If you’ve just stocked up on kiln-dried logs from Clark’s Coal, or you’re planning to place an order soon, one thing is absolutely key: storing your firewood correctly.

Whether you’re in Sunbury, Shepperton, Walton on Thames, Esher, or elsewhere across Surrey, Middlesex, or SW London, how you store your logs can make a big difference. Even the highest quality kiln-dried wood can lose performance if it’s exposed to the elements for too long.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to store firewood properly to keep it dry, burn efficiently, and ensure your fuel lasts through the season.

Why Proper Firewood Storage Matters

When firewood gets wet or absorbs moisture from the ground or air, it becomes harder to light and burns with far less heat. Worse still, damp logs can:

  • Produce excess smoke
  • Cause soot and tar buildup in your chimney
  • Waste fuel due to inefficient burning
  • Lead to indoor air quality issues

This is especially true in smoke control areas, where the wrong type of fire or poor combustion can cause issues. Using kiln-dried logs, like the ones Clark’s Coal supplies, gives you a great head start — but only if they’re stored well once delivered.

Top Tips for Storing Firewood Properly

1. Choose a Dry, Sheltered Spot

Ideally, store your logs in a covered area protected from rain and snow. This could be a:

  • Log shed
  • Covered wood store
  • Lean-to against your house
  • Shed with good airflow

Avoid storing logs in plastic bags, airtight containers, or fully enclosed sheds with no ventilation — trapped moisture is your enemy.

2. Keep Logs Off the Ground

Moisture seeps up from the ground, even on concrete. Use:

  • A log store with a raised base
  • Pallets
  • Bricks or treated timber underneath the stack

This stops logs absorbing moisture from below and keeps the bottom layer usable.

3. Allow Air to Circulate

Logs need good airflow to stay dry. Stack them:

  • Loosely (don’t cram them tightly)
  • In rows with small gaps
  • With a bit of space around the pile

If your log store has a back wall, leave a couple of inches between it and the logs. This airflow prevents trapped dampness and allows any residual moisture to evaporate.

4. Cover the Top — But Let the Sides Breathe

Use a breathable, waterproof cover for the top of your log pile — especially if it’s stored outdoors. Tarpaulin is fine, but don’t wrap the whole stack.

A common mistake is covering everything completely, which traps condensation and leads to soggy logs.

Instead:

  • Cover the top and part of the front
  • Leave the sides and base open for airflow
  • Use a purpose-built log store if possible

Clark’s Coal Delivers Right Into Your Log Store

One of the best things about ordering from Clark’s Coal is that we don’t leave your fuel on the kerb like some suppliers. We deliver your logs directly into your storage area — whether that’s:

  • A log store in your garden
  • A shed at the back of the property
  • A coal bunker or wood store beside your fireplace

So if you’re in Sunbury, Shepperton, Walton, Esher, or anywhere across our Surrey & Middlesex delivery routes, you can rest easy knowing we’ll do the heavy lifting — and help you get set up properly from day one.

Prepping for Winter? Now’s the Time to Stock Up

Cold weather, damp air, and increased demand all make autumn and early winter the busiest time for firewood. The earlier you stock up, the better.

By storing your kiln-dried logs well:

  • You’ll keep them dry and ready for peak use
  • You’ll avoid the last-minute rush when the weather turns
  • You’ll make the most of every log — better burn, better value

Bonus Tip: Rotate Your Stack

If you’ve had logs delivered multiple times, use the oldest logs first and rotate your stack as you add new ones. This avoids logs sitting unused at the back of your store for months.

About Clark’s Coal

Clark’s Coal is a local, family-run business that’s been supplying quality fuel since 1890. For over five generations, we’ve delivered kiln-dried logs, smokeless coal, eco fuels, and kindling & firelighters to homes and businesses across Surrey, Middlesex, and South West London.

We’re proud to offer:

  • Top-quality, properly dried fuel
  • Free local delivery with low minimum orders
  • Delivery placed where you need it — not left at the kerb
  • Friendly, knowledgeable service every step of the way

Whether you need fuel for your home, log burner, pub, or hotel — we’ve got you covered.

Need Help or Ready to Order?

Got questions about log storage or not sure how much to order? We’re happy to help.

Email: justin@clarkscoal.co.uk
Call Justin: 07795 252987
Visit: clarkscoal.co.uk

Clark’s Coal – Fuelled by tradition. Powered by service.