
Firewood needs to be stored correctly to prevent it from becoming damp, decaying, and posing a fire hazard. This guide explores best practices for both indoor and outdoor storage, ensuring your wood stays dry and ready to burn efficiently.
Storing Firewood Indoors (in Small Quantities)
While it’s generally best to store most of your firewood outdoors, a small amount can be kept indoors for convenience. However, safety is paramount:
- Distance is Key: Never store firewood directly near your wood-burning stove. Maintain a safe distance according to your stove’s manufacturer instructions.
- Limit Indoor Storage: Only bring in the wood you plan to burn within the next couple of days to minimize the risk of fire.
- No Stovetop Storage: Never store firewood on top of your wood-burning stove. This is extremely dangerous and can easily lead to a fire.
- Integrated Log Stores: If your stove has a built-in log store, strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe loading capacity and distances.
Storing Firewood Outdoors
Proper outdoor storage is crucial to prevent moisture absorption and decay:
- Protect from the Elements: Invest in a slatted log store with a roof to shield your wood from rain. Some rain is okay, but excessive moisture can significantly impact drying time.
- Stack Wisely: Store your newest wood at the bottom of the pile and the oldest wood on top. This allows older wood to dry thoroughly.
- Prioritize Ventilation: Elevate your logs using pallets or a raised log store to improve airflow. Good air circulation is essential for drying.
- Choose the Right Location: Ideally, your outdoor storage area should receive plenty of sunlight and be sheltered from strong winds. Avoid locations where rainwater can drip directly onto the wood.
Monitoring Moisture Content
To ensure your wood burns efficiently, use a moisture meter to check its moisture content. Ready-to-burn wood should have a moisture content of 20% or less.
By following these simple storage tips, you can keep your firewood dry, safe, and ready to provide cozy warmth all winter long.
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general guidance on firewood storage. Always refer to your specific wood-burning appliance’s manufacturer instructions for detailed safety information.
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