How and where you store firewood is more important than you think. No matter how much wood you have cut, split or purchased, it will be useless if not stored properly. The best storage protects the wood from rain, sleet, and snow. Below you will find practical, creative ideas for storing firewood.
But before storing your wood supply you need to keep this in mind…
The ultimate goal is to SEASON (dry) the FIREWOOD
1. First, SPLIT the WOOD – Splitting the wood into triangular wedges creates more surface area for the wood to dry more quickly. It also allows for larger piles of wood to be stacked safely.
2. ELEVATE – As a general rule, firewood should always be stored off the ground. This will allow for proper ventilation and to prevent ground moisture from seeping into the pile. Wooden pallets or 2×4’s are a good choice for elevating your wood supply.
3. COVER the TOP – Rain, snow and ice can wreak havoc on any wood pile. Since it is most likely you will burn the wood from the top of the pile first, it only makes sense you should provide a cover to protect this layer. A tarp with a few bungee cords is all you may need. Keeping the sides open will provide air flow throughout.
4. STACK the WOOD – Stacking allows for all the above rules to work together for the best results. It helps the seasoning process move along faster and it’s easier to maintain and re-stock when necessary.
This guy knows what he’s doing…
BUT WHERE SHOULD YOU STORE FIREWOOD?……LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
One of my ‘go to’ spots for storing firewood was outdoors in the open air, along a tree line, facing southeast. It provided easy access, but most important…Mother Nature helped me. That’s right. Because of the woodpile facing southeast along an open field, my firewood was pleasantly exposed to light breezes passing through almost daily. And even better, the sun casts her warming rays in all 4 seasons.
DEDICATED SHEDS and OPEN STRUCTURES
If you are a serious wood burner, you’re most likely using a considerable amount of firewood per year. Having a permanent structure to store (and rotate your stock) might be your best bet.
There are numerous firewood storage ideas that can enhance your outdoor area as well as providing functional storage solutions.
A METAL STRUCTURE
One option is a metal structure with an open-air design. In the home where I started Wood Burner Pro, firewood was my main source of heat. Needless to say, I cycled through a lot of firewood each year.
Below you can see the firewood shelter I used. It provided easy access to my entire wood supply and plus, all sides were exposed to air flow which was great for seasoning large amounts of wood at one time. Also, because of the extensive (large) storage area, I was able to easily rotate the stock of my entire wood supply all year long. The left pic shows when I started the pile and the one next to it is when I learned how to do it right. Click HERE for the secret to safely stacking firewood this high.
A DEDICATED FIREWOOD SHED
No matter how much wood you have on hand for burning, it is best to keep it neatly organized. Investing in a storage shed designed specifically for firewood is a wise choice. With a dedicated firewood storage shed you can ensure that your wood stays dry and readily available for use. Firewood that is haphazardly stored or thrown about is an eye sore to any property not to mention downgrading its value.
No time to build a shed? No problem…you can have one delivered free. Upgrade your backyard property with a custom-built shelter. Click HERE for a few examples of custom-designed firewood shelters.
WOOD CHUNKS need a home too!
Here is where I store all my firewood odds and ends. With a few pallets and some chicken wire I have a storage solution for all those pieces that normally would be tossed about on the ground.
A TRASH CAN
For those of you who burn fires occasionally, not needing an abundant supply of wood, you can store what you have in a large trash can. Check it out…the can pictured below is next to my friend’s patio firepit. NOTE: I would recommend storing only split and seasoned wood.
Here are 3 reasons why it might work for you…
1. Protection from rain, sleet and snow…your wood will stay dry with little (if any) maintenance.
2. Easy, ‘on demand’ access…keep the can close to your firepit.
3. Your wood is protected from insects, rodents and mold.
STORING FIREWOOD INDOORS?
…maybe not your best option. But if you need to, here’s a few things you should know…
First of all, I get the whole thing about the need to store wood as close as possible to your woodburning source. At my old house, I conveniently stacked a 2-day supply near my woodstove using the TFH-1 firewood holder.
But now, since most of my woodfires are in the firepit outside my workroom door, I keep a modest wood supply close by, indoors, in that same workroom. I store the firewood in a custom 2×4 shelf I built.
A few important things about this area: The floor is cement, the ceiling is metal and the walls are mostly styrofoam insulation. Plus, there’s very little heat or moisture in this space. This is a great environment for storing.
Before hauling the wood indoors, I used a stiff brush to scrape off any dirt, bugs or spider webs, etc. Also notice that the wood is stacked off the floor and not against a wall. The firewood from this stack is clean and super dry. When burning it, the fires are more manageable with a dependable heat…perfect for cooking delicious foods over open fire!
ENJOY ALL THE BENEFITS OF PROPER FIREWOOD STORAGE
Efficient firewood storage offers numerous benefits that go beyond simply keeping your wood dry. When you store firewood properly, you minimize the risk of pest infestations, reduce the chances of mold growth, and it’s a quick way to season your wood supply!
Additionally, with a well-organized storage area, you can easily access your firewood and keep track of it too! No more running low on wood for those cold Winter nights.
Efficient firewood storage is a small investment that yields significant rewards in terms of convenience, comfort, and overall enjoyment of all your fires.
Be Safe,
BZ
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