How to Store and Season Firewood Correctly
Firewood must be stored in a dry, well-ventilated location protected from direct rain and ground moisture. This ensures clean, high-efficiency combustion and extends the lifespan of your fireplace and flue.
Key Guidelines for Firewood Storage:
- Elevate above ground: Never stack wood directly on bare soil. Use pallets or wooden runners to allow air circulation underneath.
- Ensure air cross-flow: Stack logs with gaps between rows. Wind and dry air are the primary drivers of wood drying.
- Cover only the top: Protect the top of the woodpile from rain and snow, leaving the sides open for moisture to escape. Storing green wood under airtight plastic tarps causes rot and mold.
- Drying time: Split hardwood (such as birch or oak) typically requires 1.5 to 2 years of proper drying to reach the ideal moisture level of 15–18%.
- Pre-warm before burning: Bring a basket of firewood indoors 24–48 hours before lighting. Room-temperature wood lights much faster and burns cleaner than freezing wood straight from the shed.
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