To achieve the warmth of a crackling fire on a cold winter evening, you have to know how to store firewood properly. We know that even the best firewood can degrade over time if not stored correctly. That’s why we have put together our best-tested and proven firewood storage tips to help you keep your logs dry, safe, and ready to burn whenever you want.
- Choose the Right Location
The first and important step to proper firewood storage is finding the right storage spot – because location matters more than we think.
Outdoors:
For storing firewood outdoors, pick an elevated and well-ventilated spot. Avoid stacking logs directly against your house or garage to prevent pests and moisture problems.
What you should do instead is place the woodpile at least 3 to 5 feet away from any structure, ideally on level ground with good drainage.
Indoors:
For indoor firewood storage tips, we suggest keeping a small amount of wood inside, enough for a few days’ use only.
This is because ven dry firewood can attract pests, which is why it is best to store the bulk of your wood outside and refill your indoor rack as needed.
- Elevate Your Firewood Stack
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is placing firewood directly on the ground. This can cause moisture to seep into the logs and can lead to rot, mold, and insect infestations.
To keep your wood dry, elevate your stack of wood using one of the following methods:
- A firewood storage rack or metal stand.
- Wooden pallets or pressure-treated lumber
- Concrete blocks or bricks under the base
By elevating your firewood, you can promote airflow and keep logs from absorbing too much moisture – an important step in keeping firewood dry in winter.
- Use a Firewood Cover – But Don’t Smother It
Aside from protection, firewood also needs airflow to stay dry. The best method is to cover only the top of your stack while leaving the sides open.
You can use:
- A weatherproof tarp
- A corrugated metal or plastic sheet
- A dedicated firewood shed or storage unit
This setup ensures rain rolls off while giving room for moisture to escape – making this the perfect balance for firewood storage undercover
- Stack Firewood the Right Way
Here’s how to stack firewood the right way to promote airflow and even drying.
- Alterate log directions every few layers to improve stability.
- Stack the wood with the bark side down if it’s freshly cut, and with the bark side up if it’s seasoned.
- Leave small gaps between pieces to encourage ventilation.
- Avoid creating stacks taller than 4 feet for safety.
If youre firewood is fresh, proper stocking can help season firewood faster by maximizing exposure to air and sunlight.
- Keep Fierwood Dry in Winter
To keep firewood dry in winter, we suggest moving it to a covered, wind-protected area like a shed, barn, or lean-to.
If you can’t store it inside, stack it facing south or southwest for more sunlight exposure and use a durable and breathable cover.
You can also try rotating your supply by burning the oldest logs first to avoid the buildup of damp wood.
- Watch Out for Mold and Insects
Improper firewood storage can attract mold, mildew, and pests like termites, ants, or beetles. To prevent mold in firewood, here are the key rules you can follow.
- Don’t store firewood near sprinklers or downspouts.
- Avoid wrapping the pile in plastic or airtight covers.
- Keeps stacks dry and elevated.
- Regularly inspect and rotate your logs for airflow.
- Don’t Store Firewood Too Close to Your Home
Although it may seem convenient to store firewood right against your back door, doing so can attract pets inside your home. Always keep your woodpile a few feet away from the foundation of your home, bridging in small amounts as needed.
Common Firewood Storage Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most experienced homoenrs can sometimes overlook small details that can lead to big problems later. To prevent this, here are a few firewood storage mistakes to avoid.
- Storing unseasoned and seasoned wood together.
- Using plastic covers without ventilation.
- Stacking firewood directly on soil.
- Ignoring rotation.
- Overstacking firewood.
Invest in Kiln-Dried Firewood
If youre looking for clean and long-lasting burning, our kiln-dried firewood is the best option. At 12 Point Farms LLC, our kiln-dried logs are dried in high heat to eliminate insects and mildew, moisture tested for optimal burn, and perfectly sized for your home.
Learn Proper Firewood Storage with 12 Point Farms LLC!
Proper firewood storage is all about protecting your investment and ensuring every fire burns clean and efficiently. By applying the right firewood storage tips, you can maintain quality wood all season long.
Whenever you’re ready to stock up, 12 Point Farms LLC is here to deliver premium kiln-dried and mixed hardwood firewood – seasoned to perfection and locally sourced.
Order your firewood delivery now to keep your home warm, safe, and ready to bur all winter long.