Firewood can provide cozy warmth throughout the winter while helping to lower your utility bills, making it an excellent alternative to traditional heating sources. To ensure your firewood remains in good condition, it's essential to know how to store it properly. Here are some helpful tips for storing wood.

Part 1

Step 1. Dry Freshly Cut Firewood.

Step 1

  • Ensure the wood has good access to sunlight and air. Freshly cut firewood dries through natural evaporation. If the wood doesn't have free airflow, it won't dry properly. Dry firewood away from structures.
  • Store the firewood under a roof. Ideally, it should be placed where there is good air circulation and protection from rain.

Step 2. Stack Wood Neatly for Optimal Storage.

Step 2

  • Place the firewood on a flat surface. This will help maintain stability and prevent it from falling when placed on uneven ground.
  • Keep the height of the stack to no more than 4 feet. Taller stacks can become unstable and risk toppling over.
  • Leave a few inches of space between the wood and the wall or other stacks for better air circulation. Increased spacing will allow the wood to "breathe."
  • Stack the firewood in a way that prevents children or pets from crawling through.

Step 3. Protect Firewood from Contact with the Ground.

Step 3

  • Reduce the risk of moisture from the ground by placing something between the wood and the earth, such as a tarp, wooden pallets, drainage gravel, or stones.
  • Place the firewood on a concrete pad with drainage.

Step 4. Cover Firewood with a Tarp, Leaving the Sides Open.

Step 4

Cover the firewood with a tarp, leaving the sides open. This will protect the wood from above while allowing necessary ventilation for the entire stack, enabling it to breathe.

Step 5. Store Firewood in a Dedicated Structure.

Step 5

  • Ensure that your storage, whether a shed or garage, is well-ventilated. Wood needs free access to air and must remain dry.
  • Place wood stacks under a canopy, patio, or other structures that provide good ventilation.

Step 6. Treat Wood Stacks for Insects.

Step 6

Treat the wood and the area around it with pet-safe insecticides. This will help prevent pests and protect your stock.