Log Baskets

Log baskets and holders keep firewood and kindling tidy and close to hand for a stove or open fire. This category covers steel log holders and log stations, log cradles, rattan and willow baskets, log trays and kindling tubs.

Types and materials

• Steel log holders and stations: freestanding stores, usually in black, in shapes from low curved holders to tall upright stands, often in small, medium and large sizes.
• Log cradles: open black frames for an open fire, commonly 18, 24 or 30 inches wide, with legs or made to sit on fire dogs.
• Rattan and willow baskets: hand woven and light to move. Many are supplied with an inner liner, such as hessian, and spare liners are made for some.
• Kindling tubs and log trays: smaller containers for kindling and a few logs, often sold in sets.

Size and siting

Size the basket by how much you burn: only bring indoors the wood you will burn over the next two days. Keep logs off the floor in a rack or basket, and set it a safe distance from the stove or fire. Never store logs or other combustible materials on the hearth, and never stack them on top of, beside or against the appliance, as dry logs catch light easily. Follow the stove manufacturer's instructions.

Dry fuel

In England, wood sold in units under two cubic metres must be certified Ready to Burn, with a moisture content of 20% or less. Look for the Ready to Burn mark when choosing logs.

For pokers, shovels and brushes, see companion sets and tools; for fuel carriers, see coal buckets and hods.