Indoor firewood storage brings order and cosiness to your fireplace area. If you keep logs in your living room, you’ll know the problem: without a suitable container, bark, chips and splinters quickly spread throughout the room. With a well-chosen wooden crate, your fireplace area will stay tidy and stylish all winter long.
This guide explains the differences between wicker baskets, metal racks and wooden crates, how much wood it makes sense to store indoors, how to safely position a wooden crate next to your fireplace, wood-burning stove or tiled stove, and which types of wood are best for burning. At the end, we answer the most common questions about indoor firewood storage.
We have been making our crates from pine wood in our family workshop since 2016. Demand for suitable firewood containers rises especially in autumn – no wonder, as keeping things tidy by the fire becomes particularly important at the start of the heating season.
Indoor Firewood Storage: Why Choose a Wooden Crate Instead of a Wicker Basket?
A wicker basket looks cosy in photos, but has its drawbacks in everyday use: the wicker wears out quickly, sharp logs damage the weave, and bark and dust fall straight through the gaps onto the floor. After just one season, many baskets are already damaged at the edges.
Metal racks are sturdy, but open – everything that falls off the wood ends up on the floor. Their technical look doesn’t suit every interior, either.
A wooden crate combines the advantages of both solutions: it’s sturdy, has solid sides, keeps dirt contained and looks like a natural addition to your fireplace. Wood next to wood – it just fits.
The Benefits of a Crate with Rope Handles
A crate with handles is the most practical. A thick rope doesn’t cut into your hands like metal, and the crate is easy to carry even when fully loaded. That’s why our firewood crate with rope handles 50×40×30 cm is especially popular.
- Stability – flat base, doesn’t tip over when removing logs.
- Less mess – bark and splinters stay in the crate, leftovers can be easily tipped out.
- Easy to carry – rope handles on both sides, can also be carried by two people.
- Appearance – flamed pine with striking grain matches brick, natural stone, tiles and white walls.
- No assembly required – the crates arrive fully assembled, ready to use straight away.
How Much Wood to Store by the Fireplace?
For indoor firewood storage, it’s best to keep enough for 1–3 days by the fireplace. The main supply should stay in the woodshed, under a shelter or in the garage.
Why not more? Wood brings dust, bark and sometimes insects into the house. A large stack takes up space and collects dust. A small supply is easier to manage and stays cleaner.
How to Estimate Your Supply
- Count how many logs you burn each evening. Usually it’s a few to a dozen or so.
- Multiply by the number of days. If you top up at the weekend, space for 2–3 days is enough.
- Allow space for kindling. Small wood, pine cones and firelighters are best kept in a small crate.
- If you use your fire daily – place two crates side by side or choose a larger chest.
For occasional heating, a 50×40×30 cm crate is enough for one or two evenings. If your fireplace is your main source of heat, a large chest or a set of two containers is recommended.
Storing Firewood Outside the House
The crate by the fireplace is the final stop. To keep your wood dry and clean, the main supply should be stored in the right place. A well-organised woodshed saves you work.
Woodshed, Shelter, Garage
Ideally, use a covered shelter or a woodshed with open sides. The roof protects from rain, while air circulation allows the wood to continue drying. A dry garage is also suitable, as long as the wood isn’t placed directly on concrete.
- Don’t store wood directly on the ground – use pallets, battens or bricks underneath.
- Leave a gap to the wall – for better air circulation.
- Bark facing up – protects the top layer like roof tiles.
- Cover only the top with plastic, not all around – otherwise moisture will build up.
Rotating Your Supply
Burn the oldest, best-dried wood first. New deliveries go at the back or on a separate stack. The crate with rope handles is practical: fill it in the shed, carry it into the house, done.
If your shed is far away, a chest with a lid by the door is useful – as a buffer for a few days. This way, you don’t have to fetch wood as often and only bring as much into the living room as you need.
Basket, Rack or Chest – A Comparison
Before you decide on a solution, here are the key differences. Prices: “from X €” – current offers can be found in the shop.
| Solution | Price | Capacity | Bark and Dust | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SolutionWicker basket | Pricelow to medium | Capacitysmall–medium | Bark and Dustfalls through the weave | Appearancecosy, but quickly worn out |
| SolutionMetal rack | Pricemedium | Capacitymedium–large, vertical | Bark and Dusteverything falls on the floor | Appearancemodern, technical |
| SolutionCrate with rope handles 50×40×30 cm | Pricefrom 12.90 € | Capacityenough for 1–2 evenings | Bark and Dustmost stays inside | Appearancerustic, warm, suits the fireplace |
| SolutionChest with lid 75×40×30 cm | Pricefrom 57.90 € | Capacityenough for several days | Bark and Dustclosed, no dust escapes | Appearancea piece of furniture – bench, seat, storage |
A wicker basket is more suitable as a decorative piece for a few logs. A metal rack makes sense in modern interiors if the wood is part of the look. For everyday order and comfort, a wooden firewood crate is usually the best choice.
Wooden Crates for Firewood
Which Firewood Crate Should You Choose?
Size is key: it determines how many logs fit inside and what the crate is used for. Fireplace logs are usually 25–33 cm long, so a 50 cm long crate will hold them comfortably.
| Crate | How many logs (approx.) | Purpose | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrateWith rope handles 50×40×30 cm | How many logs (approx.)about 12 to 25 medium-sized logs | Purposedaily supply by the fireplace | Pricefrom 12.90 € |
| CrateFlamed 50×40×30 cm | How many logs (approx.)as above | Purposesecond crate, shelf with logs | Pricefrom 10.90 € |
| Crate60×40×20 cm | How many logs (approx.)one or two layers of logs | Purposeshallow crate under a bench or in a niche | Pricefrom 9.90 € |
| CrateWith lid and clasp 50×40×30 cm | How many logs (approx.)about a dozen logs or kindling | Purposeclosed storage, less dust | Pricefrom 35.90 € |
| CrateLarge chest with lid 75×40×30 cm | How many logs (approx.)supply for several evenings | Purposebench by the fire and storage | Pricefrom 57.90 € |
| CrateSmall 30×20×15 cm | How many logs (approx.)kindling, pine cones | Purposekindling, matches, firelighters | Pricefrom 6.90 € |
| Crate35×25×19 cm | How many logs (approx.)a few smaller logs | Purposekindling, wood stoves, holiday home | Pricefrom 9.90 € |
The 50×40×30 cm Crate with Rope Handles – For Everyday Use
The most versatile choice: it holds enough for one or two evenings, has handles for carrying and takes up little space. In the flamed version, the darker wood hides small marks from soot and bark. If you don’t need rope handles, a flamed crate 50×40×30 cm with cut-out handles serves the same purpose.
The Large Chest 75×40×30 cm with Lid – Bench and Storage
If you have more space, a large chest with lid is ideal. When closed, it serves as a bench where you can, for example, place a blanket or a cup of tea. Inside, the logs are stored dust-free.
Practical if the fireplace is the centrepiece of your living room or if you have small children and pets in the house.
A Shelf Made from Crates – Logs in a Niche
Increasingly popular: stack several crates on top of each other with the open side facing the room – this creates an open shelf full of logs. For this setup, the crate 60×40×20 cm is suitable. A set of 6 flamed crates provides space for wood, kindling, newspapers and gloves.
Small Crate for Kindling, Pine Cones and Matches
It’s practical to store kindling separately. A small crate 30×20×15 cm holds kindling, pine cones, firelighters and matches. The crate 35×25×19 cm also has space for newspapers and a fireplace glove. You’ll find more models in the small crates category.
For kindling, matches and odds and ends
Interior Ideas: Fireplace, Wood-Burning Stove, Tiled Stove and Terrace
The same crate can look very different depending on where you place it. Here are some tried-and-tested ideas for different areas:
By the Fireplace in the Living Room
Place the crate to the side of the fireplace, not directly in front of the fire. An ensemble looks attractive: a larger crate for logs, a small one for kindling, and the fireplace tools next to them. Flamed wood suits natural stone and brick, untreated pine suits light interiors.
By the Wood-Burning Stove
Wood-burning stoves are often closer to furniture and walls. Place the crate at a distance on a non-combustible surface or mat. The crate with rope handles can be easily moved aside when lighting the fire.
By the Tiled Stove
A large chest with a lid looks good next to a tiled stove – as a bench and storage. Inside, you can store logs and briquettes.
In the Kitchen with a Wood Cooker
For a wood cooker, a small, frequently topped-up supply is practical. The shallow crate 60×40×20 cm fits under the worktop, and a small crate next to it holds kindling.
In the Holiday Home
In the garden or holiday home, one or two crates are enough for two days and a small crate for kindling. After the season, the crates can be used to store blankets, games or supplies.
On the Terrace and by the Entrance
On the terrace, a crate with wood by the fire bowl, barbecue or sauna is practical. Place it under cover and on supports. A large chest with a lid by the entrance is a convenient stop-off for logs on their way into the living room.
Fireplace Safety
Wooden crates are flammable, just like the wood inside them. Please observe the following rules:
- Safe distance from the fire and glass. Check the recommendations of your fireplace or stove manufacturer.
- Never place directly next to embers. Sparks can travel further than you think.
- Don’t dry wood directly by the fire. The supply should already be dry.
- Store kindling separately. In a lockable or separate crate, further from the fire.
- Children and pets. A container with a lid keeps them away from the wood.
Seasoned Wood – Moisture Content up to approx. 20%
Only seasoned wood is suitable for the fireplace – usually dried for one or two seasons, with a residual moisture of no more than 20%. Wet wood smokes, dirties the glass and gives off less heat. A wood moisture meter is helpful.
Insects and Woodworm in Wood from the Forest
Wood from the forest can contain insects. In the warm house, they become active. So only keep a small supply indoors and empty and clean the crate regularly.
Practical Tips for the Whole Season
With a little care, a good crate will last you many winters:
Mat or Tray Under the Crate
A hearth mat, a piece of felt or a tray under the crate protects the floor and makes cleaning easier. Felt pads are recommended on laminate flooring.
Remove Bark and Sawdust
Empty the crate every few days when it’s nearly empty and vacuum the floor. This keeps everything clean and free from insects.
Discolouration and Darker Marks
The inside of the crate will darken over time – this is normal. A grey coating can usually be brushed off when dry. Flamed crates are particularly easy to care for in this respect.
Impregnation – Optional
The crates are ready to use straight away. For extra protection, e.g. on the terrace, you can treat them with wood oil or wax. Allow the crate to dry thoroughly afterwards.
Which Wood is Best for the Fireplace?
The best container is of little use if the wrong wood is inside. In Germany, hardwood is most commonly used for heating – it provides long-lasting, even embers.
- Beech – the classic: steady embers, lots of heat, beautiful flame.
- Hornbeam – very high calorific value, ideal for long evenings.
- Oak – productive, but needs a long time to season.
- Birch – easy to light, decorative, burns more quickly.
- Ash – steady heat, even after a shorter seasoning period.
- Softwood (pine, spruce) – lots of resin, burns quickly, best for kindling.
A good habit: store hardwood logs in the large chest, and thin pine kindling in the small crate for lighting the fire.
A Firewood Crate as a Gift
Looking for a housewarming, St Nicholas Day, Christmas, birthday, anniversary or Valentine’s Day gift? A firewood crate is practical and stylish – a present that brings joy for years to come.
- For a housewarming – a crate with rope handles, filled with beech and birch logs, decorated with jute twine.
- For St Nicholas Day – a small crate with kindling, pine cones, long fireplace matches and a bag of gingerbread.
- Under the Christmas tree – a large chest with a lid, filled with a blanket, a thermos flask and a bottle of fruit brandy for winter evenings.
- For Father’s Day – a set for the dad who chops his own wood: crate, gloves, moisture meter.
If you’re unsure which size is right, simply give a gift voucher – the recipient can choose the crate that suits them best.
Gift ideas for fireplace owners
Where to Find More Crates
You’ll find more models and versions in our categories below. Flamed crates are especially well suited to the fireplace, crates with lids hide wood and dust, and small crates are practical for kindling and accessories. We ship everything from our family workshop with DHL to all of Germany (delivery time 2–3 working days). Details can be found under Shipping & Delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
In everyday use, a wooden crate with handles proves best, e.g. 50×40×30 cm with rope handles. It stands securely, is easy to carry from the woodshed, and bark and splinters mostly stay inside rather than falling on the floor as with a wicker basket or metal rack. That depends on the length and thickness of the logs, but it’s usually enough for one or two evenings with a fireplace used for occasional heating – about 12 to 25 medium-sized logs of 25–33 cm length. Every fireplace, insert and stove has different requirements, so check your appliance manufacturer’s instructions – they specify the minimum distances to combustible materials. As a rule: keep a safe distance from the fire and glass, and don’t place the crate where embers or sparks could reach it. We advise against it. Only keep enough indoors for 1–3 days, and store the rest in the woodshed, under a shelter or in a dry garage. A large stack in the living room collects dust, takes up space, and wood from the forest can bring insects into the house. The flamed crate is darker, has a pronounced grain and hides marks from bark and soot better – making it very practical by the fire. Untreated, light pine suits Scandinavian and bright interiors. Both have the same size and construction – choose according to your room’s style. No. The crates arrive fully assembled and ready to use – you can put wood in straight away. Treating with oil or wax is optional – mainly useful if the crate will be on a covered terrace. Best is seasoned hardwood with a residual moisture of no more than about 20%: beech, hornbeam, oak, birch, ash. Softwood such as pine or spruce is better kept for kindling, as it contains a lot of resin and dirties the glass and chimney more quickly.Which firewood basket is the most practical for the fireplace?
How much wood fits in a 50×40×30 cm crate?
How far from the fireplace should the wood chest be placed?
Can I store my entire winter wood supply in the house?
Flamed or untreated crate by the fireplace?
Do the crates need to be assembled or treated?
Which wood is best for burning in the fireplace?
Conclusion – Order by the Fireplace All Winter Long
A good firewood basket for the fireplace doesn’t have to be made of wicker or metal. A wooden crate stands securely, doesn’t shed debris, is easy to carry thanks to rope handles and suits the warm atmosphere of the fire. Store a supply for a few days inside, keep kindling in a small crate next to it, and place everything at a safe distance from the fire – according to your fireplace manufacturer’s recommendations.
If you’re just setting up your fireside area, start with crates with rope handles or a large chest with a lid that also serves as a bench. And if you have questions about size or style – contact us, we’re happy to advise. We wish you warm, peaceful evenings by the fire!
He knows pine wood inside out: dimensions, load capacity, finishes and care. He writes our buying guides and answers technical questions.
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