How To Store Your Firewood During The Winter Months

1. Choose the Right Location

Find an Elevated Spot: When selecting a location for your firewood, aim for an area that is slightly elevated. This reduces the risk of groundwater pooling or melting snow soaking your logs. If possible, choose a site that has good drainage, such as a slope or an area that naturally sheds water.

Proximity to Your Home: Convenience is key during winter, especially when you may not want to venture far into the cold. Store your firewood within easy reach of your home, ideally no more than 20 to 30 feet away. This way, you can quickly grab wood without trudging through deep snow.

2. Create a Sturdy Base

Use Pallets or Crates: Elevating your firewood off the ground is crucial for preventing moisture absorption. Wooden pallets work well for this purpose, as they allow air to circulate beneath the stack. If pallets aren’t available, consider using crates, bricks, or concrete blocks to create a sturdy base.

Firewood Racks: Investing in a firewood rack can be a game changer. These racks often come with built-in covers and are designed to allow air circulation while keeping your wood off the ground. Look for racks that are sturdy enough to withstand winter conditions, and consider those with a sloped roof to help shed snow and rain.

3. Stack It Right

Proper Stacking Technique: When stacking your firewood, use a crisscross pattern to build the side walls of your stack. Then stack your firewood in between the 2 wood stacked walls to create your middle stack. This stacking technique will work to promote airflow.  To build the side walls  start by placing a few logs on the ground parallel to each other, then stack another layer of logs on top, perpendicular to the first layer. This arrangement not only stabilizes the stack but also helps air circulate, reducing moisture retention. For the middle just stack wood lengthways along the 2 side walls as tall as you can go. This stacking technique allows for the perfect way to store your firewood.

Leave Space Between Stacks: If you have multiple stacks, ensure there’s adequate space between them—about six inches is ideal. This allows air to flow freely and helps prevent moisture from one stack affecting the others.

4. Cover Your Firewood

Use a Tarp or Cover: Covering your firewood is essential to protect it from snow and rain, but you need to do it correctly. Use a breathable tarp or a firewood cover specifically designed for this purpose. Avoid plastic sheeting, as it traps moisture underneath, leading to mold growth.

Cover Only the Top: When covering your firewood, only drape the tarp over the top of the stack, leaving the sides open. This design allows moisture to escape while protecting the wood from precipitation.

5. Monitor for Moisture

Regular Checks: Make it a habit to check your firewood stack every few weeks throughout the winter. Look for signs of moisture or mold, such as a damp feel or discolouration. If you find any wet logs, separate them from the rest of your supply to allow them to dry out.

Rotate Your Stock: Use the oldest wood first to ensure that you’re burning the driest logs. A good practice is to implement a “first in, first out” (FIFO) system, where the wood that’s been in storage the longest is used first. This helps maintain the quality of your firewood supply.

6. Keep It Accessible

Clear a Path: Snow can quickly accumulate around your firewood storage area, making access difficult. Regularly shovel snow away from your firewood stacks to create a clear path. This not only makes it easier to reach your wood but also prevents snow from weighing down the stacks.

Plan Ahead for Storms: Before a winter storm hits, bring in a supply of wood to keep inside your home. A small storage bin or a designated area near your fireplace can hold a few days’ worth of firewood, ensuring you’re never caught without fuel when the weather turns nasty.

7. Additional Tips for Success

Season Your Wood: Before winter, ensure your firewood is well-seasoned. Ideally, wood should be cut, split, and stacked for at least six months to a year before burning. Well-seasoned wood has a moisture content below 20%, which allows for better combustion and less creosote buildup in your chimney.

Consider the Type of Wood: Some types of wood burn hotter and cleaner than others. Hardwoods like Birch Firewood are an excellent choice for winter fires, while softer woods like pine or spruce can produce more creosote and burn faster.

Invest in a Moisture Meter: For the serious firewood enthusiast, a moisture meter can be a valuable tool. This device allows you to check the moisture content of your wood, ensuring that you’re only burning the driest logs.

Conclusion

Storing firewood during the snowy winter months requires some foresight and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. By following these detailed steps—selecting the right location, stacking properly, and monitoring your supply—you can ensure that your firewood remains dry and ready to burn all winter long. So prepare your firewood storage now, and get ready to enjoy those cozy evenings by the fire!