How to Store Logs and Keep Firewood Dry

What's the best way to store logs?

• Off the ground. Defra's wood guide says to stack wood on bearers, off the ground. HETAS suggests a pallet, which lets air flow beneath.
• Under a roof, with open sides. Defra says to store wood under a waterproof cover with open sides.
• In the sun and wind. Forest Research says a sunny, windy spot is best, ideally with the prevailing wind blowing through the stack.
• With air gaps. Woodsure says to leave plenty of air gaps between logs.
• Not wrapped tight. HETAS says bags shouldn't be closely covered, as this can make them sweat.

Where should I put a log store?

Somewhere dry and airy, on firm ground that drains, and close enough to the door that you'll fetch logs in bad weather. We found no official rule for how far a store should be from the house. Leave a gap behind it so air can move, and keep it tidy: Reading Borough Council lists piles of wood among the places rats can nest. See log store ideas.

How do I store a tonne bag of logs?

Either stack the logs into a store, or keep them in the bag. If you keep the bag, HETAS says:

• Don't leave bags of firewood open to the elements, and protect them from direct rain.
• Don't stand them on moist ground. A pallet underneath lets air flow.
• Don't cover them closely, as they can sweat.

Stacked logs take up about two-thirds of the space of the same logs loose. See how big a log store do I need? and how to stack firewood.

Should I cover logs with a tarp?

Cover the top, not the sides. HETAS suggests a tarpaulin in heavy rain or snow, and Charnwood says a tarp or waterproof cover protects logs from rain and snow. But Stovax says not to cover logs completely or seal them, and the US Environmental Protection Agency says not to let the cover rest directly on top and to keep the sides open.

Can I store logs in a shed or garage?

Yes, if it's ventilated. Charnwood says a shed, garage or covered area with good ventilation is ideal, while a community energy leaflet says indoor or unventilated shelters are not recommended. Air movement is what matters.

Can I keep logs indoors?

• Only a few days' worth. HETAS says to bring in only the wood you'll burn over the next two days.
• Never next to the stove. HETAS says logs shouldn't be stacked on top of, beside or against a stove, and Burnright says storing logs round the fire is really unsafe.
• Use a rack or basket a sensible distance away. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue says to keep flammable items at least a metre from the fireplace.

A couple of days indoors also helps: Forest Research says bringing logs inside for a few days before you burn them helps them reach a low moisture content.

Do kiln dried logs need storing differently?

No, they just need keeping dry. Forest Research describes kiln dried logs as ready to burn if kept dry, and HETAS says firewood stored in poor conditions will re-absorb moisture and deteriorate. See do kiln dried logs need storing inside?.

More on storing and drying logs

• How to season firewood
• Can you burn wet logs?
• What log length do I need for my stove?
• Bugs in firewood
• Winter-ready checklist