If you’re like most people, you probably enjoy spending time around the fire during the winter months. There’s nothing quite like gathering around a warm blaze with family and friends.
But to make sure your fires are as enjoyable as possible, you need to store your firewood correctly. In this guide, we will teach you everything you need to know about storing firewood!
The first thing to understand is that when it comes to storing firewood, there are two main types: hardwoods and softwoods. Hardwoods (like oak, hickory, and maple) burn longer and hotter than softwoods (like pine, fir, and cedar). This means that you should use different types of firewood for different purposes.
The next step is to decide where to store the wood. Ideally, the location should be close enough to your home or campsite so you can easily access it, but far enough away from your house to avoid any risk of fire. You should also try to find a spot where the wood will stay dry and off the ground (like a shed or covered porch).
Once you have chosen your storage location, it’s time to prepare the wood. Firewood should be cut into smaller pieces (about 3-4 feet long) so that it can fit in the fireplace and burn more efficiently.
You should also split the logs, which will help them dry out quicker and create larger, hotter flames. More information about tools you can find here.
The last step is to cover your wood with a tarp or waterproof material to protect it from moisture. This will also help to prevent bugs and other critters from using it as a home. Remember, damp firewood won’t burn well so make sure your wood is dry before use!
How long can you keep your wood in storage?
The length of time you can store firewood depends on the type and size of the wood, as well as your climate. In general, properly seasoned hardwoods (like oak) will last longer than softwoods (like pine).
It’s best to use most of your wood within a year, but it can be stored for up to two years if necessary. Just remember to check on it periodically and replace any damaged pieces before you use them in a fire. But if your wood is rotten, we also have a guide on recycling firewood for you.
Best Place to Store Firewood?
The best place to store your firewood is in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area. If you choose an outdoor location, make sure it’s away from the house and any flammable materials. You should also use something like a shed or covered porch to keep the wood off of the ground and protected from moisture.
So we will cover all questions about indoor and outdoor storage, ok?
Outdoor storage: why it is the best to store firewood?
Outdoor storage is often the best option for storing firewood, as it keeps your wood dry and away from flammable materials. It also helps to protect your wood from bugs and other critters looking for a home. Finding an elevated spot like a shed or covered porch will also help to keep the firewood off of the ground, which helps it to dry out quicker.
Why are log stores open at the front?
Log stores that are open at the front allow air to flow freely, which helps to dry out your firewood quicker. This type of log store also allows for easy loading and unloading when you need to replenish your wood supply. And since it is open, you can easily check on your firewood periodically to make sure everything is in good shape.
Properly Stacking a Rack of Firewood
Properly stacking your firewood is essential for keeping it dry and ready to use. Start by laying down a few pieces of wood on the ground, then build up the stack in alternating layers – one layer of logs perpendicular to the ones below, followed by another layer parallel to them. Make sure each log is touching at
Protecting Firewood from the Elements – Do you need it?
Yes, protecting your firewood from the elements is essential for keeping it dry and ready to use. You should cover your wood with a tarp or waterproof material so that moisture won’t be able to seep in. This will also help to prevent bugs and other critters from using it as a home. Additionally, try to find an elevated spot like a shed or covered porch to keep your firewood off of the ground and away from puddles.
Does firewood need to be covered?
Yes, firewood should always be covered to protect it from moisture. This will also help to prevent bugs and other critters from using it as a home. You should use a tarp or waterproof material when covering your wood to make sure that no moisture can get in. Additionally, try to find an elevated spot like a shed or covered
Can you store firewood on the ground?
You can store firewood on the ground, but it’s not recommended. Storing wood on the ground makes it more susceptible to moisture, which can lead to rot and infestations. Additionally, you may attract bugs or other critters looking for a home if the wood is on the ground. We recommend finding an elevated spot like a shed or covered porch to keep your firewood off of the ground and away from moisture.
Foundation Alternatives
If you can’t build a foundation or rack for your firewood, there are still methods of keeping it dry. To start, spread gravel as the base layer before stacking your logs atop – this enables proper drainage. Alternatively, if you already have an outdoor patio made out of brick, concrete, or paving stone then simply stack your wood on top and bask in all its longevity-inducing goodness!
Is it permissible to keep firewood in the garage?
Yes, you can store firewood in a garage as long as it’s far enough away from any flammable materials and is covered with waterproof material. It’s also important to make sure the area is well-ventilated, as moisture buildup can cause your wood to rot or attract pests. Ultimately, if you don’t have an outdoor shed or covered porch, a garage can be a great place to store your firewood. Just remember to check on it periodically and replace any damaged pieces before you use them in a fire. But if your wood is rotten, we also have a guide on recycling firewood for you.
Is it safe to store firewood close to your home?
No, it is not recommended to stack firewood close to your house. Firewood can quickly become a source of fuel for any fires that occur, so it’s best to store them away from the home. The location should also be dry and off the ground (like a shed or covered porch) to protect the wood from moisture and bugs.
And don’t forget about covering the wood with a tarp or waterproof material for extra protection! Ultimately, if you follow these tips, your firewood should stay safe and ready to use whenever you need it.
Firewood Stacking Inside The Home
In the last few years, decorating with firewood has become a stylish way to add charm and character to any interior. Pinterest is overflowing with images of logs piled inside homes – but what about all those pesky bugs?
Of course, the sight of logs neatly stacked beside a fireplace looks charming and it seems to be an efficient way to keep them within reach for burning. However, every time a Magazine or online commentary shares such photos of firewood arranged inside somebody invariably brings up a logical query: What about bugs?
You can use an old fireplace to store firewood
Wood is a natural choice as it provides the perfect environment for bugs and insects such as wood-boring beetles, spiders, carpenter ants, and most feared of all – termites.
Seeing homeowners transform built-in bookshelves, and crates, or even use the unfilled space beneath benches to store firewood gives me a serious case of anxiety.
By utilizing wood for interior decor, you run the risk of inviting pests into your home. To avoid this issue without sacrificing rustic charm, it is better to opt instead for a faux firewood pile that doesn’t require treatment for bugs – giving you the same aesthetic effect with none of the consequences!
Some Tips On Storing Firewood
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- To ensure the safety of your home, all firewood should be kept at least five feet away from its foundation.
- Woodpiles should never be placed close to a wooden building; keep them at least several feet away.
- Place the primary pile of wood a safe distance away from your residence.
- Bring in only enough firewood for the next two days; any more would be unnecessary clutter.
- Ensure that the main stack is kept dry and exposed to sunlight whenever feasible.
- Ensure that the wood you use is adequately aged and contains less than 20% moisture.
- To prevent firewood from rotting or attracting pests, make sure to store it in a rack off the floor.
- Do not apply insecticide to wood as these chemicals are highly flammable and could easily ignite, leading to serious injury.
Final words
Storing firewood can be a tricky business, as it needs to be done in such a way that your home and wood are both safe. When storing firewood near or inside the home, you should always make sure that it is dry and away from any wooden structures.
For an added safety measure, consider using faux logs instead of real ones for decorative purposes. Finally, remember to only bring enough wood into your house for two days at a time – no more! By following these tips on storing firewood safely and effectively, you’ll ensure that your home remains bug-free while having access to plenty of fuel when needed.
