Best Outdoor Log Storage Tips for Winter
November 7, 2024
In the cold winter months, following the best outdoor log storage tips is essential to ensure your fire or log burner has a steady supply of dry, seasoned logs. This article will help you find the most practical and effective methods to store your logs outside, keeping them dry all winter long.
Stack Logs Neatly
Traditionally, seasoned logs are stacked close to a wall or fence without touching it. Tight stacking ensures that if it rains, only the top layer gets damp.
Choose the Right Location
Be mindful of the location. If wind usually blows rain in a certain direction, place the logs in a sheltered spot. Make sure the surface is flat and stable.
Avoid Tree Cover
Don’t place logs under trees, as they drip water. Also, avoid low areas prone to mist, dew, or fog.
Don’t Heap Logs
Never dump logs in a heap, especially on grass. Wet logs are useless, so stacking carefully is crucial.
Use Pallets
Pallets are ideal for keeping logs off the ground, allowing air to flow underneath. Keep the stack no higher than 3 feet to avoid instability.
Ensure Good Circulation
Leave space between your logs and any wall or fence—about 4 inches all around. This helps air circulate. Also, consider fire safety when choosing placement.
Covers and Log Stores
While logs can be left in the open, they benefit from the extra protection of covers or dedicated storage.
Tarpaulin Cover
Avoid covering logs completely with tarpaulin. Keep the sides uncovered for proper ventilation.
Wooden Log Store
Wooden log stores, with raised floors and slanted roofs, protect logs from moisture. However, the open front may let rain in, but the wind and sun will dry any wet logs quickly.
Wooden log store
Metal Log Store
A modern and effective solution. Metal log stores provide full protection and ventilation through built-in vents. They are fire-resistant, maintenance-free, and can have a 25-year guarantee.
For more information, check out the Trimetals Metal Log Store.
There are a number of solutions to practically, conveniently and safely storing your logs outside.
By following these best outdoor log storage tips, you can ensure your firewood stays dry, seasoned, and ready to use throughout the winter. Proper storage will not only help your fire or log burner run efficiently but also protect your logs from moisture and damage, giving you a reliable supply of heat when you need it most.
Lastly, remember that damp, unseasoned, freshly split or “green” firewood is almost impossible to light and keep burning; if used in a log burner most of the heat energy will be used to dry the logs and the residue from damp logs will coat your chimney in tar and blacken the glass window in your wood burning appliances.
