When the first frosty mornings of fall have you dreaming of nights by the outdoor fireplace, you need to ensure access to a good supply of dry firewood. Especially in Michigan's climate, proper firewood storage is crucial, because wet, cold weather can quickly ruin your firewood if not stored correctly.
How you store firewood will determine how easily you can start a fire in your outdoor fireplace, as well as how well that fire will burn and glow for a delightful ambiance (rather than an unpleasant, smoky mess).
First, Seasoning Firewood
Before you even think about storing firewood, it's important to ensure that your wood is properly seasoned. Freshly cut wood, also known as "green" wood, contains a lot of moisture, which makes it difficult to burn efficiently.
Seasoning involves allowing the wood to dry out for at least six months to a year before use. This process helps to reduce the moisture content, ensuring a better burn with less smoke and creosote buildup in your chimney.
You can purchase well-seasoned firewood from a quality supplier. Or, if you choose to season your own firewood, follow these steps:
Start by cutting the wood into manageable pieces, typically around 16 to 18 inches long (a size that will fit most fireplaces and wood stoves).
Split the logs into smaller pieces to increase the surface area exposed to air. This helps the wood dry out faster.
Stack the wood in a crisscross pattern or with gaps between the logs, and in a sunny spot with good airflow. Ideally, stack the wood on a raised platform or pallets to keep it off the ground and prevent moisture absorption from the soil.
Cover the top of the woodpile with a tarp or other waterproof material to protect it from rain and snow, but leave the sides exposed to allow moisture to escape.
All said, the wood should sit for at least six months to a year. Hardwoods like oak may take longer, while softer woods like pine can season more quickly.
You can tell if the wood is seasoned by checking for cracks in the ends of the logs, listening for a hollow sound when two pieces are knocked together, or using a moisture meter to measure the moisture content.
Long-Term Firewood Storage
When storing wood for the long-term, a wood shed can be a great option. Ideally, the shed should be open on one side, again to allow for air circulation and help keep your wood dry and fungus-free.
Also, it’s a good idea to continue keeping the firewood stacked and off the ground, which is made easier with pallets or a pair of two-by-fours.
But keep your overall landscape design in mind. The location of the shed is important, depending on how frequently you use your outdoor fireplace and whether the shed itself is something you want to look at every day.
For example, if you use your outdoor fireplace often, you might want to position the shed close to the fire pit or fireplace for easy access to the wood. However, if the shed isn’t something you want in your direct line of sight, consider placing it behind a natural barrier, such as a row of shrubs, fence, or stone wall, to keep it out of view but also conveniently accessible.
Note: long-term storage also requires regular rotation of the wood to ensure that older, more seasoned wood is used first, and new wood is given time to dry.
Short-Term Firewood Storage
Now, if you're storing firewood for short-term use, such as for the upcoming season, you don't necessarily need a dedicated shed.
Instead, consider stacking the wood in a location that's easily accessible—perhaps on your patio, in openings built into your outdoor fireplace, in baskets around your fire pit, or on a covered porch. In all of these locations, it’s still important to keep the wood elevated and dry, similar to long-term storage.
Short-term storage prioritizes convenience and aesthetics. It makes sense to keep your firewood close to your outdoor fireplace or firepit—or near your home, for indoor fires—to make grabbing a few logs quick and easy.
While airflow is still important, short-term storage doesn't require the same level of ventilation, since the wood is intended for quick use.
The biggest difference here is the timeframe: while long-term storage is about preserving the wood for future seasons, short-term storage is about keeping it handy and ready to use within the next few weeks or months.
Firewood Use & Safety Tips
No matter your timeframe when storing firewood, it's essential to consider safety.
Keep your firewood pile at least 30 feet away from your home, to minimize the risk of fire hazards.
Avoid storing wood near any potential ignition sources, like a grill or outdoor heater.
Remember that storing firewood against the walls of your home or under a deck can lead to moisture buildup, which can cause mold growth and invite pests such as termites into your home.
If you don’t have a shed, a log rack placed at a safe distance away from the home can serve as long-term storage, since it keeps firewood off the ground and can be covered with a tarp. It’s a less attractive option than a wood shed, but easily portable if you want to change its location.
When it comes time to use your stored firewood, always use old firewood first. If you have wood left over from a previous season, move it to the front of your wood shed so that it’s easy to access.
Also, remember not to spray firewood with insecticide, because you’d end up breathing the toxic fumes when you burn the wood.
By following these tips and choosing the right storage solutions, you can ensure a steady supply of dry, seasoned firewood, making your outdoor fireplace or firepit a warm and inviting gathering spot all season long.
Have more questions about storing your firewood and/or other home needs, including hardscaping and backyard renovations? We’d love to discuss the options with you.
For more inspiration, check out our gallery of our work, read more on the blog, or catch up with us on Instagram.
