Here are some tips for properly storing your firewood.
When storing firewood, choosing the correct storage method is important to protect your hard work and investment. You’ve likely spent a lot of time (or money) preparing your firewood for the season. The last thing you want to do is throw it into a big pile and expect it to be ready for winter. Wood, in particular, is susceptible to the elements like rain and snow.
Improperly stored wood could lead to wet, unseasoned firewood prone to decay. Plus, a big pile of wood looks appealing to animals and bugs who are looking for a place to hide. We have compiled a list of firewood storage tips to protect your investment and keep your home warm.
Store Firewood Off the Ground
When storing your firewood outdoors, ensure it’s off the ground. It will absorb moisture from the soil underneath if it’s directly on the ground. If you store your firewood on the ground for several weeks or longer, its moisture content will increase, causing low heat production, mold growth, creosote buildup, and more.
A wood deck is an excellent place to store your firewood. It doesn’t have to be high off the ground. On the contrary, even if your deck is just a few inches off the ground, it will be a barrier between your firewood and the moisture-rich soil. You can store your firewood on concrete if you don’t have a wood deck. A small concrete slab is another simple and effective solution to store firewood.
Stack Firewood Correctly
Stacking your firewood isn’t as simple as tossing logs in a pile. To ensure your supply of firewood is stacked correctly, consider using a firewood storage rack. Firewood racks keep your wood off the ground, provide proper airflow and ventilation, and keep your supply out of the reach of pests.
Your firewood storage rack should be stored at least three feet away from your home. It should also be stored away from trees or other objects that might house pests or inhibit proper ventilation. A few additional tips for stacking your firewood include splitting the logs before stacking them, stacking logs bark side up, and stacking your wood in alternate directions to allow for better ventilation and drying.
Keep Firewood Covered
When storing firewood outdoors, it should be off the ground and covered. Without a cover, moisture will seep into the wood on rainy or snowy days.
You can cover your firewood in one of several ways; for example, if your patio has a roof, you can store your firewood underneath it for protection against the elements. Simply tossing the tarp over your firewood won’t suffice. A strong wind gust can blow the tarp away, leaving your firewood vulnerable to the elements.
Questions? Lehnhoff’s Supply is Here to Help
If you still have more questions about storing firewood, the trained professionals at Lehnhoff’s Supply are here to help you.
Find us at 2708 Belair Road, Fallston, MD 21047 and give us a call at 410-510-7646. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Facebook, X – Twitter, and Pinterest!
We serve but aren’t limited to, the following parts of Maryland: Harford County – Fallston, Forest Hill, Joppa, Edgewood, Bel Air, Churchville, Havre de Grace, Jarrettsville, Street, Aberdeen, Abingdon, and Joppatowne. In Baltimore County: Kingsville, Perry Hall, Overlea, Fullerton, Nottingham, Parkville, Towson, Carney, Loch Raven, Lutherville, Timonium, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Sparks, Glyndon, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Ruxton, Parkton, Glen Arm, Baldwin, Monkton, Long Green, White Marsh, Rosedale, Phoenix, and Fork.