A Guide to: Storing wood. 

Flamecraft • Feb 08, 2019

A few tips and tricks for storing logs.

Why is storing logs so important?

It is important your store logs correctly to protect them from the elements and to stop them sweating.

Logs that aren't properly protected from the elements (Rain, snow, frost etc.) or allowed to sweat can cause issues when it comes to burning them. This is because logs will soak up any moisture they come into contact with. This can lead to the moisture content in them rising to above 20% moisture. Logs should have a moisture content of below 20% when being burnt on a wood burner or multi fuel stove.

If the logs are above a 20% moisture content when burnt then the following issues can arise;

  • Burning wet logs and/or treated logs is one of the most common cause of invalidated guarantees on a stove and pipwork. (The other being missed chimney sweeps.)
  • The logs won't light or will be very hard to light.
  • The logs will not burn as hot, most of the energy produced goes on burning away the moisture, producing excess smoke, soot, tar and creosote which is highly flammable and causes chimney fires.
  • Higher emissions are produced, causing a negative effect on the environment.

What should I consider when storing logs?

Sunlight.

It is important your logs are exposed to sunlight, especially if the logs are seasoned. Logs stored in the shade will take longer to dry.

Airflow .

It is important for your logs to have good air-circulation, this aids in the drying process and gives your logs the ability to breathe. Logs which don’t have an adequate air flow surrounding them may sweat and re-absorb moisture. If stacking near a fence or wall, leave a few inches behind them. For the best results, a purpose-built slatted log store with gaps for air is recommended.

Height & Structure

If you aren’t putting your logs in a log store, be careful when stacking them. Make sure the stack is stable and not going to fall on your or your family. We do not recommend log stacks being over a couple of feet high.

Keep the stack raised.

Where possible do not stack logs directly onto the ground. An old pallet or similar structure is perfect for this. If logs are directly on the ground, they can soak up moisture.

Covering

It is important to allow your wood to breath; however, it still needs protecting from the elements. The last thing you want is your logs re-absorbing moisture from the rain or frost. The reason we recommend log stores is that they are roofed, but often with slatted sides allowing the logs to still breath. Weather guards are available for the front of log stores, they are usually a mesh type material that hangs over the front. However, not everyone wants or has room for a log store. If you are stacking your logs, cover them with a tarp, leaving the sides of the stack as exposed as possible. Do not wrap the tarp tight, allow the tarp to drape over, coming down the sides by a few inches. Just remember to weigh the tarp down so it can’t blow away.

Wherever you decide to store your logs, make sure that it won't cause a fire risk.

Can I just store my logs in my shed?

It is not recommended to keep logs stored in a shed, not just because of the storage issues listed above, but also because it can risk termites.

by Flamecraft 03 Dec, 2020
We all made it through second lockdown and are pleased to be open to the general public once more. We welcome customers to come visit us, but kindly ask they adhere to the government guidelines regarding social distancing. While we understand lockdown was frustrating, we are in a tier 3 area and therefore we also ask that our customers shop responsibly and only come into the showroom for essential purposes when possible. We are still able to take orders for stove spares over phone and email and in many cases out manufacturers will deliver these directly to our customers to help us to reduce the need for people to put themselves at risk of Covid-19. We know we sound like we are lecturing, however we want to ensure all our customers have a very happy and healthy Christmas. With all this in mind, we have reduced the hours the showroom will be open. We will review these regularly and open for longer if needed, we are also able to arrange appointments to visit the showroom at Baytree outside these hours, Our December opening hours are as follows: Monday: CLOSED (Pre-booked appointments available) Tuesday: CLOSED (Pre-booked appointments available) Wednesday: CLOSED (Pre-booked appointments available) Thursday: 10am - 2pm (Pre-booked appointments available till 5pm) Friday: 10am - 2pm (Pre-booked appointments available till 5pm) Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday: 10am - 4pm We kindly ask when pre-booking appointments Monday - Wednesday that customers give 24 hours notice and Pre-booked appointments are available between 10am - 5pm. On Thursdays and Fridays appointments can be pre-booked on the day before 1:30pm via calling 01406 373600. We are available via emailing flamecraftuk@aol.com outside our opening hours and will try to reply to customers as quickly as possible.
by Flamecraft 03 Nov, 2020
With second lockdown looming many of our customers are concerned about being able to purchase fuel and spare parts during second lockdown. We completely understand this and whilst our showroom wont be open to the general public we are running a 'Call & Collect' service.
by Flamecraft 01 Nov, 2020
In October we teased that we were going to expand our range of wood burning and multi fuels stoves to give our customers a bigger range of Ecodesign Approved stoves that would suit a range of budgets, and we are excited to finally be able to introduce our two new brands to you.
by Flamecraft 30 Oct, 2020
The clearskies scheme has been recently introduced, and many of the wood burners and multi fuel stoves we sell have a clear skies mark. However many of our customers see this logo and are left wondering what it actually means. Therefore we have put together the basics explaining what clear skies is, and how this potentially will effect choosing a wood burner or multi fuel stove.
by Flamecraft 23 Oct, 2020
EcoDesign 2022 is changes to regulations for the Stove Industry.
by Flamecraft 16 Oct, 2020
It is the season for hot chocolate, fluffy blankets, hot water bottles and curling up in front of a roaring fire. With the days getting sorter and the nights getting longer it means we are busy installing wood burning and multi fuel stoves in homes. Like for many this year has been challenging, and we have worked tirelessly to ensure our customers will still receive the best service possible from us. We also understand that with the challenges of the past year many of us we are looking for more affordable heating options for this winter. Over the summer we have had many discussions about the issues we are all facing, and we knew we wanted to do everything we could to ensure our customers can still enjoy owning a wood burner or multi fuel stove. On top of the challenges this year has brought us all we are also very aware that since the announcement of the incoming Ecodesign regulations more and more of our customers are coming to us looking for Ecodesign 2022 Approved wood burners and multi fuel stoves. While we had Ecodesign stoves available, we wanted to give our customers more options to choose from. So, we knew we had two targets: 1. Have wood burning and multi fuels stove options available for a range of different budgets. 2. Expand our range of Ecodesign Approved stoves. We went through many different ideas until we finally realised the solution was in front of us (literally in a pile of brochures we had from a trade show we visited last year). A manufacturer that had a huge range of Ecodesign 2022 approved wood burning and multi fuel stoves that meet our own guidelines for quality and design (as well as being manufactured in the UK), and to top that off offering a range of price points that would allow us to offer more affordable stoves. So of course we gave them a call.
by Flamecraft 09 Oct, 2020
With the cold weather rolling in we are extending our opening hours to the following: Monday: CLOSED Tuesday: CLOSED Wednesday: 10am - 5pm Thursday: 10am - 5pm Friday: 10am - 5pm Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday: 10 - 4pm We look forward to seeing you.
by Flamecraft 09 Oct, 2020
Everyone has their own style and taste, and they develop and change over time. In recent years our customers are coming to us wanting more sleek and contemporary designs that allow for a full view of the flames within a wood burner or multi fuel stove. We have put together a selection of stoves that have been designed for modern living with a contemporary aesthetic. Every wood burner and multi fuel stove on this list are Ecodesign 2022 approved.
by Flamecraft 11 Sept, 2020
Inheriting a wood burner or multi fuel stove can be confusing, but we have put together a checklist of the things you should know when buying a house with a wood burner or multi fuel stove already installed.
by Flamecraft 25 Jul, 2020
We are open again and ready to welcome customers back into our showroom. However following government guidelines and to keep our team and customers safe we kindly ask customers to adhere to the following: When visiting please follow Baytree Garden Centre's one way system. Due to the width of our showroom and the positioning of our doors we are only able to accommodate one household at a time whilst adhering to social distancing. We are unable to ensure that there is a 2 meter distance between households due to our built in displays which allow for less than a 2 meter gap between them. Therefore we may politely ask customers to wait outside with a 2 meter distance from the door if we are already serving a household in the showroom, or return later. Please sanitise you hands upon entering the showroom. We are doing our best to sanitise the door handles, card machine and any handles on the stoves between customers. We kindly ask customers are patient with us as during busy periods they may be asked to refrain from touching the handles on the stoves until they are sanitised. We politely ask that you speak to a member of the team before touching any accessories or care products in the showroom, as this will allow our team to sanitise the products to ensure they are safe for the next customer to handle. Update: We kindly ask you wear an appropriate face mask/covering when visiting our showroom. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience at this challenging time.
Show More
Share by: