Storing your logs
It’s that time of year again, the days are darker and colder and that means you will want to take full advantage of your log burner to keep you cosy.
After a long winter last year, it's more important to get stocked up and make sure you have enough logs to take you through this cold winter.
How much firewood do you need?
As a rule of thumb, work on about 3 - 4 m3 per annum. That's based on using it most evenings and weekends from October to April.
How much space?
How you are going to use your wood and what are you going to buy? Do you want to do all your own drying/seasoning yourself or are you going to buy 'ready to burn' logs (kiln dried logs below 25% moisture content). If the former you need to allow approximately two years drying time so you need space for 6-8m3. Alternatively if you go for the kiln dried logs, you could have enough storage for 1.5m3 and when you are nearly out, you can just order more.
How to store
Make sure the logs are cut up into short lengths - ideally 25cm and most importantly split to increase the surface area and speed up drying. You must store the logs, stacked neatly under cover and in a store which allows maximum airflow from all sides and with the logs off the ground. Putting a sheet over your stack of logs is not ideal as it does not allow sufficient airflow across the top of the logs.
Where to store your logs
This is the key part. It’s important you consider both aspects of operations - i.e. where is the most convenient point for delivery and where is the best place for taking logs into the house. Consider that there may be rain, or even snow between you and your logs!
