If you use a log burner or open fire, you’ll know that the quality of your wood is everything. Wet wood is slow to light, smokes heavily, and delivers a miserable heat. The secret to a perfect fire? Seasoning. And the key to great seasoning is a well-designed log store.
The four pillars of perfect firewood storage
A durable, well-ventilated log store is designed to protect your wood from the elements while maximising air circulation to speed up the drying process. Here are the core principles to follow:
| Principle | Why It’s Crucial | How to Achieve It |
| A Good “Hat” | To keep rain and snow off your logs. | A sloped roof that significantly overhangs the front, back, and sides. |
| Ventilated Walls | To allow wind and air to pass through the wood stack, removing moisture. | Use slatted sides and back with generous gaps (ideally 35mm to 50mm) between each plank. |
| Raised Base | To prevent ground moisture (rising damp) from wicking up into the bottom layer of wood. | Elevate the entire structure on bearers (bricks, blocks, or thick timbers) and use a slatted floor for airflow. |
| Tough Materials | To ensure your store lasts for years of harsh UK weather. | Use pressure-treated timber (tanalised) for the entire frame and cladding. |
When and how to call a carpenter
While the DIY approach saves money, hiring a professional carpenter or joiner is a smart investment if you value a flawless finish, require a completely bespoke design, or simply don’t have the time or tools.
When to hire a pro
- Bespoke Integration: You need the log store to integrate seamlessly with an existing garden wall, fence, or shed, requiring tricky cuts and non-standard sizing.
- High-End Finish: You want high-quality cladding (like cedar or shiplap), a tiled roof, or a build designed to be a prominent architectural feature in the garden.
- Time Constraints: You need the store built quickly, reliably, and with guaranteed quality without dedicating your weekend to the job.
- Peace of Mind: You want professional selection of the best pressure-treated timber and weatherproof fixings, often backed by a guarantee against rot.
Professional considerations and costs (UK)
| Consideration | What to Expect from a Professional |
| Labour Cost | Professional carpenter rates vary by region, but expect to pay £20 to £30+ per hour or £160 to £240+ per day (excluding VAT). A log store is typically a 1-2 day job, depending on size and complexity. |
| Material Quality | A professional will source high-grade, fully pressure-treated (tanalised) timber, often thicker than standard DIY supplies, ensuring superior longevity. |
| Bespoke Design | They can handle complex requests, such as adding a kindling shelf, an integrated bin store section, or building a slatted door for added security. |
| Foundation & Levelling | A key benefit is their expertise in correctly preparing and levelling the base, which is crucial for the stability and durability of the structure. |
Vetting your tradesperson
- Get Multiple Quotes: Always get at least three quotes from different local tradespeople (using platforms like Checkatrade or MyBuilder).
- Ask for Specifications: Ensure their quote specifies the timber dimensions they will use and the roofing material.
- Check Previous Work: Ask to see photos of other external timber builds (sheds, decking, log stores) they have completed to assess the quality of their joints and overall finish.
Step-by-step DIY construction guide
This guide focuses on a typical UK-sized log store (approx. 1.2m wide x 0.6m deep x 1.5m high at the rear).
Step 1: Site Selection and Foundation Prep
- Choose your Spot: Pick a location that gets a good breeze and a reasonable amount of sunlight. This is your seasoning engine!
- Back Gap is Key: If placing it against a fence or wall, leave a small air gap at the back to allow air to circulate freely.
- Create a Level Base: Lay a solid, level foundation. Gravel, compacted hardcore, or paving slabs are ideal as they allow water to drain away.
Step 2: Building the frame (The Bones)
Timber Recommendation: Use a sturdy, pressure-treated timber for the main frame.
- Cut the Uprights: Cut your four upright posts. To create the essential roof slope, ensure your front posts are shorter than your back posts .
- Assemble the Sides: Build two rectangular side frames and two rectangular base/roof frames.
- Integrate Bearers: Before securing the base frame to the uprights, bolt thicker timbers underneath the base. These bearers are the sacrificial part that makes ground contact and elevates your store.
Step 3: Cladding for Maximum Ventilation
- The Slats: Use pressure-treated boards for the sides and back.
- Attach the Slats: Start at the bottom and work your way up. This is where precision pays off! Use a small piece of offcut timber as a spacer to maintain a consistent gap between each slat.
- Slatted Floor: The base should also be clad with these slats, spaced slightly apart, to prevent logs from sitting on a solid sheet of wood and allow moisture to escape downwards.
Step 4: The waterproof “hat” (roof)
- The Overhang: Construct the roof subframe so it extends at least 10cm past the frame on all sides—especially the front—to deflect rain.
- Waterproofing: Cover the subframe with a robust, waterproof material.
- Best Options: Overlapping feather-edge boards or a sheet of Exterior Grade OSB3 covered with quality roofing felt.
- Secure It: Fix the finished roof securely to your frame.
DIY vs. buying: A quick cost comparison
While lumber costs fluctuate, building your own can offer significant savings and a higher quality product.
| Log Store Option | Estimated UK Cost Range | Pros | Cons |
| Ready-Made Kit | £150 – £350 (Medium Size) | Fast to assemble, includes all parts, little waste. | Often uses thinner, less durable timber; designs can compromise ventilation. |
| DIY Build (Materials Only) | £80 – £200 (Estimate for comparable size) | Highly durable, customisable size, you control the quality of the timber and ventilation gaps. | Requires cutting tools and basic carpentry skills; can take a full weekend to complete. |
With Rated People, you have the power to get it done. Find a trusted, local tradesperson today.
