🔥 Storing firewood seems simple—until mold, pests, or rot ruin your supply. Are you making these costly mistakes without realizing it?
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ The #1 reason firewood gets ruined (hint: it’s not the weather!)
✔ Where you should NEVER stack firewood
✔ How to tell if your logs are too wet to burn
✔ Pro tips for pest-proof storage
Let’s fix your firewood storage before winter hits!
🌧️ Mistake #1: Storing Firewood Directly on the Ground
Why It’s a Problem:
- Ground moisture seeps into logs → rot & mold
- Termites, ants, and rodents nest underneath
How to Fix It:
✅ Use a firewood rack (steel or treated wood)
✅ Elevate logs on pallets or bricks (at least 4 inches off the ground)
✅ Add gravel underneath for drainage
📌 Pro Tip: A breathable tarp on top (not underneath) prevents rain exposure while allowing airflow.
🏠 Mistake #2: Stacking Firewood Against Your House
Why It’s Dangerous:
- Invites pests (termites, carpenter ants) into your home
- Traps moisture → promotes wood decay
- Fire hazard (if too close to vents or chimneys)
Safe Storage Distance:
📍 At least 20 feet from your home (5 feet minimum if using a covered rack)
📍 Away from decks, fences, and sheds (pests love these too!)
📌 Best Spot: A sunny, breezy area (helps wood dry faster).
🌲 Mistake #3: Covering Firewood Too Tightly
What Happens?
- Trapped humidity = mold & mildew
- Condensation makes logs harder to burn
Proper Covering Method:
✅ Cover only the top (let sides breathe)
✅ Use a waterproof but breathable cover (like a specialized firewood tarp)
✅ Avoid plastic sheeting (creates a “sweatbox” effect)
📌 Test for Dryness: Bang two logs together—if they sound hollow, they’re ready to burn!
🐜 Mistake #4: Ignoring Pest Prevention
Common Firewood Pests:
- Termites (can infest your home)
- Carpenter ants (weaken wood structure)
- Spiders & snakes (hide in stacks)
How to Keep Pests Out:
✅ Store wood away from buildings (see Mistake #2)
✅ Rotate stock (use oldest wood first)
✅ Inspect logs before bringing them indoors
✅ Avoid bark-heavy wood (pests love hiding under it)
📌 Natural Repellent: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the stack.
🪓 Mistake #5: Burning Unseasoned (Wet) Firewood
Why It’s Bad:
- Creates excess smoke & creosote (chimney fire risk!)
- Wastes energy (up to 50% less heat than dry wood)
How to Tell if Wood Is Seasoned:
✔ Cracks on the ends
✔ Lightweight (compared to freshly cut)
✔ Grayish color (not fresh yellow or green)
📌 Seasoning Time: 6–12 months for most hardwoods (oak, maple).
🔥 Bonus Mistake: Storing Firewood Indoors Too Soon
The Risk:
- Spiders, beetles, and larvae hitchhike inside
- Indoor humidity can re-wet dried logs
Safe Indoor Storage Tips:
✅ Only bring in 1–2 days’ worth at a time
✅ Use a metal log carrier (not a wicker basket)
✅ Store near the fireplace but not directly next to it (heat can dry logs too much)
🎯 Final Tips for Perfect Firewood Storage
✔ Stack loosely (for airflow)
✔ Face cut ends outward (helps drying)
✔ Keep it sunny & breezy (avoid dense shade)
✔ Use a moisture meter (aim for <20% moisture content)
🔗 Need a storage upgrade? Check out our top-rated firewood racks here!
Got a firewood storage hack? Share it below! 🔥🪵
