If you are wondering how to build a log store, you are in the right place. With more people in the UK using wood burners and open fires, having a reliable supply of dry firewood is more important than ever.
As winter approaches, there is nothing better than lighting the fire and enjoying a warm, cosy evening. But damp or poorly stored logs can quickly ruin that experience. That is why learning how to make a log store that keeps your wood dry, organised and ready to burn is so useful.
In this guide, I will show you exactly how to build a log store step by step using simple methods and affordable materials. Whether you are searching for DIY log store ideas, looking for log store plans, or want inspiration for a practical and stylish log store design, you will find it here.
I will walk you through three different builds, including a triangle wood storage design, a secure lockable log store, and a log store against a wall, which is perfect for saving space. If you are looking for log store plans in the UK or just want a straightforward project you can complete in a day, this guide will help you get started.
Scroll down to read my step-by-step build guides for these log stores.
Table of Contents
How to Build a Log Store That Keeps Wood Dry
Before you start building your log store, it is worth knowing what actually keeps firewood in good condition. I have learned that it is not just about stacking logs neatly, it is about keeping them dry and well ventilated.
Keep your log store off the ground
The biggest mistake I see is logs sitting directly on the ground. This pulls in moisture and leads to rot. Raising your log store slightly using blocks or treated timber makes a huge difference and helps keep your firewood dry.
Protect your logs from the weather
In the UK, rain is the main problem. A solid roof and some side protection will stop your logs getting soaked while still allowing them to breathe. You do not need anything fancy, just something that keeps the worst of the weather off.
Allow air flow for proper drying
Good airflow is what actually dries your logs out. I always leave small gaps in the sides or use slatted timber so air can move through the stack. The better the airflow, the quicker your logs will be ready to burn.
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!