11 Creative Ways to Use Firewood in Summer: Beyond the Fireplace

When the warm summer months roll around, your stockpile of firewood doesn't have to sit idle until autumn. There are plenty of creative and practical ways to put those logs to good use, even when the temperature soars. From outdoor cooking adventures to crafty DIY projects, let's explore 11 innovative ways to make the most of your firewood during the summer season.

1. Fire Up the BBQ with Lumpwood Charcoal

While traditional firewood isn't typically used directly for barbecuing, it can be the starting point for creating high-quality lumpwood charcoal. Lumpwood charcoal is an excellent fuel source for your summer BBQs, imparting a delicious smoky flavour to your grilled dishes.

To make your own lumpwood charcoal:

1. Cut your firewood into smaller, uniform pieces.
2. Arrange the wood in a metal container with limited airflow.
3. Heat the wood until it chars and stops producing smoke.
4. Allow it to cool completely before use.

Using homemade lumpwood charcoal can elevate your grilling game and give you a deeper appreciation for the art of outdoor cooking. Plus, it's a great way to use up excess firewood and experiment with different wood types for varied flavours.

2. Create a Cosy Outdoor Fire Pit

Summer evenings are perfect for gathering around a fire pit with friends and family. Use your firewood to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your garden. Here's how to build a simple fire pit:

1. Choose a safe location away from structures and overhanging branches.
2. Clear the area and create a circular boundary with bricks or stones.
3. Dig out the centre slightly and fill with gravel for drainage.
4. Arrange your firewood in a teepee or log cabin style.
5. Light the fire and enjoy the ambiance!

Remember to check local regulations regarding outdoor fires and always prioritise safety. Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies.

3. Cook with a Swedish Fire Log

A Swedish Fire Log, also known as a Swedish Torch, is an ingenious way to cook outdoors using a single log. This method is perfect for camping trips or garden gatherings. Here's how to create one:

1. Choose a sturdy log about 50-60 cm tall.
2. Use a chainsaw to cut 3-4 vertical slits from the top, stopping about 10-15 cm from the bottom.
3. Place kindling in the centre cuts.
4. Light the kindling and watch as the fire spreads through the log.

The Swedish Fire Log creates a stable cooking surface and can burn for hours, making it ideal for boiling water, cooking in a pot, or even grilling directly on top. It's a fascinating and efficient way to cook outdoors while using minimal firewood.

4. Build Rustic Garden Furniture

Put your carpentry skills to the test by creating unique garden furniture from your firewood. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Log benches: Cut large logs into sections to create simple yet sturdy seating.
• Stump side tables: Sand and seal log sections to make charming outdoor tables.
• Log planters: Hollow out logs to create natural-looking flower pots.

These DIY projects not only make use of your firewood but also add a rustic charm to your outdoor space. Just be sure to treat the wood appropriately to withstand outdoor conditions.

5. Craft Decorative Log Candle Holders

Transform your firewood into elegant candle holders for your summer garden parties. Here's a simple guide:

1. Select straight logs of varying heights.
2. Use a drill with a spade bit to create holes for tea lights or pillar candles.
3. Sand the surfaces for a smooth finish.
4. Optional: Apply a coat of varnish for added protection.

These natural candle holders create a warm, inviting atmosphere for outdoor dining or relaxation. They're also a great way to repurpose smaller logs or offcuts that might otherwise go to waste.

6. Create a Natural Pathway

Use your firewood to craft a charming garden path. This project is perfect for using up odd-shaped logs or those too knotty for burning. Here's how:

1. Cut logs into 5-10 cm thick rounds.
2. Treat the wood with a preservative to prevent rot.
3. Lay the rounds in your desired path pattern, pressing them slightly into the soil.
4. Fill the gaps between rounds with gravel or wood chips.

This rustic pathway adds character to your garden and provides a practical use for excess firewood. It's an excellent way to create visual interest and define spaces in your outdoor areas.

7. Construct a Wood Storage Feature

Why not use some of your firewood to build a stylish storage solution for the rest? Creating an outdoor log storage feature can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Consider building a simple lean-to structure or a more elaborate log store with a roof.

Here's a basic design idea:

1. Use four sturdy logs as corner posts.
2. Attach horizontal logs between the posts for shelving.
3. Add a sloped roof using smaller logs or planks.
4. Ensure there's good airflow to keep the stored wood dry.

This project not only helps organise your firewood but also serves as an attractive garden feature. Plus, it keeps your logs off the ground, promoting better air circulation and reducing the risk of moisture damage.

8. Host a Campfire Cookout

Embrace the art of campfire cooking and host a memorable summer cookout. Use your firewood to create a controlled cooking fire and try these classic campfire recipes:

• Foil-wrapped potatoes with herbs and butter
• Skillet cornbread
• Dutch oven stews or casseroles
• S'mores for dessert

Cooking over an open fire adds a unique flavour to your dishes and creates a fun, interactive dining experience. Just be sure to follow proper fire safety protocols and use appropriate cookware for open-flame cooking.

9. Build a Pizza Oven

For the ambitious DIY enthusiast, constructing a wood-fired pizza oven can be an exciting summer project. While it requires more time and effort, the result is a fantastic addition to your outdoor cooking arsenal.

Here's a simplified overview:

1. Create a sturdy base using bricks or concrete blocks.
2. Build the oven chamber using fire bricks and refractory mortar.
3. Add insulation layers around the chamber.
4. Construct the oven dome and chimney.
5. Finish with a protective outer layer.

Once complete, you can use your firewood to heat the oven and create delicious, authentically cooked pizzas. It's a great way to make use of your wood fuels and impress your guests with gourmet outdoor dining.

10. Craft Wooden Plant Labels

Put those smaller pieces of firewood to good use by creating charming plant labels for your summer garden. Here's how:

1. Split thin sections of wood into stakes.
2. Sand one end to create a smooth writing surface.
3. Use a wood burner or permanent marker to write plant names.
4. Optional: Apply a coat of clear varnish for weather protection.

These rustic labels add a personal touch to your garden and are particularly useful for identifying herbs or vegetables. It's a practical way to use up smaller wood pieces that might otherwise be overlooked.

11. Create a Natural Bug Hotel

Support your local ecosystem by using firewood to construct a bug hotel. This project provides shelter for beneficial insects and adds an interesting feature to your garden. Here's how to build one:

1. Stack logs of varying sizes to create a structure.
2. Drill holes of different diameters into some logs.
3. Fill gaps with natural materials like pine cones, straw, or hollow stems.
4. Place the hotel in a quiet corner of your garden.

This eco-friendly project is not only a great use of firewood but also helps promote biodiversity in your garden. It's an excellent opportunity to learn about local insects and their role in the ecosystem.

Conclusion

As you can see, firewood isn't just for winter warmth. With a bit of creativity, your summer firewood can be transformed into a variety of useful and enjoyable projects. From outdoor cooking adventures to crafty garden features, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your wood supply all year round.

Remember, when working with firewood, always prioritise safety. Ensure your fire pit or outdoor cooking area is well-ventilated and away from flammable structures. Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby, and never leave a fire unattended.

By exploring these alternative uses for firewood, you're not only maximising your resources but also enhancing your summer outdoor experiences. So, don't let that pile of logs sit idle – get creative and start your next summer firewood project today!

For more ideas on making the most of your firewood, check out our blog post on the advantages of kiln-dried wood for outdoor fire pits. Happy summer burning!