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I was given a young oak, cut down not growing.
I've cut it up and split the logs, and propped them up against the garage in the garden. I've also put a layer of breathable roofing felt over the top only. So 'the weather' can only get to them from one direction.
Is this okay? I was hoping to use them winter 2021.
Currently burning purchased logs. The burner has been bloody excellent, and doing the job we'd hoped it would.
Aye, as long as it's out of the way of the prevailing wind, and there's no water running down the back, it'll be fine. Consider bringing them into complete shelter a couple of months before.
Your only worry is that oak isn't the easiest to get started, especially if it's not properly dried, should really have 2-3 years, so I'd get a bag of softwood too, see how it goes.
Good, that I can do. I was thinking of storing them inside after next years summer.
They dry better outside in wind IME, just suggested bringing them in as it means you can get a look and see if there's dampness behind them or anything.
They dry better outside in wind IME
+1
We had a proper 3mx4m woodshed in Galloway. The wood was so slow to dry. I removed a strip of the wrinkly tin top and bottom - and the blasting draft was much quicker at drying the wood.
@mcmooneter should have the best answer - holzhausen.
And keep them off the ground - old pallets work well
as long as it’s out of the way of the prevailing wind
Hmmm, that's not very true.
You want the logs to be in the prevailing wind if possible as the wind will keep mould away and speed up drying. Preferably the logs will be covered on the top but ideally with an air gap - so a hard roof rather than with a tarp.
I was thinking of storing them inside after next years summer.
This should be fine but as has been said, oak can take a couple of years to dry - and I never light the fire with them.
I put all my split logs into IBC cages now and they sit outside all the time with a sheet of corrugated steel sat on top. In late September I put enough cages into the barn to last the winter.
[IBC cages and a £50 pallet truck of eBay has been an absolute game changer in terms of handling - but all my logs live on a concreted yard so it's really easy to move them] around
Sharkbait, agreed, I meant in terms of open to rain if not covered that well.
There is a bit of that but rain is only temporary and just sits on the surface so it dries off quickly. It's not the end of the world if they get some rain on but it's best to cover them obvs.
A windy south-facing place is best but be aware that mice might take shelter and woodlice might begin to find their way indoors.
/Bookmarked for imminent stove instalation.
You'll know when the wood is dry because it will ring musically when banged together. Unseasoned wood will just thump.
We'd lay them out flat outside, spacing sticks in between and a cover over the top leaving the ends open.
Air dried oak is a premium price, but air dried is outside wood, and usually kilned wood is for internal.
This can be swopped about by bringing timber into the centrally heated house to acclimatize, otherwise it will bend and warp. Same applies for outdoors, best stored outside first, then machined.
Buy yourself a No5 Jack plane. Flattening big boards by hand is quite a satisfying feeling.
ADDS - Just noticed youre burning them 😯
Build yourself a log store is the correct answer! Solid roof and plenty of gaps int he floor, sides and back is what you want. The kore wind it gets the better. Old pallets are great if you don't mind the rustic look.
As above, build yourself a log store. It doesn’t need to be fancy. Air flow is key, a handful of pallets, a couple of 4x2s and a sheet of tin.
Small log store will be an investment if you have a burner.
Keep the rain off (as much as poss) and let plenty air move through it.
I go through tonnes a year but never buy dried, it's cheaper if it's just hit the ground.
Cheaper still if you stumble on it with the chainsaw in the transit lol 🙂
I made a small log store from a few pallets & also have a bigger bought one. If you’re making it you can do any size you want. Pallets on the bottom to keep the wood off the ground. It’ll probably only last a couple of years before it rots, but it’ll do the job.
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Oak needs to be split small IME. Expose it to full weather until a month before you need to use it when you should put it under some sort of cover. Freshly split oak has a wonderful smell. Enjoy.