How to Store Firewood So It Stays Dry, Burns Hot, and Lasts All Winter
- Michelle Persolja
- Nov 1
- 2 min read
Winter is coming… and nothing beats a warm, crackling fire. But even the best firewood can lose its quality if it’s not stored properly. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time buyer, these simple tips will keep your firewood dry, safe, and ready to burn all season long.
1️⃣ How to Stack Firewood
Proper stacking keeps air flowing around your logs, helping them stay dry and burn efficiently.
Off the ground: Use a firewood rack, pallets, bricks, or treated wood to lift your stack at least 4–6 inches.
Criss-cross for stability: Stack in a log-cabin pattern for the ends and in rows with small gaps between logs.
Leave space between stacks: Air circulation is key, so don’t push stacks against walls or fences.
2️⃣ Where to Store Firewood
Different types of firewood require slightly different storage methods. Here’s a breakdown:
Unseasoned (Green) Firewood
Needs time to dry before burning.
Storage Tips: Stack in a well-ventilated, covered area. Avoid enclosing the sides — airflow is critical. Keep logs off the soil using pallets or bricks.
Timeframe: Usually takes 6–12+ months to properly season.
Seasoned Firewood
Ready to burn; moisture content under 20%.
Storage Tips: Keep covered but ventilated to prevent rain or snow from rewetting the wood. Stack loosely to allow airflow. Sunlight will help maintain dryness.
Tip: Rotate older logs to the top/front to use first and maintain freshness.
Heat-Treated Seasoned Firewood
Ready to burn; moisture content under 20%. Pest- and pathogen-free.
Storage Tips: Same as seasoned wood — cover the top, leave sides open, and keep off the ground. Heat treatment ensures you don’t need to worry about insects or mold, which means it can safely be stored in your garage.
Kiln-Dried Firewood
Ready-to-burn; moisture content under 10%.
Storage Tips: Ideal for indoor storage, but if kept outside, keep off the ground and maintain airflow around the stack. Follow the same covering and spacing guidelines as seasoned wood.
💡 General Tip for All Types: If possible, keep your stack at least 2–5 feet from walls or structures, ensuring good airflow and minimizing moisture issues.
3️⃣ Common Firewood Mistakes to Avoid
Even small mistakes can lead to damp, smoky fires.
Stacking too tightly: Logs need airflow; tightly packed stacks trap moisture.
Covering the sides completely with a tarp: Water can still get in, and condensation can form. Cover only the top, leaving sides open.
Using unseasoned wood too soon: Green wood burns poorly and produces more smoke — patience pays off.
🔥 Bonus Tip: Let Us Do the Work
No time to season or stack your firewood? Our Seasoned, Heat Treated, and Kiln Dried firewood is always in stock and arrives ready to burn. Our stacking service ($50 per 1/3 cord) makes it easy to enjoy a hot, clean fire any time of the year.
Stay warm,
Nick & Michelle Persolja
The Firewood Co.
37859 Stevens Blvd
Willoughby, OH
Seasoned & Kiln-Dried Firewood Always in Stock!
We proudly serve Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Summit, Medina, Portage, Trumbull, Ashtabula, and Mahoning Counties.
Comments