Best Way to Store Firewood
Ideally, the moisture level of firewood needs to be under 20% to burn efficiently. Storing firewood outdoors is the best option because it can get proper ventilation. If you need to store your firewood indoors, be sure that it is kiln-dried. This process reduces its moisture level to below 20% and kills off any pests in the firewood.
Each log should have access to the air, so stack the larger pieces at the bottom to form a proper foundation, then add the rest of the wood in a crisscross pattern. Don’t stack the wood more than four feet high, or it’ll become a safety risk. If you need to go higher, consider a rack for support.
If you’re drying your wood naturally, place the bark side of the wood down so that it can evaporate more efficiently. Kiln-dried firewood should be stored bark-side up to prevent water from seeping into it. Place the greener logs at the bottom (or behind) and the drier ones on top since that’s the order you’ll use the firewood in.
How to Store Firewood Outside
To maximize ventilation and prevent the firewood from becoming a fire hazard, keep it at least 20 feet away from any structure. This will also discourage rodents, termites, and other insects from making their way into your siding or indoors.
Avoid placing the firewood directly under trees. Without enough access to the sun, it makes it harder for the wood to dry if it does get wet. Plus, it’s more likely that moisture and pests will reach the wood under trees.
Avoid placing the firewood directly on the ground because that is a sure way for moisture and pests to creep in. There are a few options to keep the wood dry below, such as an elevated cement platform, bricks, wooden pallets, boards that are at least a couple of inches high, or vapour barriers.
How to Store Firewood Outside in Winter
Ideally, the moisture level of firewood needs to be under 20% to burn efficiently. Storing firewood outdoors is the best option because it can get proper ventilation. If you need to store your firewood indoors, be sure that it is Avoid areas that form puddles when it rains. Wood that is seasoned (dried for at least six months) or kiln-dried is ideal for storage in the winter. Although it’s best to leave firewood uncovered, during winter and even rain, you can cover the firewood with tarp or a winter firewood cover to keep it dry.
Only cover the top though, so that the wood still has proper ventilation. You can also go a step further and invest in a firewood rack with tarp or a log store.
-dried. This process reduces its moisture level to below 20% and kills off any pests in the firewood.
Final Thoughts
Storing firewood outdoors is always best. Once you’ve stacked it neatly in an appropriate place, all you need to do is monitor and maintain the surroundings from time to time. Keeping these tips in mind on how to store firewood will keep your wood dry and ready for use when you need it.