QA

Quick Answer: How To Store Wood 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.

Is it OK to leave firewood outside?

Finding the Best Place to Store Firewood Unless you want spiders, mice, ants, termites, or a number of other pests crawling around your home, keep the wood outside. Besides, it’s less likely to age well in the house where there’s less airflow to dry it.

How long can you store wood outside?

With the conditions you have described you should be able to store the firewood outside for approximately 3 or 4 years before you have any issues with mold or decay. I normally keep my firewood on a three year rotation which works really well but there are A LOT of variables that determine how long the wood will last.

How do you store firewood outside in the winter?

Store wood in an open area with proper ventilation on all sides. If possible, store freshly cut wood in a windy, sunny location where it will dry more quickly, but protect it from rain or snow that will keep it wet and unusable. For the best seasoning, wood can need up to 1-2 years to thoroughly dry.

How do you store firewood outside in the summer?

To keep your wood from becoming wet, moldy, and/or infested with bugs it is best to keep your stack of firewood off the ground and covered. Firewood that comes into contact with the ground and is exposed to moisture and insects increases the rate of decay.

Can I store firewood on my porch?

So that your firewood burns efficiently, it should stay dry while outdoors. If there is enough room available inside your outdoor shed or storage building, then firewood can be stored easily there. Alternatively, a simple tarp can be used to cover your firewood to prevent it from taking in moisture from rain or snow.

Can you use wood that has been sitting outside?

In order to begin any project involving old wood that’s been outside, you must first clean it effectively. Constant weather and temperature changes can take a serious toll on wood. Throughout the year, the wood has taken a beating from the elements and must be cleaned before the wood can be effectively re-used again.

Should you tarp firewood?

If firewood is seasoned, dry and ready to burn, then it should have a tarp over the top of the stack to protect it from the elements. However, do not cover the sides of the stack with a tarp, or the wood may rot. Even after the wood is dry, the stack needs good air circulation to keep moisture out.

Is it OK if firewood gets wet?

If your fully seasoned firewood and is stored outside without any sufficient cover or placed on moist ground, the wood will start to go bad and rot over time. It’s therefore important that any seasoned firewood is kept dry, and if the wood has been rained on it should be moved to a dry location as soon as possible.

Can I store firewood in my garage?

Although this will save you some time and hassle in the winter months, it’s not a good idea to store firewood so close to the home. If you’re concerned about keeping snow and moisture off the wood, keep the firewood securely covered outside rather than having it sit in the garage or basement attached to your home.

Should I cover my wood pile with a tarp?

Should you cover a woodpile? Above: If a wood stack is out in the open then it can be protected from rain with a tarpaulin or some other cover but this should never come down over the side of the pile because it would trap moisture, as well as potentially causing mold and rot.

How do you store wood fire pits?

Storing Firewood It will keep wood off the ground and free from moisture and insects, making it more efficient and ready to burn when cool weather arrives. Keep a few days’ supply of firewood by the fire pit or fireplace in a smaller, more decorative log racks.

Can you store firewood in a shed?

If you have an outdoor storage shed, this a great place to store firewood. Inside a shed, firewood will be protected from things like rain. The shed will also provide a barrier between firewood and the soil. If possible, store firewood in an outdoor shed.

Should I cover my firewood in the summer?

A tarp or another similar cover should be loosely kept over the firewood, but should not be tightly wrapped around it or extended all the way to the ground. The idea is to protect the firewood from direct moisture and the weather elements, while still allowing proper air circulation.

Can you leave firewood uncovered in summer?

Firewood should be covered when being stored outside to protect it from rain, ice and snow, but doesn’t need to be covered when being stored inside as it’s already being protected from any wet weather.

How do you store firewood for cheap?

There are endless ways to store firewood. But when money is tight and you need dry firewood stored outdoors, something simple such as inexpensive tar paper and a fiberglass tarp can do the trick. Many years ago, a retired engineer taught me how to stack firewood so it air-dries quickly.

How do you store firewood under a deck?

You can definitely store your firewood directly on the ground, although elevating at least a few inches is ideal. Having a gap between the wood and the ground promotes airflow and ensures proper drying.