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As the days grow shorter and temperatures start to dip, now is the perfect time to stock up on kiln-dried firewood to prepare for the chilly months ahead. Properly storing your firewood is essential for maintaining its quality, keeping it dry, and ensuring it burns efficiently when winter arrives. Here’s everything you need to know to store firewood this autumn and maximize heat output during the colder season.
Why Proper Firewood Storage Matters
Kiln-dried firewood has a moisture content of less than 20%, making it Ready to Burn certified for a cleaner, hotter, and more efficient burn. However, even kiln-dried wood can absorb moisture if not stored correctly. Moist wood not only produces less heat but also creates more smoke, which can lead to soot buildup in your chimney.
By following these essential tips for storing your firewood this autumn, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of premium kiln-dried firewood when winter rolls around.
1. Choose the Right Storage Location
A dry, sheltered location is key for keeping your firewood in top condition. Ideally, store firewood in a shed, garage, or dedicated wood storage area with good ventilation. This helps protect it from rain and snow, preventing it from becoming damp.
If an indoor storage space isn’t available, choose a spot outside that’s elevated and covered. Make sure it’s away from standing water, and avoid placing your woodpile directly on the ground to reduce exposure to moisture.
2. Keep Your Firewood Elevated
Elevating your firewood is essential for airflow and moisture control. Use pallets, a firewood rack, or a wooden platform to lift the logs a few inches off the ground. This helps prevent moisture from the ground from seeping into the logs, keeping them dry and ready to burn when you need them.
3. Cover the Top, but Leave the Sides Open
Covering your firewood pile is crucial, but it’s important to do it right. Use a tarp or weather-resistant cover to protect the top of the stack from rain and snow, while leaving the sides exposed for airflow. Good ventilation allows the wood to breathe and prevents condensation, which could otherwise lead to dampness and mould.
4. Stack Firewood Properly
A properly stacked woodpile not only looks neat but also helps with air circulation. Stack your logs in a crisscross or row pattern with spaces in between to encourage airflow and allow any remaining moisture to escape. A well-stacked pile will also be more stable and less likely to collapse, making it safer for your home and family.
5. Store Only What You Need Indoors
While it’s tempting to bring all your firewood inside for convenience, it’s best to store only a small amount indoors. Bringing in a few logs at a time helps them acclimate to indoor temperatures while keeping pests outside. For the bulk of your firewood, stick to storing it in a dry, covered area outside until you’re ready to use it.
6. Keep Firewood Away from the House
If you’re storing firewood outside, place it a few feet away from your home’s walls. This prevents pests like insects and rodents from using the woodpile as a bridge to enter your home. A safe distance also reduces the risk of any outdoor fires spreading to your property.
7. Use a Dedicated Firewood Shed
If you have the space, a firewood shed is a great investment for long-term storage. These sheds are designed with ample airflow to keep wood dry, and they’re typically raised to prevent ground moisture from affecting the logs. A dedicated firewood shed is one of the best options for anyone who uses firewood as a primary heat source during winter.
8. Rotate Your Firewood Stack
Using a first-in, first-out method can help you burn older logs first, ensuring that nothing sits too long and begins to degrade. By rotating your firewood stack, you’ll always have seasoned, ready-to-burn wood on hand when winter arrives, with less risk of finding damp or unusable logs.
Why Now is the Perfect Time to Stock Up
Autumn is the ideal season to stock up on kiln-dried firewood, avoiding the winter rush and securing your supply ahead of time. Plus, by preparing now, you can follow these tips to ensure your firewood is perfectly stored and ready to burn when the first cold snap hits.
At JD Logs, we offer high-quality, Ready to Burn certified firewood, with free local delivery on orders over £40. Get prepared for winter with firewood that’s dried, seasoned, and easy to store – so you can enjoy cosy, efficient warmth all season long.
Ready to stock up on kiln-dried firewood? Browse our selection of premium firewood here and order today!
