What's the best way of storing logs for wood-burning stove?

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A good supply of logs is a key consideration if you’re using a wood-burning stove to heat your home.

If you’re keen to run your stove as cost-effectively and environmentally friendly as possible, and we presume you are, then you will need to set aside some room for storage. That’s because you should allow wood to season before using it on your stove.

That means cutting your wood and allowing it to dry and air for a prolonged period. The reason for doing this is to reduce the amount of moisture contained within the wood. The seasoning process cuts the moisture content in wood from 50-80% to less than 25%. That means the wood sets alight more easily, your room heats more quickly and – because your home gets up to temperature much faster – you burn less wood.

The best way of storing logs for your stove is to collect them well in advance, at least six months but ideally around 18 months before you’ll need to burn them. They should be stacked on pallets inside an open-sided shed or shelter. The wood should be covered from above to protect it from rainwater and be kept off the ground to protect it from damp.

The open sides allow air to circulate around the logs. This helps with the drying process and stops the wood from rotting.

Leaving the wood covered by tarpaulin at all times stops the drying process, prevents the water from evaporating and restricts ventilation, which in turn leads to rot.

So, we’ve outlined the ideal scenario for you. Of course, not everyone has the room or resources to create that sort of storage space. If tarpaulin is your only option, treat your wood like clothes on the washing line by reacting to the weather. Remove the cover for as long as possible during fine weather, and make sure it’s under the tarpaulin again before it rains.

In the unlikely event that you accumulate a massive supply of wood, keep in mind that the seasoning process works at its best for a maximum of four years. After that the wood will start to deteriorate.