PROTECT YOUR FIREWOOD SUPPLY USING THIS QUICK AND EFFICIENT METHOD FOR SHIELDING THE ELEMENTS. Here’s another way to keep your wood supply dry. Below, see how I used bungee cords, stakes and a tarp to protect (and season) a woodpile.
Don’t forget to checkout my ‘personal tips’ list too. You may never cover your wood pile the same way again!
HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED
I recently cut up a few small, dead trees. They had been laying on the ground for a few months so the wood was mostly dry and ready to burn. However, I needed to keep it dry until I found the time to split. I ended up protecting the log pile ‘quick and easy’ with a tarp, 4 garden stakes and 4 bungee cords.
Notice how the tarp covers the whole pile, extending beyond the logs but still a few inches off the ground. This allows for air to continuously flow underneath and throughout the pile (perfect for seasoning). Plus, the downward angle of the tarp directs rainfall away from all 4 sides.
Imagine using this method for your ‘split’ wood. You won’t have to stack it! Start by laying a few wood pallets together on the ground. As you split the wood, simply toss the sticks onto the pallets, building a ‘pyramid pile’ as you go. Then secure a tarp over the wood pile using bungee cords hooked from the grommets to the pallets.
But keep in mind, if you’re lucky to have the outdoor space, I would still suggest hooking bungee cords to ground stakes. Once again, doing it this way allows for the tarp to extend beyond the pallets, guiding water far enough away and also, allowing air to flow freely under all four sides. It’s a win, win situation.
In case you’re wondering, I specifically use the Elitexion Ground Stake Sticks. They’re not just any old garden stake – they’re heavy-duty…very heavy duty. Take it from me, I’ve learned the hard way. In the past I’ve used numerous brands of ‘tent’ stakes and by far, these particular ‘orange ones’ work the best.
HERE’S WHY I USE THESE GROUND STAKES…
1. Thick, durable plastic – which means they’re strong and able to withstand a lot of pulling pressure.
2. The top of the stake, the head, offers multiple options for attaching not only bungees cords, but other various-sized materials like rope, string or wire. It is also flat and solid, allowing for hard hammer blows.
3. The stakes are big. They’re 11″ long. Great for hammering deep into the ground.
4. Safety first! They’re a bright orange color: easily visible from a far distance plus at close distance too, preventing accidental tripping.
5. Uses include boundary markers, landscaping, tent and canopy hold downs, and of course, keeping tarps secured with bungee cords!
These bright orange ground stakes are more than worth their price. I highly recommend. You can buy them HERE.
GET THE MOST FROM YOUR TARP AND BUNGEE CORDS
Here’s a few TIPS
- Use those grommets! Those holes in your tarps are there for a reason. Bungee cords are the perfect companion. Stretch, cover and secure any tarp using bungee cords hooked onto the grommets.
- Bungee cords can be attached to almost anything. Be creative. I’ve already secured a tarp by wrapping the cord around a nearby tree!
- Don’t place heavy objects on top of the tarps to keep them from blowing off. They’ll eventually rip through or tear the material. Plus, who wants to be lifting and moving heavy items every time you need to access your firewood? Use bungee cords to secure the tarps!
- Choose a heavy-duty tarp. It will last longer and offer better protection. I suggest at least 5 mil thick. HERE’S SOME GREAT HEAVY DUTY TARPS.
- Always keep the tarp as stretched and taught as possible. This will promote water and snow runoff and prevent puddles and ice from forming on the woodpile.
- Use UV-rated bungee cords. They’re important for obvious reasons…better for the outdoors! Plus, they keep their elasticity longer. I’ve used other ones and they dry out much quicker, cracking, becoming useless.
Quality bungee cords
I found one of the best assortments of quality bungee cords on Amazon. It offers various lengths and best of all, they’re UV-rated! But don’t take my word for it – they’re an ‘Amazon’s Best Choice’ with excellent reviews. CHECKOUT THE TOP PICK FOR BUNGEE CORDS HERE.
- Bungee cords attach to many objects but don’t forget they connect to themselves too. Loop two or more together for increased length. Connecting a few cords together may be all you need for securing the entire tarp around a large wood pile.
- There’s multiple versions of the bungee cord too – particularly the BALL-END elastic cords. These work perfectly along with the grommets in tarps, canopies and tents. Once again, Amazon offers one of the best variety packs I’ve come across. It offers assorted lengths for just about any situation. BALL-END ELASTIC CORDS HERE.
If you’re serious about protecting your firewood supply, you really should consider the various methods, no matter how simple. Nothing can match the versatility of a bungee cord! It’s great for holding tarps in place!
Check this out…
Below is my ‘go to’ method for covering split wood stacked in a 2×4 firewood holder. Notice how it needs only one bungee (per side) to securely hold the tarp over the entire 8′ long rack. This tarp isn’t going anywhere! Plus, the stacked wood is more easily accessible. No need to move heavy objects off the top of the pile. Simply unhook the bungee on one side and you’ve got easy access to all the wood.
Your wood supply is a precious commodity. Respect it. Keep it dry and ready to burn. I use bungees now more than ever since I’ve discovered how effectively they secure tarps.
Have any ingenious ideas for protecting firewood? Please share! I’d love to hear from you.
Burn safe,
BZ
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