Additionally, the narrow design helps improve vertical airflow. This promotes efficient drying of the firewood by allowing air to circulate around the logs, reducing moisture content and preventing decay.
In terms of log store design ideas, the narrow design encourages the organised stacking of firewood in a vertical orientation. This ensures that the firewood is neatly arranged and easily accessible whenever you need it.
Unleash your inner carpenter and make your own outdoor log store
If you’re feeling particularly creative, you should consider one of the many homemade log store ideas out there.
The possibilities are endless. Check this out:
Have you got a few old pallets lying around unused? With the right tools and a can-do attitude, you can make your very own pallet log store in less than a day without breaking the bank.
At this point, you’re probably wondering:
Is it easy to build a log store?
Well, yes and no.
Naturally, making a small log store is much easier and less time-consuming than making a large log store.
But if you’re confident in your DIY skills and eager to unleash your inner carpenter, there are plenty of things you can use to create a homemade log store to rival any offering currently on the market.
Improve your interior design with an indoor log store
Your log store doesn’t necessarily have to be outside. In fact, if you have a fireplace or a wood-burning stove in your living room, you might want to consider an indoor log store. Not only will that be a more convenient solution, but it can be an outstanding feature of your décor.
With that in mind, here are a few of our favourite indoor wood store ideas:
Firewood basket
A decorative firewood basket adds a touch of rustic charm to your indoor space while serving as a functional storage solution. Firewood baskets come in various sizes, shapes and materials, such as wicker or metal, making them a good fit for any interior design.
Built-in firewood storage
If you’re planning a renovation or building a new home, consider incorporating built-in firewood storage into your design. This could involve creating a recessed storage area or a bespoke niche for firewood storage.
Firewood nook
A dedicated firewood nook, either recessed or enclosed, can provide an elegant and clever way to store firewood indoors. It keeps the logs neatly stacked and prevents debris from scattering, all the while looking incredibly impressive.
Making the most of the latest log store ideas
And there you have it:
Your selection of the most exciting outdoor and indoor log store ideas in the UK right now. We hope you’ve found plenty of inspiration and can’t wait to get started.
The bottom line is:
When choosing the right log store, consider your specific needs, available space and the amount of firewood you typically use.
Then, select a log store that suits your preferences and complements the overall design of your outdoor or indoor space.