How to Store Kiln-Dried Logs

Kiln-dried logs come at a cost premium, but for that you get logs that are ready to burn immediately and give great heat output. To keep your logs dry and easy to light, you need to make sure they are stored correctly – incorrect storage could let your logs get wet or mouldy.

Key considerations for a log store

There are three key considerations for keeping your logs stored:

Off the ground

If your logs are on the ground, those at the bottom of the pile will be directly exposed to any water or moisture. The moisture will slowly wick up through the logs and ruin the bottom few layers. There should be an air gap between your logs and the ground, much like how pallets are built.

Well ventilated

It might be tempting to use your spare shed space to keep your logs. However, in the colder months, your shed will be sealed up most of the time.  Even though your logs are dry enough to burn, they still contain enough moisture to allow mould to grow on the exposed ends if there isn’t enough ventilation.

Your log store should have gaps all around to allow fresh air to move between the stacked logs.

Sheltered from rain

We’ve considered moisture from below and moisture from within – let’s make sure that no rain can ruin your logs. The roof of your store should be watertight to repel the heavy downpours we’re familiar with in the UK. A generous overhang stops rain reaching the ventilated sides.

Where should I position my log store?

Putting these principles into practice will shape how your log store is built and where it is positioned.

If you can shelter your logs from the prevailing wind, this will help to keep any driving rain off them.  For example, against a sheltered side of your house. But make sure the logs aren’t stacked directly against the wall as this breaks our ventilation principle. A proper log store will have ventilated sides to maintain an air gap between the logs and any adjacent walls.

South-facing works well too, as the sun's drying effect is strongest. But don’t sacrifice shelter for sun-facing as this it would counter-productive in the uk, rain exposure at the front of your store would be a net negative even with the occasional sunshine.

If you don’t have space to shelter next to a building or shed, consider using a tarpaulin or a double-skinned wall on the prevailing side with alternating gaps. The key thing to remember is keeping ventilation all around while preventing the rain from getting in.

Don't put your logs below trees, guttering, or anything else that might drip or splash on them.

And make sure that your store is somewhere you will be happy to nip out to on a rainy winter’s evening when you get caught short for logs!

Avoid making common mistakes, such as:

• Storing inside a sealed shed
• Covering completely with tarpaulin
• Stacking directly against walls or on the ground

What can I use to store my logs?

There are many pre-built log stores that can be bought in various shapes and sizes. If you can build your own, a pallet works as a ready-made base.  The sides should be boarded but with gaps, and the roof can be built to slope backwards (this stops rain splashing onto the open front) with a generous overhang.

Can kiln-dried logs be stored outside?

Absolutely – this is a common misconception. If you follow the principles we’ve discussed so far, kiln-dried logs will last for a long time outside.  A couple of years in a rain-proof, well-ventilated log store can even let kiln-dried logs that are closer to 20% moisture continue drying through natural seasoning.

If you have the space to store logs well, this works in your favour - the cheapest kiln-dried logs are those bought in bulk. If you don’t burn much, a large log store can keep you going for a year or two on a single money-saving bulk order.

In summary

• Kiln-dried logs need protection from ground moisture and rain, with good ventilation
• A well-designed log store has an air gap below, ventilated sides and a rain-proof roof with overhang
• Sheltered locations (against a house wall with air gap) work well
• Avoid sealed sheds, direct-wall stacking and full tarpaulin covers
• Kiln-dried logs store outside indefinitely if the store is built well
• Good storage lets you buy in bulk with confidence