I love burning wood. I’m so heartened by the trend of people installing open wood-fires in their homes and buying chimineas for their gardens. Personally, I can spend hours gazing at a crackling fire…I remember hearing the phrase “nature’s TV” once and I certainly agree!
If you’re a fellow arsonist then you’ll need a log store. In this article I’m going to review five of my favourite picks from retailers around the web. As I’ll explain, purpose-built stores are much better at keeping logs in good condition than storage sheds, which lots of people opt for instead. They also look pretty good in the garden too.
Top Picks Quick Guide
To jump to my in-depth reviews of the best log stores click here.
| Log Store | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| [easyazon_link identifier="B00H565PO8" locale="UK" tag="urbanturnip-20"]Charles Bentley Spruce Store[/easyazon_link] | $$ | 8/10 |
| [easyazon_link identifier="B004LOL712" locale="UK" tag="urbanturnip-20"]Rowlinson Large Log Store[/easyazon_link] | $$$ | 9/10 |
| [easyazon_link identifier="B01G8THB8A" locale="UK" tag="urbanturnip-20"]Woodside Store With Felt Roof[/easyazon_link] | $ | 7/10 |
| [easyazon_link identifier="B01MYNJU0R" locale="UK" tag="urbanturnip-20"]Clifford James Metal Log Store [/easyazon_link] | $$$ | 8/10 |
| [easyazon_link identifier="B00BQYKN9C" locale="UK" tag="urbanturnip-20"]Extra Large Log Store [/easyazon_link] | $$$ | 9/10 |
What to look for in a log store
- Open slats: Logs should be stored in the summer to dry out ready for winter. This is one reason why open-front stores are better than storage sheds – they allow the logs access to air throughout the warmer months. People often worry about their logs getting wet if they’re left exposed, sealing them off in closed sheds, but it’s vital that freshly-cut wood is dried out by air and wind for several months before use. Once wood has been dried, it does not rehydrate easily (I always enjoy the site of piles stacked logs nestling under a coat of snow), so you don’t need to worry about the weather.
- Sloping roof: The main protection from rain will come from a sloping roof above the logs. You should check that the lip of the roof extends well over the sides of the walls to ensure that rainwater flows off properly and that the roof slats are secured in tight ridges to prevent any leaking.
- Raised floor: A raised floor will ensure that the bottom layer of wood is well-aerated. Rotting wood at the bottom of a log store is a common problem that can easily be overcome by making sure that this feature is included.
Look for open slats, a sloping roof and a raised floor.
- Wood-quality: Softwood and hardwood are both equally durable but you want to make sure that the wood is pressure treated. “Pressure treating” is a common term that refers to a process in which wood is saturated with a chemical preservative and left to dry for a period of time, usually several weeks. Remember that pressure-treating protects against rot, not the weather, so wood products will benefit from a layer of stain/preservative on arrival and once a year afterwards.
- Sustainably-sourced materials: In terms of making sure that the wood used to make your log store comes from a sustainable source, legislation is such nowadays that it’s not something you really need to worry about. As long as the product has been made in Europe or America you’ll be OK. That said, FSC approval of the manufacturer is always a plus.
5 Best Log Stores: Our Top Picks for 2017
***Full Disclosure – Where appropriate, I’ve linked product images to commercial sites and Amazon (see Amazon Disclosure). If you buy from these sites, I earn a small affiliate fee, which helps me keep Urban Turnip going.***
1. Charles Bentley Spruce Store
[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”1200″ identifier=”B00H565PO8″ locale=”UK” src=”https://www.urbanturnip.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/71PXbcv1ZGL.jpg” tag=”urbanturnip-20″ width=”564″]
This log store is ideal for those who require a more compact storage space or have a smaller garden. Charles Bentley itself is a company with a strong emphasis on sustainability and has a reputation for making high-quality garden furniture.
It has all the features you would expect. The slanting roof has a decent-sized lip over the back side to ensure rainwater flows off and the individual slats are well-placed to ensure good air flow. As you can see from the picture, the floor of the unit is raised from the ground to prevent the bottom logs from rotting. It also includes a kindling shelf that can be adjusted based on preference.
It weighs 29KG. It’s dimensions are as follows: height 152cm x width 117cm x depth 56cm. It’s very easy to put together.
2. Rowlinson Large Log Store
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Rowlinson is another UK company with a focus on sustainability and is fully FSC certified. The great thing about this particular log store is that it’s comparatively narrow but also long, so it provides a lot of storage space without being obtrusive. It’s 48cm deep by 154cm high by 232cm wide. It is slightly raised from the ground.
The wood is pressure-treated and there is a shelf included for smaller logs and kindling. It comes as a flat-pack unit and is easy to put together with clear instructions. The overhang of the roof at the front is quite small so it may be worth providing some extra protection during heavy rain.
3. Woodside Log Store
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This store is around the same size as the Charles Bentley one (height 132cm x width 116cm x depth 64cm). The main draw, however, is the cheaper price. It isn’t as well-made as the other products on this list but, for what you’re paying, it’s a solid and long lasting option.
The wood (fir) has been waterproof-stained and the forward-facing felt roof is perfect for ensuring protection against the rain. Whilst the floor is raised it will benefit from being lifted a touch more off the ground, perhaps by placing bricks underneath. The general consensus is that this is an all-around bargain and an excellent choice if you’re not keen on forking out over £100.
4. Weatherproof Metal Store
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Even pressure-treated wood will need re-staining every year and, though good quality products can last for years, even the best wooden log stores will succumb to the wind and rain eventually. If you want a really long-lasting solution then this metal store from Clifford James (another company well-known for its quality gardening gear) may well be the way to go.
It comes in two colours (light and dark green) and the corrugated steel sides are surprisingly attractive. The lip of the slanting roof protrudes well over the sides of the walls, ensuring ideal drainage. The price isn’t too bad either!
5. Extra Large Log Store
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”375″ identifier=”B00BQYKN9C” locale=”UK” src=”https://www.urbanturnip.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/51xCBRsL7xL.jpg” tag=”urbanturnip-20″ width=”500″]
If you have more logs than you know what to do with, then this extra large store is for you. It measures 131cm tall x 262 cm wide x 69cm deep. It holds two cubic metres of logs and is built with a slightly unique design. It uses feather boards to create an environment that is enclosed on three sides.
The base resembles a trellis so provides air-flow from the bottom up. This design ensures a good balance of both protection and airflow. The roof of the store extends well over the sides for effective drainage of rainwater. All in all a great piece.
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below!
Have you tried any of the models on this list? Do you have your own suggestions? Leave a comment below and let me know!
Image credits: Logs by Iain Farrell, New Log Store by Bryn Pinzgauer.
