Storage of logs

[Deleted User]

I've been looking at various log stores for when my stove is fitted. I understand the need for air flow etc around the stacked logs. The designs I've seen are all 3 sided plus roof. May be a daft question but shouldn't they be kept dry from rain and snow? If left out bared to the elements wouldn't the logs absorb the damp or do you cover the front of the store somehow?

martinthebandit

Three sided will be fine, as you have said you need the airflow.

I actually use an 8 by 6 shed with a couple of arches cut into one of the long sides to store mine, seems to work a treat, was a cheaper option than a purpose built log store.

[Deleted User]

Thanks Martin. Can anyone explain how the logs don't get wet in the winter from weather coming in the open front of the log store? Mine will be facing East in a North facing garden. The area gets little or no sun in Autumn and Winter

John_the_Boy

You can get some log stores with a rain shield. You can just see the rolled up rain shield in this picture (its a Euroheat log store)



Alternatively you can use scaffold debris netting to help keep the rain off - you can see some in this picture



Hope this helps.

martinthebandit

The front of the logs do get wet but they are also most exposed to the wind so they also dry quickest, you really have no need to be concerned.

The purpose of drying logs is not so much to get rid of a bit of water, it is more to get rid of the moisture (sap) inside of the logs. That's the stuff that will line your chimney and cause problems.

In fact well dried logs can still be damp.

In the old days (before kiln drying) all timber used to be dried outside with just a roof covering them, generally open on all four sides to get the most through ventilation.

You really are worrying about something you shouldn't be worrying about.

John_the_Boy

Martin,

Wouldn't disagree with anything you said. There is no need to cover at the front - just personal preference.

Rain wet logs will dry really quickly if brought in doors a few hours or a day or two before you use them. I tend to stack a week's worth in the garage anyway as it is easier that way for me.

JB

fatbelly

I use what used to be an outside loo but the plumbing has long gone and the door has fallen off. It works perfectly. I suspect the roof might leak a bit but it doesn't affect the seasoning of the logs.

martinthebandit

John_the_Boy wrote: »

Martin,

Wouldn't disagree with anything you said. There is no need to cover at the front - just personal preference.

Rain wet logs will dry really quickly if brought in doors a few hours or a day or two before you use them. I tend to stack a week's worth in the garage anyway as it is easier that way for me.

JB

..... and I agree with you, it is personal preference, I believe that not enough ventilation can cause more problems than too much ventilation. I would be wary of keeping a rain shield cover in place all winter.

RuthnJasper

You could always stack them and use a tarpaulin cover, secured to the ground with pegs or rocks.

But the advice already given by the earlier posters is excellent.

Best wishes - enjoy your fires in the autumn/winter - hard to imagine at the moment...! x

[Deleted User]

Aw thank you everyone for good advice. It just shows my ignorance when it comes to wood! I've seen a log store that holds 1cm of logs and it has a 15 year guarantee from rot. I may just order it now!

RuthnJasper

Missu wrote: »

Aw thank you everyone for good advice. It just shows my ignorance when it comes to wood! I've seen a log store that holds 1cm of logs and it has a 15 year guarantee from rot. I may just order it now!

Hey; you're not ignorant - you just didn't know and so asked on here. Nothing wrong with that! Ignorance is acting without advice, c*cking-up royally, and THEN asking for advice. You did the smart thing by asking FIRST. :D