What makes the best log store and 6 top picks
Owning a wood stove or a fireplace is a pleasure many have grown to love. It may be functional or just decorative but nonetheless, you need a steady supply of the logs to keep the fires running. Having a steady supply of logs nearby is always convenient and affordable in the long run if you get good deals. Purchasing a log store not only saves you the hassle of building one yourself, but it also comes designed to allow the wood to season over time. You can find them in different shapes and designs, therefore, shopping for them should be fun.
Investing hours of research into this review, we have shortlisted six log stores that you might find interesting. The brief review provides insight into what you might expect from these products. Our hope is that you easily spot the best log store that satisfies your specific requirements. The buying guide will take care of all you need to know on wood stores followed by some tips. Feel free to peep at our best pick and runner up and discover why we recommended them.
Leading the pack is the Garden Supplied Centre Large Log Store. This sturdy, easy-to-assemble log store is a great offering for anyone who needs a large supply of logs on standby. The store is made of pressure-treated timber to combat against rot and pest infestation. The response from previous customers is very positive and that's why we have it as our best pick.
BEST PICK
The top pick overall, this log store is sturdily built and sure to last many years to come, thanks to pressure-treated timber. It can hold an impressive 1 cubic metre of logs, making it a good choice for an average UK home and features such as the raised slatted base and lower back panel all ensure wood is seasoned in the shortest time possible.
Mini Buyers Guide
The big question
Metal or wood? Figuring out the material is among the basic steps to take when looking to purchase a log store. The number of logs to be used on a regular basis is something else that needs some thought as the sizes really do vary.
You do not want to end up with a small log store and you have a large pile to store. Pick a size that fits the load of logs delivered and the rest can be worked out, in general the larger the log store you can afford and have room for, the better. Find out more considerations in the buying guide further down our after our individual reviews.
RUNNER-UP
Another great option that offers a large capacity to store your logs. Made from Nordic spruce wood, this model is pressure treated for durability purposes. It will provide a long service life and it is slightly more affordable compared to our best pick at the time we compared both models. Probably not quite as heavy duty as our 'Best Pick' this model does feature a kindling shelf which is a nice addition.
Top 6 Log Store Reviews
BEST PICK
The Garden Supplied Centre Large Log Store
Pros
Built to provide years of service, the Garden Supplied Centre Large Log Store is a heavy-duty model that you can rely on and one that puts most cheaper models to shame. At around 150cm (5ft) side and 129cm (just over 4ft) tall by 69cm in diameter, this store is large enough to house 1m3 of logs which is a good amount of logs, you can even by freshly cut logs by the cubic meter so this is just the right size if you take this root.
Its design includes a raised base to keep the logs from the ground and promote adequate air circulation to ensure logs are seasoned as quickly as possible. It also features a slatted roof to keep rain from infiltrating the wood that is seasoning below while the open front design ensures good air flow.
This simple store comes flat packed and assembly will not take too much time, around 15 minutes will be about right for those who are competent in DIY but may take up to an hour for the less experienced but its should be pretty straight forward and will be much easier with 2 people as its fairly heavy. Once set up, you can store your wood in peace and let it season throughout the year. Intended for large storage of wood, this model would suit those who utilise large amounts of wood in a short period and are looking for a well-build sturdy store that will last for years. Would certainly be well worth considering for most people looking for a decent log store.
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RUNNER-UP
Charles Bentley Nordic Spruce Wood Double Log Store
Pros
The Charles Bentley Nordic Spruce Log Store is made from strong wood that will provide durability. This 177 x 53.5 x 152cm model is made from high pressure treated Nordic spruce wood and is large enough to store large amounts of wood but slightly less than our 'Best Pick' but not enough to be noticeable when used in the real world.
Both the roof and the walls feature a slatted design to keep the elements from getting to the logs. Additionally, this model has a raised base to promote good air circulation for seasoning logs effectively. The roof does not extend over the front and therefore you may need to find a tarp to keep the wood dry during the rainy season but this can also hinder the seasoning of the wood as it also restricts air flow as it becomes more enclosed. Not a big issue but something worth considering.
For your kindling wood, there is a shelf dedicated to holding these small pieces which is a nice little touch. You can adjust the shelf according to your height requirements during assembly which is also very useful.
The 36kg log store comes flat packed and the manufacturer has provided detailed instructions to make assembly a simple process, most will find them easy to follow unlike some instructions we seem to get these days. This model would work perfectly for those looking for a large but affordable log store made of high-quality materials. Maybe not quite as sturdy as our 'Best Pick' but still more than adequate.
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Cottesmore 4ft Wooden Log Store
Pros
The Cottesmore 4ft Wooden Log Store can is a heavy duty large log store and even comes with a 15 year guarantee against rot. It is made from pressure-treated wood and therefore, it is able to handle the outdoors and is a high quality product that is designed to last. This large wood store is able to house 1.45m3 of logs which will take you for a while before you need a refill and its one of the largest in this list.
The structure of the log store is very stable as it contains 3" x 3" posts supporting the base and the roof. It also features good quality sturdy featheredge board and a raised base to keep the seasoning logs well ventilated and untouched by the elements.
Measuring 150 x 75 x 127cm, this 50kg model is one of the most heavy duty models currently available, it's easy to assemble and it is easy to maintain with no maintenance needed although we always recommend giving them a paint with wood preservative at least once a year to give it a little extra protection. We would recommend this model for those in search of a high-quality log store that can store more than 1m3 of logs, the advantage this has over our best pick is it can hold around 45% more logs. Its also worth noting that it comes with all the holes pre-drilled and only reviews screws to build but being heavy don't forget to have a second pair of hands handy.
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Rowlinson Small Log Store
Pros
Introducing the Rowlinson Small Log Store that is affordable but you no the saying 'you get what you pay for' that stands true with this model. For the price its great, but don't expect the same quality wood than more expensive models in this list. That being said, it more than adequate for the job and being smaller, some will find this model perfect for smaller spaces Designed to hold small amounts of logs, this model is made of treated wood which seems to be an industry standard. The treated wood helps keep the structure’s integrity strong even when it is exposed to the weather elements so its always best to check that a log store is made from pressure treated timber which this model is.
In usual fashion, most log stores come with a raised base so as to keep moisture away from the logs and promote air circulation. This model is no different. It features the raised base and also provides a kindling shelf that can be adjusted on assembly.
Measuring 56 x 117 x 156cm, this compact model is lightweight and easy to assemble. We would recommend this model for those who need to store under 1m3 of logs and they do not want to spend much money.
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The Rustic log Company Boat/Arched Shaped Log Store
Pros
Have you been looking for a log store that will not only house your logs but add some décor to your space? Why not try the Rustic log Company Boat/Arched Shaped Log Store? This pressure treated log store in the shape of a boat is divided into two sections by a shelf. The shelf is intended to house the kindling while the lower half houses the bigger logs.
This handcrafted beauty comes with a slatted design and a raised based. The back of the log store is semi-open providing enough air ventilation for proper wood seasoning. At 150cm tall and 90cm wide by 60cm deep, it has plenty of space and best of all comes fully assembled saving you time and frustration. You will find that no additional maintenance is required making it an easy log store to use on your property.
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Waltons Metal Log Store
Pros
The Waltons Metal Log Store is a good alternative if you are not looking for a wooden log store. The stainless steel model measures 2.13m x 46.5 cm x 1.17m and weighs 14.4kg so its fairly large while still being light weight. It offers adequate space to store your wood as you wait for it to season.
The new and improved model features an open design, therefore, in the rainy season, you may want to get a rain cover to protect the logs. There is no need to clean the roof when leaves/dirt pile up as the curved roof allows water to easily drain to the ground which is a nice feature.
It does not take too much time to assemble this log store and additionally, it requires little maintenance to keep its appearance. You may want to prop this structure up a bit to raise it from the ground to keep it away from water to help prevent rust. It is covered by a 12-month warranty which will cover any concerns you have about the product but for long term durability its hard to tell.
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Buyers Guide
Log stores come in various shapes and designs and therefore, you are not limited in terms of choice. One can prefer a small rectangle log store and the other a large boat-shaped log store. Regardless, it is best to know what kind of features you expect from the best log store that you can purchase. Finding a dependable model will solve the question of how to store logs properly for years to come. Some of the things to look out for include:
Log store material
There are three common materials that are used to make log stores. These materials are both durable but they are all prone to some flaws.
Wooden log stores are preferred for their durability and natural look. When treated the wood is able to combat the outdoors without much damage. Their only downside is that they require occasional treatment/staining to keep them in good condition. The larger the model and the higher the quality of wood used, the more you are likely to pay.
Metal log stores are available in the market and some of them are quite durable. Made from materials like stainless steel, metallic log stores can give long service as they are not susceptible to rot like wood. They can be quite heavy and depending on the quality of metal used, some models are susceptible to corrosion over time which is why we always recommend a wood log store before a metal one.
Plastic log stores are available in the market but in the long run, the metal and wooden log stores prove more durable. Made from materials like polyethene, these log stores lose strength overtime thanks to exposure to the elements and light. However, they are not as expensive as the wooden models and they need less maintenance. This makes them ideal for temporary situations.
Amount of logs to be stored
The size of the log store you buy should be able to house all the logs that you need. If you use your wood stove occasionally then there is no need for a large log store. You can get a smaller log store that suits your budget and log size. If you use large amounts of logs daily then you need a large log store to avoid frequent refilling. Just make sure that you have adequate space on your property to place the log store.
Kindling shelves
Some of the best log stores in the market come with a kindling shelf. The kindling shelf makes it easy to grab the small strips of kindle to start a fire instead of rummaging through logs of different sizes. The height of the shelf can be adjusted during assembly so as to house the amount of kindling you need to store.
Construction
How the log store is constructed determines its durability. Flimsily log stores tend to breakdown faster compared to the rigid models. Some features are not present in all the models but they make a difference in the user’s experience.
Slatted design on the roof or the walls prevent water from seeping into the store and soaking the logs.
Elongated roof prevents water from dripping onto the logs while it rains. Whether the wind direction changes or not, the rain will probably be blown onto the surface of the logs but this doesn't usually effect seasoning the logs as they still dry out if you have good ventilation.
Raised base facilitates safe log storage from the wet/muddy ground and it promotes air circulation that is crucial to proper wood seasoning.
Warranty
The length of the warranty will depend on the material used to construct the log store. There are metal log stores that offer limited warranty and wooden log stores that can provide up to 15 year anti rot warranty. It all depends on how much you spend on the log store and if you’re willing to risk it or more importantly, if your going to treat it which we always recommend.
Tips on how to better care for your logs and wood store
- Arrange them in such a way that there are air pockets between the logs to allow air circulation.
- Ensure your log store is raised above the ground in order for logs to stay dry from cold and dew.
- Be sure to treat/stain wood log stores to maintain their appearance once you notice fading even if they are made from pressure treated timber.
- If you notice the structure getting squeaky and slightly flimsy, do repairs before the weight of the logs collapse the whole structure.
- Keep the wet wood on the lower level and pile the dry ones on top. This gives the wet wood enough time to season and is ready for use sooner once winter arives.
Our Final Conclusion
Log stores are not problematic products and, therefore, they are quite easy to shop for and use. We hope that this review has revealed the best log store for your wooden stove/fireplace. If you are unsure you can always select our top recommended products knowing we have already done the research. The products recommended above are all of good quality. That is all for today, we hope to meet again in another review of the best products in the market. Cheerio!
BEST PICK
The top pick overall, this log store is sturdily built and sure to last many years to come, thanks to pressure-treated timber. It can hold an impressive 1 cubic metre of logs, making it a good choice for an average UK home and features such as the raised slatted base and lower back panel all ensure wood is seasoned in the shortest time possible.
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