The way you stack and store your firewood is a lot more important than you may think! If you have a wood-burning stove or wood-burning fire pit, it’s important to store your firewood in the right way.
Why?
Failure to store your firewood in the right way can result in a whole host of issues, including bug infestations, problems with mould and fungus, as well as issues with your wood’s moisture levels causing it not to burn as well as you would like. For a clean and efficient burn logs should have a moisture level of below 20%. So you must keep your firewood as clean, safe, and dry as possible.
We’ve created a handy guide to answer all your questions regarding firewood storage.
What is the best way to store firewood outside?
Firewood is best stored outside. It should be stored neatly, with the outside of the wood exposed to the air. If possible, you should place the wood on top of plastic sheeting or in a wooden log store. Avoid tree cover if possible and don’t leave the logs in a heap.
Does firewood need to be covered?
Firewood should remain uncovered so it can be properly dried. However, this is not always possible, especially during the winter months where ice, snow and rain can wreak havoc with firewood storage.
With this in mind, you should invest in a good cover to place over the top of your woodpile that will protect it from the elements when needed.
Can you store firewood on the ground?
As a general rule, firewood should always be stored off the ground to allow for proper ventilation. A great option is to store your wood on a wooden pallet.
Is it OK to store firewood in a garage?
If your logs are already dry, it’s fine to store them in a garage. If they’re not dry, there won’t be enough fresh or flowing air to help them dry out in a garage environment.
Is it OK to stack firewood next to a house?
All firewood should be stored around 20 feet away from the nearest door to your house. If you’re planning on stacking wood next to a structure, you should always make sure that it is a few inches away from the structure to optimise airflow.
Also explore our Wood-Burning Stove FAQs.
Why are log stores open at the front?
Most log stores have an open front to optimise ventilation. However, when the elements are against you, it’s worthwhile investing in tarpaulin to cover the front of the log store to ensure that the wood remains dry. Why? Dry firewood burns quicker and is easier to light, so however you store it, you should always make sure that it is dry.
If you’re thinking about buying a wood-burning stove and would like to find out more about storing firewood, contact Charnwood today. Our friendly, expert team are on hand and more than happy to answer any queries you may have.