Properly storing firewood is essential for keeping logs dry, easy to light, and suitable for efficient combustion. Even high-quality firewood can lose some of its performance if stored in poor conditions.
Improper storage can encourage moisture build-up, mould growth and, eventually, wood rot. Conversely, a few simple precautions can help preserve firewood until it is needed.
The aim is based on three principles: protect the wood from rain, prevent direct contact with damp ground, and allow air to circulate around the logs.
Why is proper firewood storage important?
The moisture content of firewood plays an important role in combustion quality. When wood is too damp, some of the energy produced by the fire is used to evaporate the water contained in the logs instead of generating heat.
The wood may then be more difficult to light, burn less efficiently and produce more smoke.
Proper storage helps to:
- make lighting the fire easier;
- promote more efficient combustion;
- preserve the heating value of the wood;
- limit mould growth;
- prevent logs from rotting;
- help slightly damp wood continue drying;
- maintain wood quality for longer.
Storage conditions are therefore important for both seasoned firewood and wood that is still drying.
Where should you store firewood?
Several locations can be suitable, provided the essential requirements are met: protection from water and adequate ventilation.
Storing firewood outdoors
Firewood can be stored outdoors without any problem. In fact, this is often a good solution when the wood still needs to lose moisture, provided it is properly protected from the weather.
Avoid placing logs directly on soil, grass or any surface that retains moisture. A pallet, wooden sleepers, timber beams or another stable support can be used to raise the stack off the ground.
The location should also be sufficiently ventilated. Where possible, choose an area exposed to the wind and receiving some sunlight.
Under a firewood shelter
A firewood shelter is one of the most practical solutions for storing logs over a long period.
Its roof protects the wood from rain and snow, while open or slatted sides allow air to circulate.
A good shelter should therefore be well ventilated rather than airtight.
This solution is suitable for both dry firewood and wood that is still drying.
In a garage
A garage can be suitable for storing firewood that is already dry.
However, it is less suitable for freshly cut or damp wood if ventilation is insufficient. In an enclosed space, water evaporates from the wood but may remain in the surrounding air.
This can slow down drying and encourage mould growth.
If you use a garage or another enclosed storage area, make sure there is sufficient airflow.
Inside the house
Indoors, it is best to keep only a small quantity of dry firewood intended for the next few fires.
For example, a small supply placed near the stove or fireplace allows you to keep a few logs readily available.
However, the main stock should remain in a suitable, ventilated area. Storing large quantities of firewood indoors is generally unnecessary and may also bring dust, bark and small insects into the home.
How should firewood be stored properly?
There are several methods depending on the volume of wood, the available space and how dry the wood is.
On a pallet
Using a pallet is a simple and effective solution.
It keeps logs above ground level and encourages airflow beneath the stack. It can be used under a shelter, in a storage building or directly outdoors with suitable protection.
However, make sure the base is stable enough to support the weight of the wood.
Against a wall
Logs can be stored near a wall, but it is best to avoid placing them directly against it.
Leave a gap of a few centimetres between the stack and the wall to encourage airflow.
This precaution is particularly important when the wall may retain moisture.
In a ventilated container
To make handling and storing large quantities easier, you can also use a container specifically designed for firewood.
A firewood bulk bag, for example, allows logs to be grouped together while maintaining airflow through its ventilated sections.
This solution can be practical for packaging, storing and transporting firewood while preventing logs from becoming scattered.
Under a tarpaulin
A tarpaulin can be used to protect firewood from rain, but it must be positioned correctly.
The best approach is to cover mainly the top of the stack and, if necessary, the section most exposed to bad weather.
However, avoid completely wrapping the wood in a waterproof tarpaulin. If the sides are fully enclosed, moisture may become trapped and significantly slow down drying.
In a bag or net
For small logs, kindling or fire-starting wood, mesh bags or nets can be practical.
Their open structure keeps the wood together while maintaining some ventilation. They also make handling and transporting small quantities easier.
How should you stack firewood logs?
The way firewood is stacked also affects how it dries.
There is no need to create a completely airtight stack. On the contrary, some airflow between the logs is desirable.
Arrange the logs evenly and securely without packing them too tightly. When several rows are needed, leaving a small gap between them can be beneficial.
Stacks that are excessively high or unstable should also be avoided. The larger the volume, the more important it is to ensure the stack remains stable.
At the ends of the stack, some logs can be arranged in alternating directions to improve overall stability.
Why is ventilation essential?
To dry properly, firewood must be able to gradually release the water it contains.
This moisture moves towards the surface of the logs before evaporating into the air. If the wood is kept in an airtight space or completely covered with waterproof material, humid air remains trapped around the logs.
As a result, drying becomes much slower.
The principle is simple: protect firewood from above while allowing air to circulate around the sides and, if possible, underneath the stack.
How can you protect firewood from rain?
Firewood that is occasionally exposed to a little rain does not necessarily become unusable. The main problem occurs when logs remain damp for long periods.
A solid roof generally provides the best protection. It prevents rain from falling directly onto the logs while leaving the sides open.
If you use a tarpaulin, secure it well enough to prevent it from blowing away without completely enclosing the stack.
It can also be useful to give the upper covering a slight slope to prevent water from collecting.
How can you prevent firewood from rotting?
Wood rot develops when firewood remains in a damp, poorly ventilated environment for a prolonged period.
To reduce the risks:
- do not place logs directly on damp ground;
- protect them from rain;
- allow air to circulate around the stock;
- avoid completely enclosed spaces for wood that is still damp;
- do not completely cover the stack with a waterproof tarpaulin;
- check the condition of the wood regularly;
- remove any pieces showing significant signs of deterioration when necessary.
If certain logs remain constantly damp while the rest of the stock dries normally, check their position. They may be in contact with the ground, against a damp wall or in an area with insufficient ventilation.
Does storage depend on the type of wood?
Yes. Different types of wood do not dry in the same way or at the same rate.
Drying depends on several factors, including:
- the wood species;
- wood density;
- whether it is hardwood or softwood;
- its initial moisture content;
- the diameter of the logs;
- their length;
- the climate and season;
- the level of ventilation;
- whether the wood has been split.
A split log generally dries more easily than a large piece of unsplit wood because a greater surface area is exposed to the air.
It is therefore best not to assume that a single drying period applies to all types of wood.
Should green wood and dry firewood be stored differently?
Green wood still contains a significant amount of water. It should therefore be stored in a particularly well-ventilated location so that drying can continue.
For this type of wood, outdoor storage under an open shelter is generally preferable to an enclosed space.
Dry firewood mainly needs protection against absorbing moisture again. It can therefore be stored under a shelter, in a ventilated building or in a suitable container.
It is also useful to separate dry firewood from freshly cut wood to manage different batches more effectively and use the oldest logs first.
How should you store a stere of firewood?
When storing a large volume of firewood, organisation and stack stability become particularly important.
Make sure you have:
- stable, relatively level ground;
- a raised base;
- evenly arranged rows;
- sufficient ventilation;
- protection from rain;
- convenient access to collect logs.
It can be useful to organise firewood into rows or batches according to the date of delivery or cutting. This allows you to use the wood that has been stored the longest first.
The term "stere" historically refers to an apparent volume of 1 m³ of logs measuring 1 metre in length. When these logs are cut into shorter pieces, they can be stacked more efficiently and therefore occupy less apparent volume.
As a guide, the same stere occupies approximately 0.8 m³ when cut into 50 cm logs and approximately 0.7 m³ when cut into 33 cm logs.
It is therefore important to distinguish between the quantity of wood and the apparent volume it occupies once stacked.
How long should firewood be left to dry?
There is no single drying period that applies to every situation.
The time required depends on the wood species, log size, initial moisture content, cutting season and, above all, storage conditions.
Split wood stored in a covered, well-ventilated area will generally dry much better than unsplit wood stacked in an enclosed, damp location.
Rather than relying solely on the storage period, it is best to check the actual moisture content of the wood before using it.
How can you tell if firewood is dry enough?
Several signs can provide an initial indication.
Dry wood is generally lighter than freshly cut wood. Cracks may also appear at the ends of the logs during drying.
For a more accurate measurement, the most reliable solution is to use a moisture meter.
Ideally, the measurement should be taken inside a freshly split log rather than only on its surface. The outside may appear dry while the centre still contains a significant amount of moisture.
Why should you let firewood dry before burning it?
Properly dried firewood:
- lights more easily;
- burns more efficiently;
- provides better energy efficiency;
- contains less water that needs to evaporate during combustion;
- makes stoves, fireplace inserts and open fireplaces easier to use.
Conversely, burning very damp wood reduces heating efficiency and can produce more smoke and deposits.
Storage is therefore an essential part of preparing firewood for use.
How should you organise your firewood stock?
A well-organised stock saves time when heating your home.
If you have several rows of logs, try to use the oldest and driest ones first. New deliveries can be stored separately so they can continue drying.
It can also be practical to create several storage areas:
- a main storage area;
- an area for wood that is still drying;
- a small supply of ready-to-use firewood near the house;
- a separate area for kindling.
This organisation makes stock rotation easier and prevents logs with very different moisture levels from being mixed together.
Common mistakes to avoid
To preserve your firewood, avoid the following mistakes:
- placing logs directly on soil;
- stacking firewood in an area where water collects;
- completely covering the wood with a waterproof tarpaulin;
- storing damp wood in an enclosed room;
- stacking logs without allowing airflow;
- placing firewood directly against a damp wall;
- building a stack that is too high or unstable;
- leaving logs constantly exposed to rain;
- systematically mixing dry wood with freshly cut wood;
- burning wood that is still too damp.
A simple periodic inspection can often help identify storage problems quickly and allow you to adjust the covering or location of the stack.
What do the regulations say?
It is important to distinguish between regulations governing the sale of firewood and good practices for storing it at home.
In France, the sale of firewood is subject to various information requirements intended to inform buyers about the quantity of wood, the dimensions of the logs and their level of dryness.
The term "stere" remains widely used in everyday language to describe a quantity of firewood, but the legal unit used to express volume is the cubic metre.
Furthermore, if you intend to build a permanent firewood shelter, planning regulations may apply depending on its dimensions, location and local rules.
For a substantial shelter project, it is therefore advisable to consult the local urban development plan and, if necessary, contact the town hall.
What is the best way to store firewood?
There is no single solution suitable for every situation.
For a few logs, a net bag or small indoor supply may be sufficient. For several cubic metres, an open shelter, pallets or ventilated containers will generally be more practical.
The choice mainly depends on:
- the quantity of firewood;
- the available space;
- the moisture content of the wood;
- the intended storage duration;
- handling and transport requirements.
In all cases, the same principles apply: raise, protect and ventilate.
Summary
To store firewood properly, three rules are essential: protect logs from precipitation, prevent direct contact with damp ground, and maintain good airflow.
A pallet, an open firewood shelter, a ventilated bulk bag or a correctly positioned tarpaulin can be used depending on the quantity of firewood and its moisture content.
It is also preferable to organise the stock so that dry firewood is kept separate from wood that is still drying, and to use the oldest batches first.
Well-designed storage allows firewood to continue drying under suitable conditions, reduces the risk of deterioration and preserves its quality until it is ready to be used.
