A warm fire is perfect on a chilly evening, but wet firewood won’t burn well. It creates more smoke, less heat, and might even grow mold. Keeping your firewood dry is key, especially during rainy seasons. Here are the best ways to store your firewood so it stays dry and ready to use.
5 Best Ways to Keep Your Firewood Dry During Rainy Season
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Use a Firewood Rack Outdoor
A firewood rack outdoor is one of the best ways to keep your firewood dry. Instead of stacking wood directly on the ground, a firewood rack lifts the logs off the wet surface. This helps prevent moisture from seeping into the wood and keeps air flowing around the logs. Better airflow means drier firewood!
Firewood racks come in different sizes and materials. Some are made of metal, while others are wooden structures. You can choose one based on how much firewood you need to store and how much space you have.
Pro Tip:
Place your firewood rack on a solid surface like gravel or concrete to keep it dry. If using the ground, add pallets underneath for extra protection.
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Store Your Firewood in a Firewood Shed
A firewood shed is an excellent long-term solution for keeping your wood dry. Unlike a simple rack, a firewood shed has a roof and sometimes walls to protect your firewood from heavy rain. The best firewood sheds allow air to circulate while keeping water out. Some even have slatted sides or vents to ensure better airflow.
If you live in an area with a lot of rain, investing in a firewood shed is a smart idea. It will help prevent mold, rot, and insect infestations while keeping your firewood in good condition.
Pro Tip:
Raise the shed’s floor slightly off the ground to keep moisture out. Also, leave space between stacks to help air move around and dry the wood faster.
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Cover Your Firewood Stack Properly
If you don’t have a firewood shed, cover your wood with a tarp or waterproof cover. But don’t wrap the entire stack tightly, this can trap moisture. Instead, cover only the top and leave the sides open for airflow.
Pro Tip:
Use bricks or heavy objects to secure the tarp so wind doesn’t blow it away. Also, tilt the tarp slightly so rainwater runs off instead of pooling on top.
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Stack Your Firewood the Right Way
Stacking firewood properly helps it stay dry. A cord of firewood is about 128 cubic feet of stacked wood. Arrange logs neatly in a crisscross or log cabin pattern to allow airflow. Avoid stacking too tightly, as that can trap moisture.
Pro Tip:
Place the firewood stack in a sunny spot if possible. Sunlight helps dry the wood faster. Also, stack fresh-cut wood on top and older, drier wood at the bottom for easy access.
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Keep Some Wood Indoors
For convenience, keep a small indoor firewood rack near your fireplace or stove. This ensures you always have dry wood ready to burn. Indoor firewood racks also help keep your space tidy.
Pro Tip:
Bring firewood inside at least a day before using it. This helps any surface moisture dry completely. Choose a ventilated spot indoors to store firewood so it doesn’t cause dampness.
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Conclusion
Keeping firewood dry is easy with the right storage. Whether you use a firewood rack outdoor, a firewood shed, or an indoor firewood rack, these methods will ensure your firewood stays dry and ready to burn. Stack properly, cover wisely, and store in the right places to avoid soggy logs.
For quality firewood storage, check out Firewood Racks, a trusted retailer of Woodhaven firewood racks and covers, designed to keep your firewood dry and organized year-round.