Why Covering Your Firewood Properly Matters
If you’ve gone to the trouble of building or buying a log store, the last thing you want is for the wood inside to end up as damp as the pile it replaced. Well-seasoned firewood needs a moisture content of around 20% or below to burn cleanly and give you decent heat, rather than sitting there hissing, spitting and clogging your flue with tar. A few weeks of driving rain can undo months of careful seasoning, especially if your log store is more of an open-fronted rack than a fully enclosed shed.
The trick is covering your logs without smothering them. A cover that’s sealed tight on all sides traps moisture that’s already in the wood, and in the damp air around it, creating the perfect conditions for mould, black spot and slow rot to set in. What you actually want is something that keeps rain and snow off the top and windward side of the stack while still letting air move freely through it, so any dampness can escape rather than sit and stew.
We’ve looked at six products currently sold by UK retailers — Amazon UK, Screwfix, B&Q and Toolstation — covering everyday tarpaulins for occasional use right through to a properly shaped log pile cover for stores that need protecting all winter. This list sits alongside our existing guides to log stores, log splitters, log baskets and wood moisture meters, so do have a look at those too if you’re setting up for the burning season from scratch.
Comparison At a Glance
| Product | Type | Size / Coverage | Approx Price |
| Yuzet Heavy Duty Ribbed Tarpaulin | Waterproof tarpaulin | 1.2 x 1.8m up to 4.5 x 6m | around £8-£35 |
| Silverline Heavy Duty Tarpaulin | Waterproof tarpaulin | 2.4 x 1.8m up to 6.1 x 9m | around £6-£31 |
| GardenMate Tarpaulin Waterproof Heavy Duty | Waterproof tarpaulin | 2 x 3m up to 5 x 6m | around £11-£27 |
| VOUNOT Heavy Duty Tarpaulin | Waterproof tarpaulin | 2 x 3m up to 4 x 6m | around £13-£34 |
| Kingfisher Heavy Duty Tarpaulin (TP812) | Waterproof tarpaulin | 2.4 x 3.7m (approx 8 x 12ft) | around £9-£12 |
| COOSOO Firewood Rack Cover (420D Oxford) | Fitted log store cover | 4ft and 8ft versions (approx 1.2-2.4m long) | around £28-£38 |
Prices are approximate and will vary by size, retailer and time of year — always check the current price before buying.
The Best Log Store Covers and Tarpaulins, Reviewed
1. Yuzet Heavy Duty Ribbed Tarpaulin
Yuzet’s ribbed tarpaulins are a familiar sight on Amazon UK, sold in a wide range of sizes from small 1.2 x 1.8m sheets up to market-stall-sized 4.5 x 6m covers, in both clear and green finishes. The ribbed weave gives it more tear resistance than a basic poly sheet, and eyelets are set around the edge for tying down.
- Pros: huge range of sizes to match almost any stack, taped or reinforced eyelets, competitively priced, easy to find.
- Cons: at the cheaper, thinner end of the range it can flap noisily in wind and the eyelets can pull through if the sheet is loaded unevenly; it’s a flat sheet rather than a shaped cover, so you’ll need bungees or rope to get a snug fit.
- Who it suits: anyone wanting an affordable, widely available tarp to throw over an open log store, whatever size that store happens to be.
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Yuzet 1.2m x 1.8m Clear Tarpaulin Heavy Duty Ribbed Sheet Market Stall Cover XT Extra tough tarpaulin, ideal for camping hiking garden furniture cover log stores and more- 120gsm Heavy Duty Translucent Tarpaulins
- The folded edges are fusion welded = stronger joints/seams
- UV protection Built in ( Not coated )
- 100% Water proof, Rot proof and Weather proof
2. Silverline Heavy Duty Tarpaulin
Silverline is a well-known trade tools brand, and its heavy-duty tarpaulins turn up at Amazon UK and independent tool suppliers in sizes from 2.4 x 1.8m up to a generous 6.1 x 9m. The fabric feels a notch tougher than bargain-bin tarps, with a proper woven core and well-spaced eyelets.
- Pros: sturdier feel than entry-level tarps, decent size range for small to large stores, trusted trade brand.
- Cons: still a flat sheet, so folds and creases can pool water if it isn’t pulled taut; colour choice is limited to blue on most sizes.
- Who it suits: gardeners who want a step up in durability for a cover that’s going to stay out all season rather than being packed away after each use.
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Silverline 456936 Tarpaulin Cut 1.8 x 2.4m / Actual 1.7 x 2.3m- UV-treated 65gsm polyethylene
- Rope-reinforced, heat-sealed hem
- Tear, water and mould resistant
- Rust-resistant metal gro mmets at 1m intervals
- Ideal for all general protective applications
3. GardenMate Tarpaulin Waterproof Heavy Duty
GardenMate’s tarpaulins are a familiar budget option on Amazon UK, sold in a wide range of sizes from 2 x 3m up to 5 x 6m, in a reversible blue/green finish. They’re a straightforward polyethylene tarp rather than a premium product, but the sheer range of sizes and a strong review history make it easy to find one that matches an oddly shaped log store.
- Pros: low price, wide range of sizes to choose from, widely available and quick to order on Amazon UK, strong review history for a budget tarp.
- Cons: as with most budget tarpaulins, the material and eyelets are noticeably lighter-duty than branded ranges, so it may need replacing more often with heavy use.
- Who it suits: budget buyers and anyone who only needs occasional or seasonal cover rather than a permanent fixture.
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GardenMate 2m x 3m / 6.5ft x 10ft Tarpaulin Waterproof Heavy Duty - Universal Blue/Green tarp Sheet - Premium Quality Cover Made of 90gram/Square metre Tarpaulin- Dimensions 2m x 3m / 6.5ft x 10ft
- Heavy premium quality PP/PE tarpaulin 90g/m² - All edges stitched with double material
- Coated on both sides - UV-stabilised - Waterproof - Mould resistant - Washable - Eco-friendly - Groundwater-neutral
- Perfect for house, garden, outdoor, camping and much more
- Premium quality from GardenMate
4. VOUNOT Heavy Duty Tarpaulin
VOUNOT is a reliable presence on Amazon UK for outdoor tarpaulins, with a heavier 240g/m² fabric than most budget sheets and sizes running up to around 4 x 6m. It’s aimed more at furniture, caravan and general outdoor cover than log stores specifically, but the reinforced eyelets and tougher material make it a sensible step up if you’ve got more than one stack to cover.
- Pros: heavier-duty fabric than typical budget tarps, reinforced eyelets, good customer reviews on Amazon UK.
- Cons: sizes top out smaller than some dedicated trade tarpaulins, so it may not stretch over the very largest log stores or multiple stacks in one sheet.
- Who it suits: gardeners covering a mid-sized stack or two who want a noticeably tougher tarp than the cheapest options, without paying trade-brand prices.
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Sale
VOUNOT 2x3m Tarpaulin Heavy Duty 240 g/m² Waterproof TarpLarge Ground Camping Sheet with Eyelets for Outdoor Furniture Caravan Car Cover, Grey- STURDY&ROBUST: The waterproof tarpaulin is made of 240 g/m² PE fabric and extremely tear-resistant with reinforced corners with rubber edges and double-stitched material on all edges.
- UV PROTECTION&WEATHERPROOF: The tarpaulin sheet is coated on both sides which can be effectively waterproof and UV stabilized to protect your property from rain, snow, wind, dust or strong sunlight.
- MULTIFUNCTION: Suitable for indoor and outdoor uses. It can protect your cars, motorcycles, trailers, boats, woodpiles, outdoor furniture, swimming pools. Also you can use it as camping sheet.
- EASY HANDLING: Rustproof aluminum eyelet in every 100 cm, All-purpose tarpaulin can be easily attached to any location. When not in use, you can wash, air dry and fold for storage without taking up much space.
- AVAILABLE SIZES: 2x3m / 3x4m / 3x5m / 4x6m / 4x8m/ 1.5x6m. Suitable for different requirements and needs.
£12.99Check Price on Amazon
5. Kingfisher Heavy Duty Tarpaulin (TP812)
The Kingfisher TP812 is a dark green, 100gsm tarpaulin measuring roughly 2.4 x 3.7m (8 x 12ft) — a sensible size for a medium to large log store. It’s marketed as tear-resistant, and the dark green colour is fairly unobtrusive in a garden setting.
- Pros: sensible mid-to-large size for a typical log store, reasonably priced, riveted metal eyelets for tying down.
- Cons: only available in this one size, so it won’t suit particularly small stores; you’ll likely need to buy tie-downs separately.
- Who it suits: owners of a single, medium to large log store who want a straightforward, no-frills green tarpaulin from a well-known budget brand.
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Kingfisher TP812 8 Foot x 12 Foot 100 GSM Heavy Duty Tarpaulin - Dark Green- Tough woven PE waterproof fabric
- Heavy duty
- Riveted metal eyelets to enable tie-down
- Ideal for protecting items from the elements
- Brand : Kingfisher
6. COOSOO Firewood Rack Cover (420D Oxford)
This is the one genuinely purpose-built product on this list, sold on Amazon UK in 4ft and 8ft sizes and made from a heavier 420D Oxford fabric rather than a flat polythene sheet. Rather than draping over the stack like a tarp, it’s cut to fit a log rack or stack directly, with adjustable straps and elastic hem ropes to hold it in place and a zip you can open to get logs out without removing the whole cover.
- Pros: shaped specifically for log stacks, tougher and more weather-resistant fabric than a typical tarp, straps keep it secure without extra bungees, tidier look in the garden.
- Cons: costs more than a similarly sized tarpaulin, and because it’s a fitted shape rather than a cut-to-size sheet, it only works well if your stack is close to the size it’s designed for.
- Who it suits: anyone with a dedicated open-fronted log store or freestanding stack who wants a neater, purpose-built solution and is happy to pay a bit more for the better fit.
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COOSOO Firewood Rack Cover 4ft, Waterproof Heavy Duty 420D Oxford Log Rack Cover with Zipper Firewood Storage Holder for Indoor Outdoor Windproof Dustproof Wood Storage Protector Garden Patio- 【Perfect Size】 Standard measures 48"L x 25"W x 43"H, this outdoor log rack cover is designed to fit for 4 feet firewood log rack. Please confirm that the size of your log rack before purchase this log holder cover.
- 【High Quality Waterproof Material】Our firewood rack cover made of 420D Oxford fabric with water-resistant backing for maximum strength, abrasion and weather protection
- 【Windproof Design】There are four buckle straps and two adjustable elastic hem ropes at the bottom. Buckle straps can be used to fix the cover on the log rack and be used with elastic hem ropes to achieve a close fit.
- 【Velcro Closures & Air Vents】: Downward air vents provide ventilation while reducing inside condensation and moisture, keeping wood in dry, ready-to-burn condition for your convenience.
- 【Easy Cleaning and Storage】- It's very easy to wash, just need hose the cover down with water and dry it up in the sun. The product comes with an extra storage bag,easy to fold and carry.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
Breathable vs fully waterproof
This is the trade-off at the heart of covering firewood. A fully waterproof, sealed cover is brilliant at keeping rain off, but if it’s wrapped tight around already-damp or freshly cut logs, it can trap moisture inside and encourage mould and rot rather than prevent it. In practice, most of the tarpaulins on this list work best used loosely rather than tightly — as a roof over the top and down the weather-facing side of an open store, with the front and at least one end left open to the air. A shaped cover like the COOSOO Firewood Rack Cover is designed with this in mind, but even then it pays to leave both ends open where you can.
Tie-downs and eyelets for wind
A tarpaulin that isn’t properly secured is more of a hazard than a help — flapping in high winds, it can tear at the eyelets, blow off entirely, or rub against the wood and wear through. Look for reinforced or taped eyelets spaced closely enough along the edges that you can tie down every metre or so, and budget for a set of bungee cords or rope if they aren’t included. Anchoring to the log store frame itself, rather than just weighting the edges with bricks, gives a much more secure result in exposed or windy gardens.
Sizing for your log store or stack
Measure your log store or stack before buying rather than guessing. For a flat tarpaulin, you want enough overhang to cover the top and drape a reasonable way down the sides — as a rough guide, add at least 30–40cm to each dimension of your stack’s footprint and height. For a shaped cover like the COOSOO Firewood Rack Cover, check the manufacturer’s stated dimensions carefully, since these products are far less forgiving of a poor size match than a cut-to-size tarp.
Durability and UV resistance
A tarpaulin left outdoors year-round takes a battering from UV light as well as rain and wind, and cheaper polyethylene sheets can go brittle and start to crack or discolour within a season or two of constant exposure. Heavier-gauge, UV-stabilised fabrics — generally found on the pricier tarpaulins and on purpose-made covers like the COOSOO Firewood Rack Cover — tend to last several seasons rather than one, which can make them better value in the long run even at a higher upfront price.
Our Recommendation
For most gardeners with a standard open-fronted log store, a mid-range tarpaulin like the Silverline Heavy Duty Tarpaulin strikes a sensible balance of price and durability, and it’s easy to find a size to match your store. If you’re covering a couple of stacks and want a noticeably tougher fabric, the VOUNOT Heavy Duty Tarpaulin is worth a look. Working to a tight budget or only need cover for a few weeks of bad weather? The GardenMate Tarpaulin will do the job without breaking the bank.
If you’d rather have something that looks tidier and is built specifically for the task, the COOSOO Firewood Rack Cover is the pick of the bunch — it costs more than a flat tarp, but the shaped fit and better airflow make it worth the extra for a log store you’re relying on all winter. Whichever you choose, remember that a cover works best as a helping hand for a well-ventilated stack, not a substitute for one.
Whichever you choose, a cover is only half of the job. Stack the logs off the ground on pallets or bearers, leave the sides and front of the stack open so air can keep moving through it, and cover only the top and the back so rain is kept off without sealing the wood in. Check the cover after any spell of high wind or heavy rain, as a shifted or sagging sheet can funnel water straight onto the logs rather than away from them. Do that, and even an inexpensive tarpaulin will keep your firewood in good condition through a wet British winter.
More Garden Reviews
Looking for more? These related MyGreenShed guides are worth a read next:
Best Log Baskets and Carriers UK
Best Kindling Splitters UKBest Firelighters and Fire Starters UK
