You’ve taken the plunge and stock-piled kiln-dried logs for the winter. Now it’s time to decide how best to store kiln-dried logs as storing them correctly is essential to ensure your firewood stays dry, burns efficiently and maintains the same quality as when delivered.
As it’s such an important aspect of wood burner life, in this blog post we will go through how to store kiln-dried logs to ensure you get the very best out of your firewood and keep it in tip-top condition.
Why Proper Storage Matters for Kiln-Dried Logs
Kiln-dried logs are processed in a way which reduces the moisture content to below 20%, meaning they burn cleanly and evenly, unlike other firewood options. Despite this process, they are ultimately still logs, which means if they aren’t stored properly they can easily reabsorb moisture which can compromise their quality and overall effectiveness.
- Find The Right Storage Location: To store kiln-dried logs, you first need to choose the right location. The best spot is in a sheltered area that is easily accessible, well-ventilated, and, most importantly, dry! If you have space going spare in a shed or garage, that’s perfect. Alternatively, we would recommend that you invest in a proper log store as they are designed to promote airflow with their open sides and raised base, and protect your logs from the elements thanks to their slanted rooves. If you choose to buy a log store, ensure that it is positioned away from water sources and, if feasible, place it in a south-facing position. Local company, Woodson and Son has some great options available and creates bespoke pieces which means your log store will fit in your space perfectly!
- Use a Raised Platform: Keep your kiln-dried logs elevated as if stored directly on the floor, moisture can seep into your logs – a big no-no! Pallets are a great option as they are easy to stack your logs onto and promote airflow around and under the wood, helping to keep it dry and preventing the reabsorption of moisture. Another plus is that they can be picked up relatively cheaply or sometimes even free.
- Stack Your Logs Properly: At The Burn A Log Company, we stack your logs for you, but if you don’t have us to hand you’ll want to learn how to stack them yourself as it truly pays off in the long run! Airflow is one of the most important things to consider when you store kiln-dried logs, so instead of leaving them in a heap on the floor, stack them slightly away from the wall in a criss-cross pattern to prevent them from crushing together and avoid overcrowding by storing them at a manageable height.
- Protect Your Logs From the Elements: Unfortunately for us, we live in good ol’ blighty which means rain and snow! So if your kiln-dried logs are stored outdoors, you’ll need to shield them from the elements. A log store with a roof cover is ideal, but if that’s not an option, we would advise that you cover your logs with a waterproof cover, making sure to avoid fully enclosing your logs as it can trap moisture back in.
- Avoid Keeping Your Logs in Plastic: The majority of log suppliers out there, will supply your logs in large builder’s bags, and whilst this is a great way to deliver, it’s not how you want to store your logs as plastic can trap moisture and restrict airflow, which can lead to mould growth and reabsorption of moisture. Stick to well-ventilated areas!
If stored properly, you can store kiln-dried logs for years and by following our recommendations you’ll keep your kiln-dried logs in top condition, ensuring they are always ready to provide the warmth and comfort you need!
To have us take all the hard work out of it, please contact us.