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How to Store Firewood Properly (UK Guide)
How to Store Firewood Properly (UK Guide)
Proper firewood storage is essential for getting the best performance from your logs. Even high-quality kiln-dried firewood can burn poorly if it’s stored incorrectly.
The goal of good storage is simple:
• Keep logs dry
• Allow airflow around the wood
• Protect them from rain and ground moisture
With the right setup, your firewood will burn hotter, cleaner and more efficiently.
Quick Answer
The best way to store firewood is:
• Off the ground
• Covered from rain
• With good airflow around the logs
A well-ventilated log store outdoors is usually the best solution for keeping firewood dry and ready to burn.
Should You Store Firewood Inside or Outside?
Most firewood should be stored outside in a ventilated log store rather than inside the house.
Outdoor storage allows air circulation, which helps maintain the low moisture content needed for efficient burning.
However, many people bring a small basket of logs indoors for convenience once the fire is lit.
Why You Shouldn’t Store Logs Next to Your Wood Burner
Although it may look convenient, stacking logs right next to your stove or fireplace is not recommended.
Here are some of the main reasons.
1. Fire Hazard
Logs are combustible material, so storing them too close to a stove can create a fire risk.
UK building regulations recommend keeping combustible materials at least around one metre away from a stove or appliance, depending on the stove model.
Heat exposure over time can cause nearby materials to become dangerously hot.
2. Over-Drying the Wood
Although dry logs are ideal, placing them next to a stove can cause them to dry excessively.
Over-dry logs burn extremely quickly, which means:
• Faster fuel consumption
• Shorter burn time
• Less controlled fires
This can lead to your log supply running out sooner than expected.
3. Appliance Airflow Issues
Wood stacked directly beside a stove may interfere with airflow or ventilation around the appliance.
Modern wood burners rely on proper airflow for efficient combustion. Blocking air vents or circulation can reduce efficiency and increase the risk of overheating.
4. Increased Risk of Pests
Wood can occasionally harbour small insects or pests.
Storing larger stacks of logs indoors increases the chance of bringing these insects into your home.
Keeping most firewood stored outside helps minimise this risk.
5. Cleanliness and Clutter
Stacks of logs next to a stove can create unnecessary mess indoors.
Wood debris, bark fragments and dust can accumulate quickly.
Using a designated log store outdoors and keeping only a small log basket indoors helps maintain a cleaner living space.
6. Safety and Insurance Compliance
Some building guidelines and insurance policies require homeowners to follow basic safety rules for wood-burning appliances.
Storing combustible materials too close to a stove may conflict with recommended safety clearances.
Keeping logs stored safely away from the appliance helps reduce risk.
How to Stack Firewood Properly
To keep logs in the best condition, firewood should be stacked:
• Off the ground on a raised base or pallet
• With gaps between logs to allow airflow
• Under a cover or roof to protect from rain
A purpose-built log store is designed to provide these conditions.
How Long Can Firewood Be Stored?
Kiln-dried logs can be stored for many months or even years if they are kept:
• Dry
• Well ventilated
• Protected from ground moisture
This makes summer an excellent time to stock up before the winter rush.
Final Thoughts
Storing firewood correctly helps ensure your logs burn efficiently and safely.
The best approach is to keep your logs in a ventilated outdoor log store, while bringing only a small amount indoors when needed.
Avoid stacking large quantities of logs next to your stove — it’s safer, cleaner and better for your firewood.
Browse Our Firewood and Log Stores
At Sevenoaks Firewood, we supply premium kiln-dried hardwood logs with fast delivery across Sevenoaks, Kent and surrounding areas.
We also supply:
• Pre-built log stores
• Birch, oak and ash logs
• Kindling and firelighters
• Log nets and bulk bags
All logs are Woodsure Ready to Burn certified and properly kiln-dried for efficient burning.