12 log store ideas to keep your firewood dry and your garden tidy

Log store ideas can make a rustic-style feature if displayed correctly. The message from log stove experts is clear however, whilst aesthetics are important inside the home, it's important not to compromise the health of your logs and the safety of your home as a result.

If incorrectly stored logs can become unusable and pose a potential fire risk when using your log-burning stove. The recommendation is that you should store large amounts of logs outdoors in a suitably sheltered and well-ventilated spot.

But these innovative log storage ideas demonstrate that it is possible to make a feature of your logs indoors as well as out.

12 Log store ideas for safely displaying your firewood

It's important to ensure that logs aren't positioned too close to open flames or heat from your log burner ideas, where they could be ignited by flying ash or embers.

When bringing logs indoors, we suggest you keep an eye out for pests such as wood termites and ants, and diseases like mould and fungus, which could be brought inside your home.

1. Make an indoor log store part of your home renovation plans

If an open fire or log-burner is on your wish list for an extension or renovation, think about how you can incorporate log storage into your design plans rather than leaving it as an afterthought.

Built-in storage saves space and can become an architectural feature. This rustic brick chimney stack with a cut-out wall for brick storage becomes a focal point as well as a functional space-saving feature.

"A purpose-built log store in the wall next to your fireplace or wood-burning stove is a great space-saving idea but in most cases must be planned in advance. A niche for your wood is the ultimate design detail when you have an open fire or wood burner and makes an eye-catching statement in your living room or kitchen," comments interior design expert Ryan McDonough at MyJobQuote.co.uk.

Ryan McDonough

Ryan McDonough is an interior design expert with 15 years worth of experience in the field. Ryan works closely with clients to make their visions come to life at a price that suits their budget. 

2. Utilise shelving for your logs

As homeowners one thing we can never have enough of and that's clean and efficient built-in storage. Stephen Talbot, sales director at Logs Direct recommends shelving as a simple and cost-effective option for storing logs.

"Depending on the size of the logs, they can be heavy, so ensuring that the brackets are strong, whether you’re buying the shelves or building your own, is crucial to prevent collapse," advises Stephen.

“The best part is you can add to the homely feeling these shelves offer by adding things that aren’t just logs to them. These can be as simple as various plants to add a splash of green and natural vibes or a collection of your favourite paperback books,” he notes.

3. Choose a stove with a built-in log store

As our homes become more and more energy efficient, log-burning stoves might only be used in the winter months, in which case the best log store won't mean having a bunch of wood in the house to be an inconvenience for much of the year.

If you're storing your logs underneath or next to your freestanding log burner, be sure that the model you have is capable of isolating the heat from its area.

"Many wood-burning stoves are supplied with an optional plinth which can raise the wood burner off the ground by several inches. This allows logs to be stored underneath, which is convenient, allows for better drying of the wood and also has a nice aesthetic," informs Ryan McDonough.

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4. A roof overhang is the perfect idea for an outdoor log store

Firewood of course needs to be stored where it is dry because burning wet wood can cause a lot of problems. So if you're looking for log store ideas in a self-build or extension project, perhaps consider including a sheltered spot outside.

A generous roof overhang not only adds architectural interest to this self-build it also offers a dry place to season wood. What's more, logs are easily accessible in winter months without fumbling to get your coat on.

There are also freestanding log stores, which can come in all sorts of designs, but look out for those with divided sections for different-sized logs and wood for kindling.

"Using a pallet or rack to keep the wood elevated to ensure airflow is a sensible option whether you prefer to keep your wood indoors or outdoors," advises Phil Wood, UK managing director of Contura Stoves.

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Phil Wood

Phil is managing director of Contura Stoves (UK) Limited. He has worked in the fireplaces, fires and stoves industry since 1985.

5. Use a log store as a central room divider

When looking at log store ideas for your interiors it is smart to consider how the overall room will look.

Warm wood furniture and exposed rafters blend the log store nook in this open-plan living, dining and kitchen space, adding character to the new self-build as well as helping to zone the space.

Adam Oldfield, director of StovesAreUs highlights that are practical benefits of having a place to store wood indoors before burning it in that the wood will get some additional drying out time.

If building a recessed indoor log store Adam advises it should be around 0.8m deep and 1.5-2.5m long depending on the space available.

6. Use logs to enhance the natural style of your home

A "living" wall of logs is a real statement piece for a rustic-style living room. However, there are practical considerations as well as safety measures to consider if choosing this style of log storage.

Firstly when stacking your firewood inside in this way, Phil Wood advises you to avoid straight, vertical rows and instead stack as though you’re building a brick wall. "This will ensure the stack is more stable – an even more important consideration if you have curious or active kids or pets," says Phil.

There is also the matter of ensuring there is enough air circulation to keep your logs in good order to light a log burner properly.

"It is essential to keep your stored wood in optimum condition for burning; therefore, do not pile too much wood into a tiny space without the opportunity for air to circulate. Allowing air to flow around your log store ensures that moisture does not build up which will cause mould and inevitably rot your wood," says Joanna Humphreys, fire and stove specialist at Direct Stoves.

7. Save space with under seating log storage

"We've seen our customers store their logs under benches or on shelving which can look quite effective and add to the aesthetic of a room," says Adam Oldfield.

Be wary of stacking logs in areas of damp or low ventilation, however. "Properly stacking firewood is the only way to ensure airflow and to keep your logs dry. Whilst this is important for all wood, it’s even more crucial for logs you’ve cut yourself - aka green wood," urges Phil Wood.

Check your logs regularly for damp as this can cause mould and other diseases which you wouldn't want inside your home.

8. Keep indoor log storage clean and minimal

"Firewood racks come in all shapes and sizes and are designed to match any interior style. They can be made from metal, wood or wicker to provide a modern, rustic or industrial aesthetic. Some are designed to hold kindling in a separate niche away from the logs so you have everything you need to hand for lighting your fire," explains Ryan McDonough.

A log burner, which has an inbuilt niche for your wood can mimic an architecturally built-in log store when you have an open fire or wood burner.

9. Keep it simple with a basket

“Most flexible and popular storage options include wooden crates, wicker log baskets, and metal buckets. These are great as you’ll have at least one of them cluttering up your shed or garage that you can clean and put to good use, and they’re not relegated to one room or area," says Stephen Talbot, sales director at Logs Direct.

“These can double not just as a way of storing your firewood, but they’re great for transporting them directly from the pallet they arrive on to where they need to be. Stacking them too full can make them heavy, so if you need it, make sure you have someone to help carry the load," finishes Stephen.

10. Add a log store to your shed

"We recommend putting your wood store as close to your door as possible. After all, when there is a chill in the air and Winter has set in, you'll have to head outside to fetch your wood. You'll thank yourself later on those frosty nights when you really look forward to enjoying the warmth and ambience of your wood-burning stove,” says Joanna Humphreys.

"While a seasoned log will dry out in a few days if it gets rained on, prolonged exposure to water can turn good wood bad, meaning a less efficient burn that contributes more to air pollution. says Dan McCarthy, firewood expert and owner at Green Olive Firewood.

An outdoor log store also makes sense to have if you're using an outdoor log burner.

11. Keep indoor logs away from heat

"The key rule for indoor stacking is to make sure your wood is at a safe distance (at least half a metre) from the wood burner. Although it looks pretty piled up next to the stove it is incredibly dangerous as the heat transfer from the stove could easily set the logs alight," says Phil Wood.

"If you're unwavering about displaying firewood right next to the stove, there are models (like the Contura 300 series, for example) that incorporate log boxes that are specifically designed to isolate the heat," adds Phil.

12. Always store 'green' wood outdoors

Ryan McDonough is adamant that logs should ideally be stored outdoors unless the moisture content is very low, e.g. kiln-dried wood which has a moisture content of between 12-18%.

"Even seasoned logs, which have been cut at least one to two years previously, can benefit from being outside. The drier the firewood the higher its calorific value, meaning drier wood gives out more heat per kilo," explains Ryan.

"Logs which are not properly seasoned have a higher moisture content and expend more energy burning off that moisture than putting out heat into your home. Therefore, it’s important to have a moisture content below 20% for efficient burning and heat output. Unseasoned wood will not burn well, produce a lot of smoke, produce higher emissions and coat the inside of your flue or chimney with creosote which can cause chimney fires," he adds.

FAQs

Should log stores have doors on?

"Log stores don't generally need doors, but they can be useful in some situations, especially if you live in an area susceptible to driving winds and rain. Our recommendation is to find a more sheltered spot in your garden for your log store to ensure the logs are kept dry by the store. Consider taking a good amount of your logs inside too so they get a little bit more drying time before you use them," suggests Adam Oldfield, Director of StovesAreUs,

What is the best way to store logs?

"An outdoor log store is our recommendation for storing firewood, if you've got the space in your garden then this is the way to go! However, to store firewood outside correctly, there are several best practices to follow including stacking it correctly, keeping it dry and allowing circulation around the fuel to help ensure the moisture content keeps below 20%," says Adam Oldfield, director of StovesAreUs.

"For example, using a slatted roof log store is one of the best, and most common, ways to keep your fuel dry throughout winter. If you have the space for a log store try to locate it 3 metres or more away from your property and find a sunny, sheltered spot. An outdoor log store will elevate your firewood off the ground allowing air to circulate around the wood and help it dry out."

Can I store logs in a garage?

"Storing logs in a garage is convenient especially if you don’t have a suitable outdoor space. If the logs have a moisture content of below 20% already there is no reason why you shouldn’t keep them in a garage. If you buy kiln-dried wood this can be kept in the garage as it already has a very low moisture content," says interiors expert at MyJobQuote Ryan McDonough.

"However, if the wood is not properly seasoned it is better to keep it outdoors, off the ground and covered on top to protect it from the rain. Splitting your logs allows you to expose a greater surface area which speeds up the drying process. It also makes the firewood easier to handle, stack and store," he adds.

Log stores and wood-burning fires are a great way to up the Hygge factor in your home. For more inspiration check out our cosy living room ideas.