Simple Tips for Dry, Ready Firewood

Properly stacking and storing firewood not only keeps your supply neat but also ensures that it burns efficiently when you need it the most. Here are a few key tips:

• Choose the right location: Store wood in a sunny, breezy spot to help it dry. Avoid low areas where moisture can collect.
• Keep it off the ground: Elevate your stack on pallets, rails or a simple rack to prevent rot and discourage pests.
• Allow airflow: Stack wood in rows with small gaps between logs to promote circulation. A single row is best for drying; double rows work well once wood is fully seasoned.
• Cover the top, not the sides: Protect your pile with a tarp, sheet metal or a dedicated firewood cover, leaving the sides open to breathe.
• Rotate your supply: Burn older, seasoned wood first. Freshly cut wood needs six to12 months to dry completely, depending on species and climate.