How to store your firewood outdoors to keep it dry and safe
Storing firewood outdoors comes with a myriad of complications and considerations, no matter the climate. You need to keep the firewood dry, free from dirt, and secure to prevent any of it from rolling away. How can you do this? Let us show you how! Our guide today walks you through the best ways to store your firewood outdoors, keeping it dry and safe and the importance of suitable firewood storage.
Why is it important to store your logs properly?
You must store your logs properly to keep them dry and suitable for use in your fire. While you might think this only applies to rainy climates, it applies to any climate where moisture in the air could wreak havoc on your logs. We have detailed the main reasons why firewood needs to be stored properly below:
It helps maintain moisture content
Storing your wood properly ensures that its moisture content remains consistent, resulting in a consistent burn. Wood that isn’t stored properly can easily absorb moisture from the air and rain, reducing its effectiveness. Logs require a maximum moisture level of 20%, which is determined by splitting a log in half and measuring the value at its core.
The moisture level is important, as wet wood is difficult to ignite and burns inefficiently, producing more smoke, which can cause creosote deposits in your chimney and be difficult to inhale. It is best to avoid this and ensure that your wood is stored in a dry space.
It prevents mould and rot
If your wood is not stored correctly, mould and rot can easily form. Mouldy logs are extremely dangerous to burn as they release microscopic spores into the air, which you will breathe, leaving you with health issues, especially if you already suffer from your chest issues. Once you see a bit of mould on one log, it’s safe to assume that all of your firewood is contaminated, and you would need to replace it. Doing so can be very expensive, so it’s best to avoid this and ensure that all of your wood is stored in a dry space free from existing mould or rot.
It ensures your firewood performs at its best
Keeping your firewood stored correctly will ensure that you get the most out of it, ensuring value for money. Wood that has been stored correctly will burn cleanly, light easily, and produce as much heat as possible, ensuring a pleasant experience while lighting and enjoying the fire. Not only is this good for you, but working with dry logs is also better for the planet. Dry logs produce less particulate matter than wet logs when burnt, helping to keep the air cleaner.
The best way to store firewood outdoors safely
To store your firewood outdoors correctly and safely, we have some tips below that will help you choose the perfect space, including avoiding areas near walls and trees.
Look for a sunny, airy spot
You want a location for your wood that gets some sun and a regular breeze. The sun will dry the logs during the day, and a regular breeze helps to carry moisture away from the logs. Where possible, we recommend a south-facing area that isn’t tightly enclosed.
Avoid drip zones and trees
While stacking wood under a tree or at the edge of a roof may seem like it will protect it from the rain, these spaces will actually drip water onto your logs after it has rained, keeping them wetter for longer and reducing their effectiveness.
Consider fire safety
Wood, like any other combustible material, should not be stored too close to your home. Ideally, you want the wood at least 20 feet away from your home to ensure that, should anything go wrong, you will be safe. You can keep some firewood in your house, but only a small amount.
Avoid walls
Firewood should not be placed next to any walls, as the direct contact can trap moisture, causing your logs to become wet. They can also invite pests to damage your wood. It’s best to ensure there is a gap between the wall and your wood to allow for airflow and prevent the structure behind it from rotting. The gap does not need to be more than a few inches; just ensure it is present.
Keep them off the ground
Your logs also need to be away from the ground, as direct contact can cause moisture to spread. Moisture from the soil can seep into your logs quickly, causing them to deteriorate Ideally, you want at least five centimetres of clearance, which can be achieved with log racks or other storage methods.
Find your firewood storage solution today
Now that you know why and how to store firewood, it’s time to find the perfect firewood storage solution! Firewood racks are a popular choice, allowing you to store your firewood outside without it touching the floor or any walls. When choosing your racks, we recommend checking out Ironbark Metal Design, who offer a range of storage solutions, or the option to customise yours and create the perfect space for your logs. Check out their firewood storage rack options now!
