Log Store

A compact, well-ventilated store that keeps firewood dry and seasoning, usually open-fronted with slatted sides

Roof Type Pent (Mono-Pitch)

Default Pitch 10°

Typical Size 1.5m x 0.6m

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Overview

A log store has one job, keeping firewood dry and letting it season. It is usually open at the front with slatted or gapped sides so air flows freely through the stack, while a sloping roof sheds rain and keeps the top course covered.

Key Features

Airflow is everything. Unlike other garden buildings, a log store is built to breathe, with an open front and ventilated sides so moisture can escape and wood dries to a burnable moisture content.

History & Design

Anyone who has tried to light damp logs knows why log stores exist. Seasoning wood under cover for a year or more is the difference between a smoky struggle and a clean, hot fire.

When to Choose a Log Store

Choose a log store when you need:

To keep firewood dry and out of the weather
Good airflow to season wood properly
A compact store that fits against a wall or fence
Tidy, accessible fuel storage near the house
To stop logs rotting on the ground under a tarpaulin

A log store is a small build with a big payoff for anyone with a wood burner or open fire. Put it where you can reach it easily in winter but where air still moves around the stack.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

Keeps firewood dry and seasoning
Excellent airflow through the stack
Small, simple and inexpensive to build
Fits neatly against a wall or fence
Tidies away an untidy log pile

Considerations

Single purpose
Open front offers no security
Limited capacity in the smallest sizes
Needs a sheltered yet airy position

Typical Uses

Primary Uses

Firewood storage and seasoning
Kindling and offcuts
Logs for a wood burner or open fire

Also Suitable For

Charcoal and barbecue fuel
Garden timber offcuts
Kindling drying

Sizing Guide

Use Case	Recommended Size	Floor Area
Quarter cube of logs	900mm x 450mm	0.41 m²
Half cube of logs	1500mm x 600mm	0.90 m²
Full season store	2400mm x 900mm	2.16 m²

Custom sizes? Use our shed builder to generate plans for any dimensions within the permitted range.

Construction Notes

Foundation

Stand the store on treated bearers or paving slabs so the base sits clear of the ground. Keeping the bottom course off wet soil is the single most important detail.

Framing

Light framing is plenty. Build a simple braced frame and leave the front open. Slatted or gapped boards on the sides let air through while still keeping rain off.

Roofing

A simple pent roof in felt or corrugated sheet sheds water to the back or side. Give it a decent overhang at the front to keep the top of the stack dry.

Special Considerations

Do not clad the store too tightly. The whole point is airflow, so leave gaps between boards and keep the front open so wet wood can dry and seasoned wood stays dry.

Example Builds

Half-Cube Log Store

1.5m x 0.6m

Holds roughly half a cubic metre of seasoned logs. The open front and slatted sides keep air moving so the wood dries properly.

Overlap sides
Open front
Slatted ventilation
Pent roof

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Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, garden sheds are permitted development and don't require planning permission. However, restrictions apply: the shed must be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5m, maximum overall height of 4m (for dual-pitched roofs) or 3m (for any other roof), and must not cover more than 50% of the curtilage. Sheds must not be forward of the principal elevation. Listed buildings and conservation areas have additional restrictions. Always check with your local planning authority if in doubt.

Options include concrete slabs, paving slabs, pressure-treated bearer and joist systems, or adjustable post supports. Concrete provides the most stable base for larger sheds, while bearer systems are quick to install and allow airflow beneath the floor. The key requirements are: level, stable, and dry with adequate drainage around the perimeter.

A well-built and maintained shed can last 15-25+ years. Key factors are: quality of original construction, adequacy of foundations, quality of timber treatment, regular maintenance (retreating cladding, checking for rot), and roof condition. Budget sheds with minimal maintenance may only last 5-10 years.

Ideally, treat all surfaces before assembly - this ensures hidden faces are protected. Pay special attention to cut ends, which are most vulnerable to moisture. After construction, apply treatment to all accessible exterior surfaces annually or as the product recommends.

Most hardwood needs around one to two years to season down to a moisture content of 20 percent or less, which is what burns cleanly. A good log store speeds this up by keeping rain off while letting air move through the stack. Splitting logs and stacking them loosely helps them dry faster.

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