How to Store Kiln-Dried Firewood

If you have a wood-burning stove, having a good stock of properly stored, kiln-dried firewood is essential for getting the most heat and enjoyment from it. Burning wet, unseasoned wood not only gives a poor-quality fire but can also cause significant damage to your stove and chimney with excess tar and creosote build-up.

Kiln-drying is the best way to reliably reduce the moisture content of firewood to around 20% or less, making it ready to burn. But, keeping those logs dry once they are delivered to your home is just as important. Follow our top tips on storing kiln-dried firewood, and you’ll be well set up for cosy, efficient fires whenever you need one.

Get a log store

A dedicated log store is by far the best solution for protection your kiln-dried firewood. Here are our top recommendations:

Forest Garden Compact Pent Log Store

The Forest Garden Compact Pent Log Store is an excellent choice for small outdoor spaces. Its 0.5m3 capacity holds enough logs for short-term use, while the compact footprint fits into tight areas.

The overlap boarded roof prevents rain saturation, and the slatted back, sides, and floor ensure good airflow around your logs. The pressure-treated timber construction resists rotting for an extended lifespan, backed by a 15-year anti-rot guarantee. Raised bearers keep your firewood elevated off the ground away from moisture and damp. Simple self-assembly makes setting up this quality log store quick and hassle-free.

Forest Garden Large Overlap Log Store

For larger log storage needs, the Forest Garden Large Overlap Log Store is an ideal pick. With ample 2.85m3 capacity, it can hold a significant quantity of logs. The strong pressure-treated timber will endure years of harsh weather and certified sustainable by the FSC.

The felted, boarded roof overlays the sides for excellent water run-off protection. Generous airflow comes from the slatted floor and angled overlap side panels. The quality build can be easily assembled with included instructions and fixings.

Forest Garden Overlap Pressure Treated Apex Log Store

Proper airflow is vital for preventing moisture buildup in stored logs. The Forest Garden Overlap Pressure Treated Apex Log Store optimises air circulation with its slatted floor and angled overlap side panels.

The 1.75m3 capacity provides substantial organised storage space. Pressure-treated timber with a 15-year anti-rot guarantee gives exceptional longevity. The felted apex roof is efficient at diverting rain and snow, while the elevated base keeps logs from ground content. Assemble this sturdy log store yourself in no time.

Elevate logs off the ground

Keeping your firewood off the damp ground is crucial to prevent moisture wicking back into the logs. Use beams, bricks, concrete blocks, or an organised pallet stack to raise logs up. Check for any moulding on log bottoms in ground contact. Create columns or platforms from durable materials like thick timber battens, landscape timbers, old railway sleepers, or cinder blocks.

A simple DIY option is a criss-cross pallet stack. Arrange pallets in alternating directions to form a grid, leaving air gaps between. Top with a tarp or corrugated roofing for weather protection. The airflow up through the grid pattern will promote drying underneath.

For a more permanent platform, frame it out of sturdy timber and top with deck boards spaced slightly apart. An eco-friendly approach is using reclaimed scaffold boards or timber. Raise the structure on bricks or blocks to prevent ground contact.

Keep logs dry under cover

Outdoor storage requires protective covering to shield logs from precipitation. Look for heavy-duty, UV-resistant tarps or opaque metal/rubber roofing panels that extend fully over the stacks. Weigh tarps down well and slope roofing panels to divert water off.

With creative shaped stacks, you can allow airflow while still providing cover. Form hollow squares, triangles, cylinders and other shapes with gaps rather than solid blocks. Interlocking arrangements also promote air circulation. Face the openings toward sunlight and wind.

Move logs indoors

Relocating kiln-dried logs into a garage, covered porch or basement removes weather risks. But you still need to follow best practices – elevate logs off the floor, avoid contact with exterior walls, and allow sufficient airflow gaps between logs.

Use a pallet or criss-cross stack over bricks or timbers to raise logs. Don’t tightly pack stacks against walls where moisture can collect. Leave a buffer space all around for air circulation. Open windows periodically if possible to ventilate and prevent humidity build-up.

Watch out for pests

Storing wood outdoors poses risks of pests like ants, rodents, and woodworm. Avoid stacking logs directly on soil. Keep the area tidy and use a raised log platform or store. Treatment sprays can be applied if needed – look for eco-friendly options.

You may wish to install wire mesh screens or hardware cloth beneath a wood platform to limit pest access. Check periodically for tunnels, webbing, or other signs of damage, especially on the bottom logs. Remove and burn any compromised wood.

Get creative with stacking

Stacking firewood can be artistic as well as practical when you use unique arrangements. Try interlocking log designs, geometric patterns, hollow shapes, or interesting architectural structures.

You can incorporate various textures from split logs, rough bark sections, rounds, chips, kindling, pine cones, and more. Or let family members each build their own whimsical creation and vote on the best.

Creative stacking promotes needed airflow while adding artistic flair to your log store. Just be sure to follow other drying guidelines like elevating, covering, and spacing. Add decorative accents if needed or paint your log store for a unique look. Let your imagination guide you in crafting a one-of-a-kind woodpile.

Top stacking tips

• Stack logs lengthwise in a criss-cross pattern so they interlock securely.
• Keep stacks to 1-1.5 metres high for stability. Heavy rounds on the bottom, lighter splits up top.
• Split any large rounds to aid drying and for easier, compact stacking. Always place bark side up to shed water.
• Make sure coverings extend fully over stacks with sufficient overhangs on all sides.
• Remove logs from one end – don’t pull from the middle as this can collapse the pile.
• If stacking against a structure, allow at least 15cm of air gap space between logs and the wall.

Follow these guidelines carefully and your kiln-dried firewood will stay in premium condition, ready to provide cosy winter fires. Let your log storage also become an aesthetic addition to your outdoor space while still protecting your firewood.