How to Store Firewood Outside
If you rely on firewood to heat your home or enjoy cozy fires in your fireplace, proper storage is essential. Storing firewood correctly ensures it remains dry, burns efficiently, and doesn’t attract pests. Whether you’re preparing for winter or stocking up for occasional use, following best practices will help keep your firewood in top condition. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about storing firewood outside, from choosing the right location to stacking and covering techniques.
Why Proper Firewood Storage Matters
Storing firewood the right way prevents common problems such as mold, pests, and inefficient burning. Here’s why proper storage is crucial:
Prevents Moisture Buildup: Wet or damp firewood burns inefficiently, creating excessive smoke and creosote buildup in your chimney.
Keeps Pests Away: Termites, ants, rodents, and other pests love damp, poorly stored wood.
Improves Combustion Efficiency: Well-seasoned firewood burns hotter and cleaner, reducing smoke and emissions.
Extends Firewood Lifespan: Proper storage helps maintain firewood quality over time, ensuring it’s ready when you need it.
Choosing the Right Location for Outdoor Firewood Storage
Selecting the right location is the first step in properly storing firewood. Consider the following factors:
Elevation and Drainage
Choose a dry, elevated area where water won’t pool around your firewood.
Avoid placing firewood directly on the ground, as this can lead to moisture absorption and decay.
Distance from Your Home
Keep firewood at least 20 feet away from your home to prevent pests from entering your living space.
Storing firewood too close to your home can also increase fire hazards.
Air Circulation
A well-ventilated area allows air to circulate around the wood, aiding in the drying process.
Avoid stacking firewood against solid walls or in enclosed spaces without airflow.
Sunlight Exposure
Placing firewood in a sunny location helps speed up the drying process.
If possible, position stacks where they receive maximum sunlight throughout the day.
Best Ways to Stack Firewood Outdoors
Proper stacking promotes airflow and prevents wood from absorbing excess moisture. Here are some effective stacking methods:
Off-Ground Stacking
Use pallets, firewood racks, or a layer of gravel to keep firewood off the ground.
This prevents moisture from seeping in and deters insects from nesting in the wood.
Crisscross Stacking for Airflow
Stacking firewood in a crisscross pattern allows better air circulation, helping the wood dry faster.
Avoid tightly packed stacks that can trap moisture.
Round Stack or Holz Hausen Method
This European-style stacking method involves arranging logs in a circular, self-supporting pattern.
It enhances airflow and provides stability while allowing efficient drying.
Using a Firewood Rack
Firewood racks offer an organized and secure way to store logs off the ground.
Many racks come with built-in covers for additional protection from rain and snow.
Should You Cover Firewood Stored Outside?
Covering firewood can help protect it from rain and snow, but it’s important to do it the right way:
Use a Tarp or Firewood Cover: A breathable firewood cover or tarp helps shield the wood from moisture.
Leave the Sides Open: Never completely seal firewood with plastic or a tarp—this can trap moisture and promote mold growth.
Cover Only the Top: Keep the top of the firewood covered while allowing air to circulate around the sides.
Adjust Coverage Seasonally: In rainy or snowy months, use more coverage; in dry seasons, let the wood breathe more freely.
How Long Does Firewood Take to Season?
Freshly cut wood (green wood) contains high moisture content and must be seasoned before burning. The seasoning time varies based on wood type and conditions:
Softwoods (Pine, Fir, Spruce): 6-12 months
Hardwoods (Oak, Maple, Hickory, Ash): 12-24 months
Ideal Moisture Content: Firewood should have a moisture content of 15-20% for optimal burning.
To check if your firewood is properly seasoned:
Look for cracks and splits at the ends of logs.
Knock two pieces together—dry wood produces a hollow sound.
Use a moisture meter for accurate readings.
Protecting Firewood from Pests
Firewood can attract insects and rodents, so take these steps to keep pests away:
Store Firewood Away from Your House: Keep stacks at least 20 feet from your home’s foundation.
Elevate Your Firewood: Using a rack or pallets keeps wood off the ground, making it less accessible to pests.
Rotate Older Wood: Use older firewood first to prevent insect infestations in aging logs.
Avoid Storing Firewood Indoors for Long Periods: Bring in only the amount you’ll use in a few days to prevent pests from migrating indoors.
Inspect Firewood Before Bringing It Inside: Shake logs and check for signs of pests before bringing them into your home.
Winter Firewood Storage Tips
In colder months, keeping firewood dry and accessible is a priority. Here are some winter storage tips:
Keep a Small Supply Nearby: Store a small amount of firewood in a covered porch or garage for easy access in bad weather.
Ensure Your Cover Is Secure: Heavy snow and winds can dislodge tarps, so secure covers with bungee cords or weights.
Shovel Around Your Firewood Pile: Clear snow from the area around your woodpile to maintain easy access.
Use a Raised Platform: If storing firewood on a deck or patio, use a raised platform to prevent moisture damage.
Conclusion
Storing firewood outside requires thoughtful planning to ensure it stays dry, pest-free, and ready to burn. By choosing the right location, stacking properly, using adequate coverage, and following maintenance tips, you can maintain high-quality firewood throughout the year. Proper firewood storage not only makes your fires burn better but also enhances safety and efficiency. Whether you rely on firewood for heating or occasional ambiance, these storage methods will help you get the most out of your supply.