Best log stores in the UK: compared on capacity, cover and airflow

The best store is the smallest one that accepts your peak stacked volume without choking airflow. Our shortlist favours clear capacity claims, a raised floor, meaningful roof coverage and a structure you can actually reach into.

Shortlist by job

Best for	Model	Published external size	Published capacity	Why it makes the list
Compact ready-use stack	Forest Garden Compact Pent	126.2 × 96 × 82.3 cm	0.5 m³	Slatted back, sides and floor; raised bearers; small footprint
Lower, wider stack	Forest Garden Large Pent	126.2 × 180 × 82.3 cm	1.1 m³	Less reach than a tall store; broad opening
Larger covered stack	Forest Garden Overlap Apex	153 × 198 × 81 cm	1.75 m³	Felted boarded roof, slatted raised floor and stated capacity
Metal construction	Charles Bentley Metal 6×3 ft	148 × 182 × 89 cm	Not stated	Raised floor, slanted roof and gutter; base must be provided

Dimensions are height × width × depth. They are maker-published external dimensions, so do not substitute them for usable capacity calculations.

Best compact option: Forest Garden Compact Pent

The useful point is not that it is small; it is that the maker publishes a 0.5 m³ capacity and describes slats on the back, sides and floor. This suits a measured ready-use stack near the house, not an entire season for a heavy user. Check the roof's rain direction before choosing its orientation.

Best low, wide option: Forest Garden Large Pent

At 1.1 m³ stated capacity, this is the calmer shape for someone who dislikes tall stacking. The wide opening aids access, but it needs almost twice the frontage of the compact version. Use the internal-capacity method before assuming one supplier bag will fit.

Best larger timber option: Forest Garden Overlap Apex

The maker states 1.75 m³ and describes a raised, slatted floor plus a felted boarded roof. The apex adds weather cover, though its top triangle should not be treated as easy stacking space. This is a single broad opening; consider adding a removable divider if rotation matters.

Best metal option: Charles Bentley 6×3 ft

Steel avoids timber treatment decisions. The published page describes a raised floor, slanted roof, supporting back panels and gutter, but gives no capacity figure and says a base is not included. Measure the usable interior after allowing for frame members. Anchor and edge details deserve particular attention on an exposed site.

How to choose among them

First eliminate anything too small using your stacked-volume measurement. Next eliminate anything that does not fit the full external footprint, including overhang and front access. Finally choose by exposure: more roof overhang for driven rain, more open area for a sheltered damp corner, and a base you can level permanently.

No model can correct a hollow, waterlogged site. Spend effort on the base before spending extra on decoration.

Sources

• Forest Garden Compact Pent Log Store — specifications checked 10 November 2026.
• Forest Garden log store range — Large Pent dimensions and capacity checked 10 November 2026.
• Forest Garden Overlap Apex Log Store — specifications checked 10 November 2026.
• Charles Bentley Metal Log Wood Store Shed — specifications and availability checked 10 November 2026.