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If you love a good old fashioned fire to cozy up your space, then you’ll need some log store ideas to keep your fuel in order. Luckily, there are plenty of designs available that aren’t just practical but look fantastic too.
Perhaps our fire pit ideas have got you inspired for one of your own. Or, maybe you already had one, or a fireplace or chiminea. Either way, keeping your logs in top condition will ensure you get a good burn that doesn’t plume with smoke. That means they need to be protected from the elements and neatly stacked, rather than piled up in a heap on the ground. Of course, the former looks much better too and won’t take up as much space. Plus, it’s way more convenient when you need to grab a couple more logs or a piece or two of kindling.
From multi-purpose designs and clever built-in looks to small space solutions, there are all kinds of sizes and styles of log stores to choose from. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite ideas to help get you inspired for your own garden.
(Image credit: Max Attenborough)
9 stylish log store ideas for your backyard
Ready to give your firewood a stylish new home? There’s bound to be a look you love from this mix.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
1. Make organization easy
Wood-fuelled outdoor heating ideas generally need kindling as well as logs to get a good glow going. So, when it comes to choosing your log store, picking a design that has separate sections for the two is a wise move. This will make it a breeze to grab whatever you need quickly next time you go to light a fire, plus it will look super smart too.
(Image credit: Terrain)
2. Set an architectural tone
Pick a log store that offers timeless charm, such as metallic structures with eye-catching architectural features, like this one available at Wayfair, or this hexagonal rust design from Target.
Opting for a bold black or charcoal hue is a great way to make an on-trend statement for a modern garden. But, if it’s not quite right for your style, you could choose a softer shade such as dusky rose or woodland green instead.
(Image credit: Future)
3. Keep your fuel close to your fireplace with a built-in design
An outdoor fireplace makes a stunning feature and is the ideal centerpoint for an entertaining zone.
‘If you have a built-in fireplace or outdoor kitchen, you can create cutouts or alcoves out of stone, concrete, metal or even wood that blend nicely with your existing decor,’ says Leroy Hite, founder of Cutting Edge Firewood in Atlanta. ‘The alcoves can create a beautiful focal point while providing storage. Another attractive option is to use on open-sided wrought iron rack. They come in multiple shapes and sizes – large rectangular racks or smaller round racks – depending on your firewood needs. Stack your wood neatly and then the racks can also provide a great focal point.’
There are lots of styles to choose from – from rustic to modern. But whatever look you go for, having built-in storage sections for logs will always be convenient as it means you won’t need to leave the space when the fire needs a top-up.
Don’t forget about the aesthetic value of neatly-stacked logs, too. They can make a beautifully textural contrast against sleeker materials, so there’s every reason to show them off.
You can find lots more lovely outdoor fireplace ideas in our guide.
Leroy Hite, Founder and CEO of Cutting Edge Firewood, started Cutting Edge in 2013 to disrupt the firewood industry. Leroy envisioned a company with ultra-premium firewood and unparalleled customer service. Starting with 3 species of firewood (oak, hickory and cherry), he then branched into cooking wood in 2017.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby)
4. Create a statement wall
If you’ve got lots of logs to store, you could try using them for an eye-catching garden wall idea.
A sturdy timber structure, divided into sections, will provide the perfect divider between zones once filled up with firewood. Plus, the textural display will offer plenty of visual interest. Alternatively, position it along an existing boundary to hide a lacklustre fence or wall.
(Image credit: Getty Images/glebchik)
5. Save on space by storing logs beneath a bench
Logs are bulky things, and if you only have a small space to play with, this can be problematic. The trick is to think creatively about how to incorporate them into existing features, so that they don’t take up any extra room.
Consider storing them neatly underneath a small table or bench. For extra style points, add brightly-colored cushions, or go for textural neutrals for a pared-down yet elegant scene.
Need somewhere to store other outdoor bits and bobs, too? There are plenty more garden storage ideas in our feature.
(Image credit: Getty Images/)
6. Pick a narrow style for smaller gardens
If you’re looking for alternative log store ideas that will work in a small garden, then thinking vertically is a practical approach.
A slimline design like this metal one from Wayfair won’t take up much floor space, making it easy to slot into even the tiniest of courtyards. And the open sides aren’t just for visual appeal – they will help keep the logs ventilated.
(Image credit: Getty Images/SEAN GLADWELL)
7. Look for fire pits with space for storage
There are lots of fabulous fire pit designs to choose from – in fact we’ve placed some of our top picks in our best fire pit buying guide. However, for smaller gardens, picking a design that incorporates log storage is a sensible choice.
Keeping the fire and the fuel together is super convenient. Plus, as you won’t need to bring any other log store ideas into the mix, you can save on space elsewhere.
No matter the wood type, you want to keep it dry and clean, so make sure your storage is off the ground,’ says Leroy Hite. ‘If it is a premium wood that has been dried in a kiln or oven, you can keep it fully covered. If it is from your yard or a local provider, you want to keep it partially covered to allow air flow so it can continue to dry. Moist wood can grow mold, fungus and also rot through.’
(Image credit: Getty Images/vfhnb12)
8. Give your coffee table a second use
We’ve talked about seating that doubles up as log storage, but how about a coffee table?
This idea keeps logs neatly tucked away whilst offering a striking focal point to a patio. Attaching wheels beneath will boost the versatility of the piece even more, as will allow it to be moved to one side easily if and when needed.
If you have a few DIY skills up your sleeve, you could have a go at making your own design with pallets.
(Image credit: Getty Images/Ray Orton)
9. Pair a log store with a shed
A shed is a classic garden storage solution for keeping all your tools, pots and bags of compost safe, dry, and tidy. Of course they’re not just for storage though, sheds can be decked out and used however you wish – whether that’s as a luxurious she shed, an outdoor bar, or a hobby room for painting or knitting.
Whatever you use it for, picking one that has a built-in log store to one side saves you shopping for a separate design. Plus, it will provide ample space for your fuel – ideal if you have a fireplace or wood burner indoors as well as out.
You can find lots more shed ideas in our feature.
(Image credit: Polly Eltes)
FAQs
Why should you keep logs dry?
Burning wet wood produces more smoke, creosote, and other pollutants. By keeping logs dry, log burning efficiency is improved, which ultimately reduces the impact on the environment.
It’s also much more difficult to get a good fire going with moist wood. What’s more, a build-up of creosote in a chimney or flue can lead to a higher risk of chimney fires.
Where should you position your outdoor log store?
Place your log store on a flat and even surface in, ideally, a place that’s somewhat protected from rain, gets plenty of sunlight and has adequate ventilation.
Don’t forget to put your log store somewhere that’s easy to access, too. In the middle of winter you probably won’t want to go all the way to the bottom of the garden every time you need to top up your fire.
Of course, you’ll want the appearance of your log store to complement your personal garden design. Hopefully, these log store ideas have proven there are plenty of stylish options to choose from.