Choosing the right log store for your garden will give you a long-lasting store that will blend into your garden, can accommodate a good quantity of seasoning logs, and keep your logs dry.
The wrong choice of log store will either clash with the surroundings, lack the needed capacity, or leave your valuable firewood exposed to the elements, leading to frustratingly slow lighting experiences later on.
More and more log burning stoves, chimeneas and fire bowls are in use all over the country both inside and outside, showing we continue to have an affinity with the primaeval concept of fire!
With the slight tang of wood smoke helping us to chill out on a winter evening inside, and the chimenea on summer nights outside, we are using more logs and the question of log storage has become an important one.
Rustic Style That Fits In Anywhere
The right log store design can be a valuable visual asset to your outdoor space, but most would agree that the use of plastic, bitumen, metal or other unnatural materials is less aesthetically pleasing than a traditional timber construction.
Log Stores are not the largest item in the garden but there is something about them that gives an elegant countryside style. There are dozens of potential design options to choose from, e.g. forward or backwards pitched roofs, slatted or trellised sides, with or without doors etc.
Our own range of wooden log stores come in a rustic style in two different sizes and are made from pressure treated timber with a raised base and slatted sides to ensure correct ventilation. These are pre-built in an easy to assemble kit-form, you can save yourselves hours of frustration compared with trying to construct your own, and the end result is professional yet natural.
Damp Logs = Aggravation
Not only will you get a frustratingly low performance from wet or damp logs, but there can be an extra build-up of soot and carbon on chimneys that requires more frequent attention or may increase the risk of chimney fires.
Following the Clean Air Act of 1956, the government is taking aim at any fuel that may cause emissions, so it is even more vital to have properly seasoned logs and the correct storage solution.
Why not visit Ashby for any and all of your kiln-dried log needs? Read their article on The Science Behind Kiln Dried Logs.
Materials For Log Stores
If you are like us then you will believe that log stores should be made of wood and, like fencing and other outdoor wood items, it should be pressure treated.
This is a process that takes place in what looks like a huge autoclave or pressure cooker and creosote is forced deep into the pores of the timber under pressure to stop it from rotting. We think using treated softwood gives the combination of correct price and style for an item that will last for many years.
There are a range of stores fabricated from metal and powder coated or galvanised to prevent rust, these have some clear security benefits if there is a risk of your fuel, kindling or briquettes being pinched. An example of this type would be the Biohort Woodstock 150 Log Store. Be aware, however, that totally enclosed log stores can prevent the ventilation needed for stored logs, especially green (unseasoned) timber. To get around this issue, you may want to leave the doors open for several hours each day, or else ensure only fully seasoned timber is stored inside.
How Long Should Logs Be Stored?
Green timber logs often have more than 50% moisture content and generally need to be seasoned for 12 months or more before they are ready to burn. If you have a moisture content metre this can be useful; it is recommended that anything with over 20% moisture should not be burnt.
Size And Capacity
As logs become more and more popular you want to cash in on buying them in bulk or ‘on offer’ where you possibly can. This means that, if possible, it is probably better to source a store that is on the large side so that these offers can be made use of.
You don’t want the hassle of being caught short when the weather gets nippy either do you?
Some models on the market have doors which have a neat appearance as well as enhance security. Us? We prefer that rustic open look personally!
Where To Put A Log Store?
It’s worth giving this some thought; for example, if it is right against a wall are the gutters above it in good condition? Is there a chance that extra rain might come down the back and affect the logs?
While the stores are generally open for good ventilation it makes sense to consider the kiddies routes around the garden on trikes and bikes and where they play football and so on! How about the look of your store, try to visualise where it will be most visually appealing as well as practical. To note from experience (it is easy to forget in the glorious summer months), during the wet, dark and cold winter months, it is not ideal to be traipsing through soggy grass or wet mud to feed your open fire or stove.
Keep warm, stay safe!
