Build firewood storage — step by step
An airy log store that keeps the wood dry and the garden tidy.
This is a complete guide to build log storage yourself — step by step, with a material list, tools, a timeline and what it costs. It's written for anyone building at home without professional experience: count on 1–2 weekends and a material cost of around 3,500–8,000 kr.
Showing method: Open log store with a roof
The price is an estimate based on typical material prices and can vary depending on size, material choice, location and store.
Which method suits you best?
Best for: The most common solution — easy to load in wood and good ventilation.
Please note: Material quantities, prices and building methods are guidelines. Always check current prices, local regulations and product instructions before starting a project.
How log storage comes together
Firewood storage is one of the most appreciated outdoor projects — it keeps the wood dry, organised and ready to burn. We build a simple, open structure with slatted walls that let wind and sun through, and a roof that protects against rain and snow.
Materials for log storage — full list
Check items off while you shop — the list stays with you on the page.
Build log storage step by step
- 01
Plan the size and location
A log store of 2 × 1.5 metres holds about 2–3 m³ of firewood — enough for most households. Choose a spot near the house or fireplace with good airflow. Mark the corners with pegs and string.
Tip: Make sure the roof overhangs at least 20 cm at the sides so rainwater doesn't run in against the walls. - 02
Set the posts
Dig 50–60 cm deep holes for the four corner posts and set them with fast-setting concrete, or mount them on post supports with concrete piers. Check that all the posts are plumb and that the diagonals between the corners are equal.
- 03
Build the sill and roof frame
Screw sill joists (45 × 70 mm) between the posts at the bottom. Then build the roof frame on top of the posts with a slight slope to the rear so water runs off. Use a spirit level for both level and slope.
- 04
Fit the slatted walls
Screw slats 22 × 45 mm vertically between the sill and roof frame with about 5 mm gaps. Pre-drill near the ends so the slats don't split. The slatted walls let in air and sun so the wood dries efficiently.
Tip: Use a 5 mm wooden spacer between the slats — that keeps the gaps exactly even across the whole wall. - 05
Lay the roof
Screw OSB or plywood boards onto the roof frame. Lay roofing felt on top with at least 10 cm overlap, or a lightweight metal roof. Make sure the roof overhangs at least 20 cm at the sides.
- 06
Build a door or wind screen
Build a simple door in the same slatted construction as the walls, with hinges on one side and a hasp on the other. Alternatively, leave the front completely open — that makes it easier to load in wood.
- 07
Oil or stain
Let the timber dry for a few days and apply two coats of wood oil or stain. This protects against moisture, prevents greying and significantly extends the lifespan.
Help specific to build firewood storage
How the time breaks down
A log store of 2 × 1.5 m is built in 1–2 weekends. The posts take the longest, the rest goes quickly once the frame is up.
- Measuring, marking & planning2 hours
- Digging holes & setting posts3–4 hours
- Concrete curing time (if casting)12–24 hours
- Building sill and roof frame2–3 hours
- Fitting slatted walls3–4 hours
- Laying the roof2–3 hours
- Building a door (if applicable)1–2 hours
- Oiling (two coats + drying time)2 hours + 1 day
How to save time
- Build the slatted walls flat on the ground first — it's easier to get even gaps.
- Use a ready-made roofing felt roll with taped edges — it saves time and gives a tighter roof.
- Get someone to help when the roof frame goes up — it's tricky alone.
Questions and answers about build firewood storage
How do you build log storage?
Firewood storage is one of the most appreciated outdoor projects — it keeps the wood dry, organised and ready to burn. We build a simple, open structure with slatted walls that let wind and sun through, and a roof that protects against rain and snow. The guide breaks the work into 7 steps — you start with plan the size and location, set the posts and build the sill and roof frame and work your way forward at your own pace.
How much does it cost to build log storage?
Material cost is typically 3,500–8,000 kr. Total cost 3,500–8,000 kr depending on size, roof choice and timber type. Pressure-treated pine is cheapest and lasts 15+ years. The biggest items are joists and posts (pressure-treated) 1,000–2,000 kr, slats 22×45 mm (~48 linear metres) 800–1,500 kr and osb/plywood + roofing felt (5 m²) 700–1,500 kr. The price varies with size, material choice, location and store.
What materials do you need for log storage?
You'll need things like posts 70 × 70 mm pressure-treated, joists 45 × 70 mm pressure-treated, slats 22 × 45 mm pressure-treated, roof joists 45 × 95 mm pressure-treated and osb or plywood board 12 mm — the full material list with quantities is in the guide and can be checked off while you shop. Tools you'll need at home: drill & batteries, circular saw or mitre saw, spirit level and folding rule & pencil.
How long does it take and how hard is it?
Count on 1–2 weekends for log storage. A log store of 2 × 1.5 m is built in 1–2 weekends. The posts take the longest, the rest goes quickly once the frame is up. The difficulty level is easy, so you can manage it without professional experience if you follow the steps in order.
Which method should I choose for log storage?
There are 3 common ways to build it: open log store with a roof, log store with a door and three walls and log store against the house wall. Choose a method at the top of the page — the guide, material list and cost then adapt to that solution.
What's the most common mistake?
The mistakes we see most often: building too tightly — firewood needs air all around to dry properly, forgetting the roof overhang — rainwater runs in against the walls and standing the posts directly on the ground without post supports — moisture makes the timber rot. Read through the whole guide once before you start — that way you'll avoid most of them.
And that's it, done.
Take a step back, pour a cup of coffee and enjoy. You built it yourself.
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