• Timports
If you have ever tried to light a fire using logs that sizzle, smoke, and refuse to catch, you know the frustration of damp wood. Improper storage is the single biggest reason why otherwise high-quality fuel fails to perform in your stove, oven or fireplace. It is an act of efficiency and economy to protect your investment in premium kiln dried logs.
This comprehensive guide will teach you the tried-and-tested methods used by homeowners and businesses alike to keep your firewood in peak condition. By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly how to protect your fuel from the elements, minimise pests, and ensure a hotter, cleaner, and more efficient burn every single time you light your fire.
Table of contents
- How to store firewood outdoors
- How to store firewood indoors
- Seasonal log storage advice
- Key health and safety tips for storing firewood
- Firewood storage FAQs
- Shop kiln dried logs at Timports
How to store firewood outdoors
The vast majority of your firewood stock will naturally be kept outside. However, simply dumping logs under a tarpaulin is a recipe for disaster. The key to successful outdoor storage is promoting air circulation while safeguarding your logs from ground moisture and precipitation.
Here are some key tips for storing firewood outdoors:
- Elevate from the Ground: Logs should never sit directly on soil or concrete. Use a purpose-built log store with a slatted floor, or place the logs on bearers, concrete blocks, or old pallets. Getting them even a few inches off the ground prevents capillary action from drawing dampness up into the wood.
- Facilitate Airflow (Draught): Proper stacking is essential. Stack logs parallel to one another with a gap between them and any solid wall or fence to allow air to pass through from all sides. A dedicated log store that offers a solid roof but slatted sides and an open front is the gold standard for promoting a drying draught.
- Cover Only the Top: The primary enemy is rain and snow falling directly onto the stack. Your cover (such as a tarpaulin or a solid roof) should only extend over the top of the pile, allowing the sides to remain open to the breeze. Never wrap the sides, as this traps moisture inside and encourages mould growth, defeating the purpose of buying kiln dried wood.
If you’re looking to store firewood logs outside of your home, then a small, visually appealing log store situated on a patio or a gravelled area works best. Positioning your store on the south or west side of your house will maximise sun exposure and wind drying throughout the day.
For business owners seeking an efficient outdoor storage solution, consider storing your bulk-ordered logs under a large, open-sided shelter. Ensure the crates are placed on a dry, raised platform, always leaving several feet of space between each crate to maintain essential airflow and prevent condensation.
How to store firewood indoors
Storing your firewood indoors is one of the most effective ways to maintain low moisture levels and keep your logs perfectly dry and ready to burn. Indoor areas such as a shed, garage, or covered workshop offer excellent protection from the elements, provided they are well-ventilated and kept dry to prevent humidity build-up. For safety, avoid keeping large amounts of wood directly beside your stove or fireplace. Instead, store your main supply in a suitable indoor space and keep only a small amount near the fire for immediate use.
- Keep it Small and Temporary: Only bring logs indoors that you plan to burn within the next 48 to 72 hours. Doing this limits the risk of introducing pests or excess moisture into your living space.
- Use Appropriate Vessels: For a clean and tidy aesthetic, place logs in a sturdy metal or woven basket. This practice is ideal for quick refills and protects your floor.
- Maximise Airflow: Even indoors, logs should not be piled against a wall where heat or moisture can be trapped. Use a basket or rack that raises the wood slightly and permits air circulation around the logs.
- Mind the Location: Always place your indoor log supply away from direct heat sources such as your wood burner or radiator. While you want the logs to remain dry, excessive heat exposure poses a significant fire risk and is unnecessary for high-quality kiln dried wood.
An indoor log basket can make a wonderful and homely addition to your decor. Just ensure the logs you select are clean and free of bark or debris before bringing them in.
For settings like pizzerias or pub kitchens, designate a safe, dry, and cool staging area close to the wood-fired oven. This small, protected supply should be replenished daily from the main outdoor store to prevent unnecessary stockpiling within the main building.
Seasonal log storage advice
Optimising your storage setup for the time of year can dramatically improve both the condition of your logs and the efficiency of your burn. We’ve divided our advice to help you identify the best methods for storing in both warm and cold weather.
Spring/Summer storage
Spring and summer are the ideal seasons for receiving your bulk order. The naturally warm and dry air conditions are perfect for maintaining your stockpile.
- Bulk-Buying Advantage: If you have the storage space, purchase your wholesale firewood early. Doing this guarantees you are stocked before the rush and any price increases.
- Focus on Ventilation: During the warmer months, prioritise maximum airflow. If using a storage shed, ensure doors or windows are left ajar to prevent the space from becoming hot and humid, which can compromise the wood.
- Pest Control: Use the dry months to regularly inspect for signs of wood-boring pests or rodents, especially around the base of the stack.
Autumn/Winter storage
As the weather turns wet and cold, your storage strategy should shift towards protection and accessibility.
- Increase Protection: During periods of heavy rain or snowfall, ensure the top cover of your log store is completely intact and securely fastened. It is worth spending a moment to inspect your stack and remove any fallen leaves or debris that might trap moisture.
- Prioritise Access: Position the logs you intend to burn first nearest to your door. If you have multiple stacks, organise them so that the oldest logs are burned first, followed by the newest.
- Monitor Inventory: For businesses, winter is the peak consumption period. Use this time to establish a minimum stock level and schedule your next delivery well in advance of hitting that point.
Key health and safety tips for storing firewood
Safety around firewood is paramount. Following these simple, direct recommendations will protect your home, your business, and your health.
| Safety Factor | Recommendation & Justification |
| Distance | Keep a Safe Distance: If you store a few logs near your fireplace or stove for convenience, make sure they are kept at a safe distance from the heat source and placed in a secure log holder or container. This helps prevent accidental ignition and keeps the fireplace area safe. Always ensure you have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms installed near your wood-burning appliance. |
| Stability | Regular Stack Inspection: Stacked logs, especially large piles, can shift and become unstable. Make it a habit to check the stability of your stack, particularly after removing a large quantity of logs from the middle or side. A collapsing pile can cause serious injury. |
| Indoor Fire Safety | Use Fire-Resistant Mats: When storing logs indoors, always place them on a hearth or a fire-resistant mat to prevent them from catching fire. Ensure you have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms fitted near your wood-burning appliance. |
| Pest Control | Look Out for Pests: Inspect your logs for any signs of insects or vermin before bringing them indoors. If you spot anything, the affected logs should be left outside until you burn them to prevent infestation inside your home or business. |
Firewood storage FAQs
Do I need to cover my firewood completely? No, absolutely not. Only the very top layer needs protection from direct rain or snow. Covering the sides traps moisture, restricts essential airflow, and causes condensation and mould growth, effectively ruining your wood.
Can I stack firewood directly on the ground? Never. Ground contact allows logs to draw up moisture through capillary action. Always elevate your stack using pallets, concrete blocks, or purpose-built log store bearers to ensure continuous air circulation beneath the wood.
How far away from my house should I store logs? Keep your main outdoor stockpile at least 12 inches away from any building wall, fence, or shed. This distance prevents structural dampness and discourages pests like mice and insects from nesting near your home.
How many logs can I store indoors? Only bring in a small supply—enough for one to three days of burning. Large indoor stores pose a greater fire risk and increase the chance of introducing pests, which are typically dormant in the wood.
Is it safe to stack logs higher than my head? For safety, avoid stacking logs significantly taller than you can comfortably reach. Tall stacks are unstable and can collapse unpredictably, posing a serious injury hazard in both domestic and commercial settings.
Shop kiln dried logs at Timports
Proper storage is the final step in ensuring a premium burn, but the process must begin with premium fuel. Our expert advice centres on keeping your logs dry because, with any other wood, you are fighting a losing battle against moisture.
FLAM.ECO is a premium brand created by Timports, delivering top-quality, high-grade hardwood that is consistently dry and dependable in performance. Our FLAM.ECO logs — including the popular Beech and Oak varieties — are Woodsure ‘Ready to Burn’ certified and kiln dried to an ultra-low moisture content, ensuring maximum heat output and a cleaner, more efficient flame
Don’t risk your fire’s performance or your appliance’s longevity with substandard wood. Implement these best practices today and establish a solid foundation with our premium kiln dried logs.