Should you cover the front of a log store?

Avoid sitting the log store on grass or soil. A logstore or woodshed provides you with covered shelter from the rain. A log store does have an open front so during really wet weather I would recommend placing tarpaulin over the front of it to keep it dry.

What is the best way to store logs outside?

Preferably, logs should be placed on wooden pallets as these keep them off the ground and provide a free flow of air underneath; the ideal height of the wood stack (including the pallet) should be no more than 3ft (1m) as the logs can become unstable if piled too high.

Does a log store need to be waterproof?

Having a log store with doors encourages humid environments in which mould and various insects can thrive. It is much better for your log store to be slatted and open – surface rain will simply evaperate with the wind, and you won't find any nasty surprises when taking your logs out weeks or months later.

Does a log store need to be in the sun?

Whilst logs need to be stored in direct sunlight and where air can flow around them easily, it's just as important to ensure you're not exposing them to excessive winds which can blow in rain – so please consider location carefully.

Where is the best place to put a log store?

Ideally, you want your log store to be south facing where there is a wind or a draft. However, you may find this location is not close to your house and in the middle of winter you will have to brave the cold to bring in more logs.

Storing Firewood Outside, What You Need to Do

How do you stack a log store?

Stack Logs Neatly and Do Not Leave Logs in a Heap

The best way to stack firewood outside is to do it neatly, close to (not touching) a wall or fence. It is important to be quite precise as tight stacking will ensure that only the top layer will get damp if it rains.

Is it best to dry logs inside or outside?

The very best place to store your kiln-dried logs is indoors. You're looking for a dry, low-humidity environment to keep your logs as free from moisture as possible. You can store your logs in the house, and that's perfect, but the trouble is that most people don't have room for a dedicated log-store within the home.

How do you store wood outside in the winter?

Keep it Covered

Make sure you cover the wood to protect it from harsh rain, snow or ice throughout the winter. This can be done by storing your wood in an open storage shed that allows wind flow through opposite sides, covering the wood with a tarp or purchasing a firewood rack cover large enough to fit the pile.

Should a wood store be covered?

Avoid tree cover if possible and don't leave the logs in a heap. Does firewood need to be covered? Firewood should remain uncovered so it can be properly dried. However, this is not always possible, especially during the winter months where ice, snow and rain can wreak havoc with firewood storage.

How do you waterproof a log store?

Waterproofing is key for a log store for firewood. We recommend Cuprinol Ducksback: a wax-enriched, water-repellant, non-drip paint. Proofing your wood will increase its longevity and effectiveness and help your wood store stay cosy and dry all winter.

Why do log stores have gaps?

A good log store will be raised off of the ground to prevent moisture seeping into your logs and preventing them from seasoning, have plenty of airflow (again for the same reason) which usually means gaps or slats in the side that allow direct airflow all the way around, and a weather-resistant roof that overhangs the ...

Should I cover my wood pile with a tarp?

Should you cover a woodpile? Above: If a wood stack is out in the open then it can be protected from rain with a tarpaulin or some other cover but this should never come down over the side of the pile because it would trap moisture, as well as potentially causing mold and rot.

Can you leave logs outside?

The best way to stack your logs outdoors is to put them in a single row with the end of the firewood facing outwards. This will produce good airflow and avoid stacking them to closely together as it can trap moisture.

Can firewood get rained on?

Once wood has properly seasoned, does it matter whether rain gets on seasoned firewood? Seasoned firewood should be stored out of the rain to help prolong how well it keeps for. If seasoned firewood gets rained on it can dry out within a few days, but constant contact with moisture will lead to the wood going bad.

Should I cover my wood pile in winter?

To Cover or Not to Cover

Ideally, firewood should remain uncovered so it can be properly dried, but this is not practical when rain, snow and ice can quickly coat winter firewood. A good cover over the top of your woodpile will protect it, and be sure the cover is slanted to shed moisture away from the pile's base.

How do you cover a wood pile in the winter?

How Do You Cover A Wood Pile In The Winter? You can store your woodpile in a warm shed with no additional junk and clutter. Furthermore, use a strong tarp or cover. Remember to use a tarp with a durable material that retains heat in the winter, store it away from moisture and snow.

Can you store firewood in a closed shed?

You can also place your stack in an open barn or shed, or under an overhang. Just be sure not to stack fresh wood in a closed-off barn or shed that doesn't get optimal air flow. Doing so will lead to bad aging and a possible nesting place for pests.

How long do logs take to dry out?

Seasoning or Air-Drying Wood: The One-Year Rule

In fact, expect most types of wood to take about one year per inch of thickness to dry out. If it's a two-inch log, that means you'll need to let it sit outdoors for two whole years before it's dry enough to efficiently burn.

Can you dry logs in a garage?

GARAGE – Not only will your wood stay dry, but it won't be covered in snow during winter. The only issue is that there isn't much airflow in a garage so you'll want to avoid stacking your wood in the garage if it's too wet. It will take longer for your wood to dry under those conditions.

Should I store kiln dried logs in plastic bags as delivered?

Storing your logs in bags is a perfectly fine way to keep your wood, provided you follow the steps above to keep them protected from the worst of the weather. The advantages of storing logs in bags include: It's easy to tell when you need to reorder and measure how fast you're going through a dumpy bag.

How far away from the house should you store firewood?

Most sources say you should only bring logs in right before burning. At most, the Purdue Extension Department of Entomology says, you can store enough for a day or two. Otherwise, all firewood should actually be stored "at least five feet or more away from the foundation of the home," advises Orkin Pest Control.

What can I use to cover firewood?

The easiest way to cover your firewood is to use a tarp. After you've stacked the wood, place the tarp on the top of the stack. Cover only the top and let an inch or two hang down. Do not cover the sides of the stack, since you'll need airflow to dry the wood out.

How long does it take to season firewood?

Spring is a good time to start seasoning firewood, as it takes at least 6 months to reach optimum dryness. This means if you start in April, you can have it ready to go by the first cold October nights. How long it takes to season wood actually depends on what type of wood it is.