When the temperature drops and the log burner comes back into use, a good log store earns its keep — keeping firewood dry, seasoned and close to hand rather than tarped over in a soggy heap. Log stores come in a surprising range of sizes and shapes, though, so it's worth a moment's thought before you buy. This guide covers the four things that matter most, so you can match a Shire log store to your garden and your firewood habit.
1. Work out how much wood you need to store
Capacity is the first decision. Be honest about how much you actually get through over a winter — a wood burner used most evenings works through a great deal more than the odd fire pit.
- A little — for kindling, a fire pit or a chiminea, a compact store keeps a handy amount dry without dominating the garden. The Small Log Store is ideal for this.
- A fair bit — for a wood burner in regular use, size up. The Large Heavy Duty Log Store holds a generous stack and is built to take the weight, while the pent-roofed Large Log Store comes in two sizes so you can pick the capacity that fits.
As a rule of thumb, buy a size up from your first instinct — a store that's always full is more useful than one you outgrow by January.
2. Match the store to your space
Where the store will sit often decides its shape as much as its size, so measure the spot before you choose.
- Tight against a wall or fence — a slim, tall design uses vertical space and keeps the footprint small. The Tall Wall Log Store is built from sturdy sawn timber for exactly this.
- An awkward corner — a triangular store turns dead space into storage. The Small Triangular Log Store and roomier Large Triangular Log Store both tuck neatly into a corner.
- On show as a feature — if the store will be seen, a decorative design pulls its weight. The Woodlowe Cross Log Store has a distinctive cross front that looks as good as it works.
3. Look at the timber and treatment
A log store lives outdoors year-round, so the timber matters. Every Shire log store is made in the UK, and most are pressure-treated — the timber is impregnated with preservative for long-lasting protection against rot, with no annual re-coating needed. Two design features are worth checking for as well:
- Slatted sides let air move freely through the stack, which is what actually seasons and dries the wood.
- A raised floor keeps logs up off the ground and away from rising damp.
Together they're the difference between firewood that lights first time and wood that hisses and smoulders.
4. Consider a store that does more than one job
Some stores earn a little extra space. The Country Log Store combines an open log store with a separate side store — handy for keeping tools, kindling or garden odds and ends alongside the wood. If you're tight on room, a dual-purpose design saves you buying two separate buildings.
Keeping firewood dry: the basics
Whichever store you choose, a few habits keep your wood in good shape: stack it loosely so air can circulate, keep the newest wood to one side so you burn the driest first, and position the store where it catches some sun and breeze rather than in a permanently shaded, still corner. Seasoned hardwood needs to get below around 20% moisture to burn well — good airflow is what gets it there.
Don't forget the bins
While you're tidying the garden, the same pressure-treated timber range includes stores that hide wheelie bins out of sight. The Wheelie Bin Store covers a single bin, and the Double Wheelie Bin Store tidies two — a neat way to smarten up the front of the house to match.
Ready to choose?
Once you know your capacity, your space and where the store will sit, the choice gets a lot simpler. Browse the full Garden Storage collection or explore all our Garden Buildings at Oak & Outdoor — every log store lists its full dimensions to help you compare.