Now that the colder months are settling in and the North West has already seen its fair share of storms, many people are getting their gardens winter-ready. With December just around the corner and Christmas creeping up quickly, it is the perfect time to make sure your firewood is stored properly for those cosy evenings by the fire.
At Sherman & Young Timber, we have more than 50 years of experience supplying timber products, sheet materials, and hardwoods. Every winter, we find ourselves chatting with customers about their log fires, how they keep their homes warm and the best way to look after their firewood. Once the conversation turns to storing timber properly and keeping it dry, we always suggest a timber log store. They are simple to build, surprisingly effective and one of the easiest ways to make sure your firewood stays in great condition!
What exactly is a timber log store and do you really need one?
If you’re unfamiliar, a timber log store is a small outdoor shelter where your firewood can sit off the ground, protected from rain, and with plenty of airflow around it. Most log stores have a sloped roof to help rain run off and slatted sides that allow the wood to breathe. Even though you can technically stack logs anywhere, storing them properly makes a noticeable difference in how they burn.Ā
Logs that sit on the ground or out in the open tend to absorb moisture quickly, especially with the weather we see at this time of year. Damp logs are harder to light, create more smoke and never burn as cleanly. A log store prevents these problems by giving your firewood a dry, ventilated space to sit until you are ready to bring it inside and chuck it on the fire. Even if your logs arrive well seasoned, a log store helps keep them that way all winter without you having to keep them in the house.Ā
How a log store helps you through the winter weather
A simple timber log store can make your life much easier through December and into the New Year. Not everyone has a garage, garden shed or a space to store a winter’s supply of wood, so outside is the only option. As the storms roll in and the rain becomes more frequent, it provides a safe place for your firewood to stay dry and ready to use.
They protect your firewood from the worst of the weather
At this time of year, we experience a healthy mix of heavy rain, sudden downpours, and strong winds, as you’re likely aware. A well-built log store gives your firewood proper shelter, keeping the rain off the top and stopping moisture from creeping up from the ground. When your logs stay dry, they light more easily and burn hotter, which is exactly what you want on cold December evenings.
They create the ideal conditions for firewood to breathe
Firewood needs airflow just as much as it needs protection from rain. Even seasoned logs perform better when they are kept in a space where the air can move around them. A log store with slatted sides and an open front encourages this natural ventilation, helping your wood stay consistently dry rather than slowly absorbing moisture from the damp air.
They keep everything tidy and organised for winter
A log store also helps keep your garden looking neat as Christmas approaches. Instead of piles of wood scattered around the garden or leaning against a wall, everything has its own place. It is practical, and it makes grabbing dry logs for the fire quick and easy when you come outside on a cold evening.
A simple guide to building your own timber log store
Building a log store is much easier than it looks, and you do not need any specialist experience to put one together. A simple structure made from the right timber will keep your firewood dry all winter and give you a tidy place to store it.
Before you begin, here are the materials you will need:
- Treated softwood for the frame, as it is designed to cope with outdoor weather.
- PAR boards or featheredge boards for the sides and back.
- Decking boards or other treated boards for the base to keep the logs lifted off the ground.
- Plywood or featheredge for the roof.
- Exterior screws.
We keep all of these types of timber in stock, so if you are not sure which size or style you need, we can help you choose the right pieces.
Here are the basic tools you will need:
- A saw
- A drill or screwdriver
- A tape measure
- A pencil
Once you have everything ready, the build itself is very straightforward.
Step 1: Build the base
Start by laying out two thicker pieces of treated timber, the width of your log store. These act as the supports that lift your logs off the ground. Then screw your baseboards across them. Try to leave very small gaps between each board so air can move up through the bottom. This helps keep your logs dry.
If the ground in your garden gets very wet, it helps to place bricks or small blocks under the base before you fix the boards on top. This gives an extra lift and keeps water away from your firewood.
Step 2: Add the upright frame
Once the base is ready, fix two upright posts to the back corners and two to the front corners. The posts at the front should be slightly taller than the posts at the back so your roof can slope downwards. This slope is important because it allows rainwater to run off instead of pooling.
Keep the structure simple. Just make sure the uprights feel stable and the frame feels secure. A couple of horizontal pieces connecting the uprights will help everything stay square.
Step 3: Attach the sides and back
Now you can start adding the boards. Fix your PAR or featheredge boards to the back first, spacing them slightly apart so air can move through. Do the same with the side panels. These gaps are what help your firewood season properly and stay dry even in damp winter weather.
You do not need to clad the front. Leaving it open makes it easier to stack and grab your logs, especially when itās raining or snowing.
Step 4: Fit the roof
Your roof can be made from plywood, OSB or featheredge boards. Just make sure it overhangs the front slightly so rain slides off and does not drip into the log pile. Screw the roof down securely onto the top of the frame. If you want extra protection, you can staple roofing felt onto the top, but many people skip this step and still get great results!
Ready to build your log store?
If you are thinking about getting your firewood sorted for winter, building a log store is a great place to start, and we are always here to help you choose the right timber for the job. Whether you are unsure which boards to use, need guidance on sizing, or simply want a bit of reassurance before you begin, feel free to get in touch. We enjoy talking through ideas with customers and helping them find exactly what they need for a project!
Our team is on hand throughout the festive season, not only to help you get your firewood stored properly, but also to support you with all your other New Year garden and home timber projects. So if you are planning a bit of DIY in January, looking to spruce up the garden, or simply want to try something new, we are more than happy to offer advice and point you in the right direction.
You can give us a call on 01942 727 314 or email websales@shermanyoung.co.uk, and we will do our best to help you get everything you need.
