As the chill of winter approaches, there’s nothing quite like the cosy warmth of a crackling fire to keep your spirits high. But to maintain a steady supply of firewood, you need a well-organised storage solution that keeps the logs dry, easily accessible, and protected from the elements. This is where building your own log store comes into play—an affordable and rewarding project that not only ensures a steady stockpile of quality firewood but also adds a touch of rustic charm to your outdoor space. Building a log store is simple and straight forwards. Read on for some step-by-step instructions.
Scroll down to read my step-by-step build guides for these log stores
Table of Contents
How to Create The Perfect Environment for your Logs
Raising the log store
Keeping wood off the ground. One crucial aspect of building an effective log store is ensuring that it is raised off the ground. By elevating the structure, you create a barrier between the firewood and the dampness that can seep in from the soil. This helps prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to mold growth, rotting, and decreased firewood quality. Additionally, raising the store allows for better drainage, ensuring that rainwater doesn’t accumulate around the logs. A sturdy foundation, such as concrete blocks or pressure-treated lumber, provides the necessary stability and durability to support the weight of the firewood.
Protection from the elements
Shielding wood from weather conditions. When it comes to storing firewood, protecting it from the elements is paramount. Rain, snow, and excessive exposure to sunlight can all have detrimental effects on the quality and burnability of the logs. Constructing a log store with a solid roof and walls shields the firewood from direct rainfall and helps prevent excessive moisture buildup. Utilizing weather-resistant materials, such as treated timber or exterior-grade plywood, further enhances the structure’s ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. By investing in weather protection, you ensure that your firewood remains dry and in optimal condition for efficient burning.
Allowing adequate air flow
Essential for proper drying. Proper air circulation is vital for drying firewood effectively. Without adequate airflow, moisture becomes trapped within the logs, leading to increased drying times and potential mold growth. When building your log store, it’s essential to incorporate features that promote good ventilation. This can be achieved by leaving gaps or spaces between the logs or using slatted walls that allow air to pass through. Placing the store in a location with good air movement, such as an open area with exposure to gentle breezes, can also aid in the drying process. By allowing proper air flow, you expedite the seasoning of your firewood, ensuring it reaches an optimal moisture content for efficient combustion.
Three Different Log Store Approaches
In this article, I’m going to show you how to build three different types of log stores. The first, a triangle log store provides a slightly more aesthetical approach to storing your logs. The second, is a practical approach with a lockable lid and the third, making use of a wall to stack your logs. Hopefully, you’ll find one, or a combination of two that suits you best.
Triangle Log Store
Lockable Log Store
Wall Log Store
How to Build a Triangle Log Store
For the first part of this article, I’m going to show you how I made this triangle log store. I’ve used partially reclaimed materials but you can buy new where needed.
Materials
- Long and short screws. You’re going to need a mix of screws to join all the pieces.
- Old garden fence posts. (70mm x 70mm x1.8m) My brother had 5 old fence posts which were perfect for this project. Find some here if required.
- Wooden cladding slats. Purchased from B&Q, costs £6.30 per pack of 10. I used 4 packs. (TIMBER CLADDING SMOOTH CLADDING (T)7.5MM (W)95MM (L)890MM)
- Bed slats or similar timber. I saved some slats from an old bed which were ideal for this job.
Triangle Log Store – Step-by-Step Guide
- Cut four fence posts to equal lengths and the 5th in half.
- Using a pencil and roofers square mark out each cut to perform the triangle shape.
- Cut the angles using a hand saw (or circular saw) and fix the pieces together using 70mm screws. Drill pilot holes to ensure the wood doesn’t split.
- Paint or stain each triangle to protect and colour. I’ve used forest green shed paint. Apply 2 or 3 coats for the best protection.
- Using the bed slats (or similar timber), fit the base ensuring there is sufficient space between the slats for airflow. 40mm screws are ideal for this. The depth of the log store will be determined by the length of timber used. Measure your space to identify the perfect depth.
- Secure the timber cladding starting from the top and working your way down. Ensure they slot together so that water cannot get trapped in the grooves. Fix with 2 x 30mm screws at each end.
- Add backing support strips to prevent logs from falling out of the back. 25x50mm roofing batten timber is perfect for this job
- Finally, cut a piece of guttering to length and fix it to the top of the log store with two long screws.
And hey presto, one completed children’s play house… I mean log store!
This was a nice easy project to complete on a sunny day and even the kids could help out. It looks pretty cool and I was able to use a number of reclaimed materials which is always good.
How to Build a Lockable Log Store
In this quick guide, I’ll show you how to make a log store that can be secured. We build this one as it stores firewood at the front of our house. Therefore we needed a way to lock the store closed to prevent theft. It’s been designed with suitable ventilation at the sides to allow for further drying.
Materials for this log store
Lockable log store build guide
1. Build a frame
Start by measuring your space and decide on the maximum length width and depth. The frame is constructed using 25x50mm timber. This is a simple construction using 50 & 70mm screws to join the pieces.
Start with the bottom rectangle frame. Then the side supports and finish with the top. Ensure the rear wall is taller than the front wall. This will allow the lid to slant forwards for water runoff.
2. Secure the cladding
Cut the feather boards to the lengths of each side. The front boards can overlap but for ventilation, we will leave gaps between the boards.
Start from the bottom and work your way up. Cut the top piece if required.
3. Construct the lid
Make sure the lid is slightly large than the box. You will want an overhang of about 30mm around the sides. Start with the frame again, then add the feather boards to create a water-tight lid. this can then be attached to the box using the hinges.
4. Paint your log store
Find a suitable outdoor wood paint or stain to protect the wood from the elements.
5. Fit the lock
Finally, fit the hasp and staple to create a lockable lid.
I also fitted a small handle and wire to the lid to prevent it opening too far.
Lean-to Log Store
For the final build, I’ll cover the basics of how to build a log store against a wall. I’ve used the side of our garden room for this project which is an ideal use of this space. The same can be applied to any wall.
The most important part of this build is the roof which has been constructed from a basic timber wooden frame and shed roofing felt. I measured up the width and built the roof frame to fit.
The roof is supported to the wall by securing the rear part of the frame and the addition of four support struts.
The side walls have been constructed from 50x25mm. Simply attach it to the tilted roof and secure it to the floor.
For more protection, you can build an extended roof.
That concludes my current inventory of log stores.
Find Your Perfect Log Store or Wood Storage Unit
If you’re not quite sure if building your own log store is right for you, then take a look at this comprehensive guide to find your perfect log store.
I’m planning on making a few more of these as one just isn’t enough to store enough wood for the winter months. Two or three more should provide plenty of wood for a year or two.
I’m always looking for ways to save money on my projects, whether it’s using reclaimed materials, using CashBack sites or Club Cards at B&Q or Wickes. My cash back earnings so far for the two years I’ve been a member have topped £450! Nice little bonus for some new tools.
If you don’t fancy building your own then try one of these great log stores – Best log stores in the UK
Check out some more of my great DIY projects for some inspiration in and around your home:
- How to build your own decking area
- How to build your own veranda for under £500
- How to build your own radiator cover
- How to build your own under stair drawers for under £100
- How to restore garden furniture
Great idea! Looks cool too!