When the cold months arrive, having a stockpile of dry, seasoned bulk firewood is essential for keeping your home warm and cosy. But even the best firewood can be rendered useless if it’s not stored properly. Damp, poorly stored wood is difficult to ignite, burns inefficiently, and can produce excess smoke and creosote, which can lead to chimney issues. Whether you buy firewood or harvest your own, knowing how to store it effectively is key to ensuring it’s always ready to burn firewood.
Here are some top tips for storing firewood, keeping it dry, and ensuring it remains in prime condition throughout the year.
1. Choose the Right Location
The first step in properly storing firewood is choosing an appropriate location. You’ll want to pick a spot that’s dry, well-ventilated, and elevated off the ground to prevent moisture buildup.
- Avoid damp areas: Stay away from low-lying spots where rainwater may pool or where there’s poor drainage.
- Choose a sunny spot: Sun exposure can help dry the wood faster and keep moisture from accumulating.
- Keep it close, but not too close to the house: It’s a good idea to store firewood within easy reach of your home, especially during winter months, but avoid stacking it directly against your house. Storing wood too close can invite pests like termites and ants into your home.
2. Elevate the Firewood Off the Ground
Stacking firewood directly on the ground can cause it to absorb moisture from the earth, leading to rot, mould, and pest infestations. Always elevate your firewood stack by using a firewood rack, pallets, or even bricks to create a gap between the wood and the ground. This ensures proper airflow beneath the stack, keeping the wood dry and preventing insects and dampness from creeping in.
3. Allow for Air Circulation
Proper air circulation is crucial for keeping firewood dry. When stacking firewood, leave small gaps between the logs to allow air to move freely through the pile. This will help speed up the seasoning process and prevent moisture from becoming trapped between the logs.
- Stack the wood loosely: Avoid packing the firewood too tightly together. A loose stack promotes airflow, which helps the wood dry evenly.
- Create narrow, tall stacks: Tall and narrow stacks allow better air movement than wide piles, especially if placed in an area exposed to the wind.
4. Cover the Top, Leave the Sides Open
One common mistake when storing firewood is covering the entire pile with a tarp. While it’s important to protect your wood from rain and snow, you also want to avoid trapping moisture. The best method is to cover only the top of the pile, leaving the sides exposed for proper air circulation.
- Use a tarp or firewood cover: Drape a waterproof tarp over the top of your stack, making sure it hangs over the edges but doesn’t cover the sides. This protects the wood from rain while allowing the wind and sun to keep the sides dry.
- Overhang your cover: If possible, allow the cover to overhang the pile slightly, so water runs off instead of dripping onto the stack.
5. Stack Firewood Properly
How you stack your firewood can make a big difference in keeping it dry. Proper stacking helps prevent the wood from tumbling over and ensures even drying.
- Use the “log cabin” method: A popular method is to build a “log cabin” stack, where you alternate the direction of the logs on each layer, forming a stable and well-ventilated pile.
- Keep the stack stable: Ensure the stack is secure, especially if you have children or pets who may bump into it. A collapsed pile can damage the wood and create a safety hazard.
6. Use a Firewood Rack
Investing in a firewood rack can make a huge difference in storing firewood efficiently. Firewood racks elevate the wood, provide a stable stacking structure, and often come with covers designed to protect the top of the stack.
- Metal or wood racks: Choose a sturdy firewood rack that keeps your wood off the ground and is durable enough to handle outdoor weather. Some racks come with protective covers for added convenience.
7. Store Firewood Away from Trees
While it may seem convenient to stack firewood near trees or bushes, this can lead to unwanted moisture and pests. Trees can trap humidity, slowing down the drying process. Additionally, certain pests may migrate from the woodpile to nearby trees or vice versa, creating a larger problem.
8. Monitor for Pests
Firewood can attract a range of pests, including termites, ants, beetles, and rodents. Regularly inspect your firewood for signs of infestation and take action if you notice any issues.
- Rotate the woodpile: If you notice pest activity, rotate the woodpile and remove affected logs to prevent the problem from spreading.
- Avoid bringing wood indoors early: Only bring in the amount of wood you plan to burn right away. Storing firewood indoors for too long can invite pests into your home, especially if the wood hasn’t been properly seasoned.
9. Don’t Store Firewood Indoors
While it may be tempting to keep firewood inside for convenience during winter, indoor storage is not recommended. Bringing firewood indoors can introduce moisture and pests into your home, especially if the wood isn’t fully dried. Always store firewood outside and bring it inside only when you’re ready to use it.
10. Rotate Your Stock
To ensure that you’re always using the driest wood, make it a habit to rotate your stock. Burn the oldest, driest wood first, while newer wood continues to season. If you’re continuously adding new firewood to your pile, keep the new logs on one side and the seasoned logs on the other, so you always know which wood is ready to burn.
Conclusion
Storing firewood properly ensures that it remains dry, seasoned, and ready to burn when you need it most. With the right location, stacking methods, and pest prevention, you’ll have an ample supply of quality firewood to keep your home warm and cosy throughout the colder months. Remember, the key is proper airflow, moisture control, and thoughtful organisation. Follow these top tips, and you’ll always have perfectly seasoned wood that’s ready to provide warmth and comfort at the strike of a match.