Nothing keeps the home warm like a fireplace, and that’s why a lot of homes have it. Although there are electric fireplaces, they don’t produce the crackles and smell of burning wood. That’s why many homes still use traditional fireplaces.
Of course, this article is not about fireplaces, but about logs. Some people store their wood indoors to prevent it from getting wet. This is not the best because wood plays host to beetles, bugs, carpenter ants, termites, and even roaches.
You don’t want any of the mentioned pests to gain access to your house. Termites and carpenter ants could bite anyone in your household, and they could also bite your pet. So, it is not a good idea to store logs indoors.
Why You Should Store Logs In A Shed?
1. To Prevent Termite Infestation
As mentioned earlier, logs attract termites and carpenter ants. The problem with a termite infestation is that they’ll start eating up your logs from inside.
By the time you find out, most of the wood may have been eaten. When you store them in a shed, termites may not have easy access to the logs.
2. To Protect The Wood From Harsh Weather Conditions
Logs perform best when it is dry. Wet wood leads to incomplete combustion, and that’s why it produces a lot of smoke. To keep your logs dry, it is better to store them in an elevated and enclosed shed.
3. First-in-first-out Usage Pattern
It is good to use the first batch of logs first. That means you should adopt a first-in-first-out pattern. You may not be able to achieve this if your logs are not well arranged in a shed.
4. Proper Monitoring
When you stack up against your logs on the floor, you may not know when it is getting reduced. But when you arrange them in a shed, it will be obvious when you’re running out of wood.
How To Build A Log Storage Shed? 9 Easy Steps
Step 1 – Determine the spot where you want to build the log storage shed. Also, it is important to also determine the size of the shed.
This will help you get the right measurements. To determine the size, you need to consider the quantities of logs you want to store in the shed.
Step 2 – Build the side panels. Cut out the side panels according to your measurements, file them and get them ready.
Step 3 – Set the footings and raise the walls. This is where the shed will stand.
Step 4 – Cut out the floor panel. Remember the floor is going to be elevated, so you need to create its resting point on the four legs of the shed.
Step 5 – Add joists and beams to make the framework of the shed. The frame is what the side panels will be connected to. Don’t forget to check the accuracy of your work.
Step 6 – Fix the side panels, and nail them to the frame one after the other.
Step 7 – Fix the back panel and nail it too.
Step 8 – The next step is to cut out the door or doors. You can fix a single but wide door, but we think it is better to have two doors that open to the sides.
This will make it easier for you to put things inside the shed. You may also want to put a lock on the doors of the shed for security.
Step 9 – Fix the roof. You may want to cover the shed with a waterproof iron sheet. This will prevent water from soaking the shed.
Precautions:
There are several precautions to take. First of all, you must use dry wood to build the shed. If the wood is not dry enough, it may begin to rot or warp in a few years.
Of course, dry high-quality wood costs much more than low-quality wood, but it will be a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Determine the quantities of logs you want to store before you come up with the size. You don’t want to build a shed that is too small and cannot contain as many logs as you’ll love to store.
If you’re new in the do-it-yourself world, you may need to seek attention or hire an expert. Also, take care of all the tools properly. Once you’re done with any powerful tool, switch it off and unplug it.
Be extra careful with the saw. Don’t place your hand close to the saw. A little mistake could turn into a disaster.
What Wood Do I Need To Build A Log Store?
Here are the best types of wood to use for your log store.
Cedar – Although this wood is quite expensive, it is durable and resistant to wood-eating insects like termites. The wood is also resistant to decay and rot. You may have to pay more for this wood, but it will prove to be more cost-effective in the long run.
Plywood – This one is affordable and easy to assemble. In addition, plywood can be used for different types of woodwork. In case you mistakenly buy more than you need, you’ll still use the excess.
Pine – You can choose this wood for its durability and affordability.
Redwood – This is affordable and it is partially resistant to fire. Unfortunately, it is going into extinction. The population of redwood in the United States has dropped by over 40%.
Larch – This is wood is affordable and durable. It is resistant to decay and it has high resin content.
Cypress – You can use this wood too. Cypress in known for durability and high resistance to rot.
Does a log store need a roof?
Setting up a roof for a shed is not mandatory. All you need to be considerate about is the breathability of the logs in the log store. Some log stores have roofs on them while some are not. The decking must be porous if one uses an opened log store.
If the base is not porous, the log store must be sloppy so there won’t be waterlogged in the shed after rainfall. Meanwhile, how you stack logs in different log stores vary; log stores with flat bases are different from how one does it in a log store that’s mounted on uneven ground.
Should A Log Store Be Slatted?
Yes, you can slat you log store but it is not compulsory. Slatted log stores do not have advantages over the ones that are not slatted.
Can I Store Logs In A Shed?
Yes. The shed is the best place to store your logs. They’ll be safe there and you’ll be able to monitor its usage.
Sheds will keep the stacked woods from mists, dews, and fogs. In fact, if you intend to store your logs outdoor, then shed is the most preferred option. You could stack the logs perfectly with and without wooden pallets. If your shed is roomy and has commodious spaces for ventilation, then you’ve really got nothing to worry about at all.
At least, it’s synonymous with keeping them away from mold growths and termites. Invariably, one can store logs effortlessly as long as the logs can breathe, and no threats in any form can limit their interaction with a humid environment.
Do Log Stores Keep Logs Dry?
Yes, insulated stores keep logs dry as they prevent humidity. You can open their vents to allow fresh air into the store in the summer.
What keeps the wood dry is the wind and prevention of the stacked logs to exposure to humidity. The log store would have to be situated in a region that’s at a considerable level above the ground level. Trees have to be sited far away from it also.
Sunlight and ventilation will keep the wood dried over time. Most log stores don’t have doors, especially those that aren’t roomy enough. Users of these kinds of log stores often use a sewn wide nylon to cover the store from night to enhance its safety.
Where Is The Best Place To Put A Log Store?
The best place to put a log store is outdoors. You can put it in your backyard or anywhere in your compound.
Can I Store Kiln Dried Logs Outside?
Sure, you can store them outside. However, you must store them in an insulated shed or store.
Final Word
As mentioned earlier, it is better to store your logs outdoors because it attracts termites, bugs, carpenter ants, and roaches. And when you store it outside, it should be in an elevated shed where it will be safe. Don’t burn wet wood in your fireplace as it will produce a lot of harmful smoke.
Finally, buy high-quality treated wood for the project. When you do, the shed will last for many years. On the other hand, if you purchase cheap low-quality wood to save cost, you’re likely to repeat the whole project after a few years. This is because low quality wood.
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