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Storing firewood might seem simple, but doing it the right way can make a big difference in how well your wood burns—and how safe your home stays. Whether you're using wood for a stove, fireplace, or outdoor fire pit, following proper storage practices helps prevent bug infestations, mold, and moisture damage, while keeping your firewood clean, dry, and ready to use. Here’s how to properly store your firewood for safety, efficiency, and long-term quality.
Why Proper Firewood Storage Matters
Firewood that’s exposed to moisture or pests can become moldy, rotten, and hard to burn. Worse, it can attract termites or other bugs too close to your home. Good firewood storage helps prevent bug infestations and rodent problems, avoid mold growth and rot, keep moisture levels low for cleaner burning, and maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your firewood. Another key habit: always burn the oldest wood first. This ensures nothing sits too long and reduces the risk of pest activity.
Best Places to Store Firewood
Location is everything. To keep pests out and your wood dry, store firewood at least 3–5 feet away from your home. Keeping it too close to your siding, garage, or basement invites bugs, rodents, and even moisture into the structure. Instead, stack your firewood outdoors in a well-ventilated spot, off the ground using a firewood rack or pallets, and away from enclosed areas like garages or sheds. A proper outdoor setup helps air circulate around the wood, speeding up the drying process and preventing decay.
How to Stack and Cover Firewood
The way you stack and cover your firewood can make or break its usability. Here's what works best:
Build a Strong Foundation
Use patio stones, concrete slabs, or vapor barriers under your stack to stop moisture from seeping up. Even better, elevate your wood on wooden pallets or a firewood rack for better air flow.
Cover It—but Let It Breathe
In rainy or snowy weather, cover the top of your stack to protect it—but leave the sides open for airflow. Tarps, firewood covers, or small shelters work well as long as the wood can still dry out underneath.
Expert-Backed Storage Practices
Experts agree: a covered, elevated, and well-ventilated stack is the best way to keep your firewood clean, dry, and burn-ready. Regularly rotating your wood and checking for signs of pests or moisture can also go a long way toward keeping your woodpile healthy. If you’re serious about protecting your investment—and your home—following these simple best practices can help you get the most out of every log.
Final Thoughts
Proper firewood storage isn’t just about keeping your wood dry—it’s about keeping your home safe and your fires efficient. Whether you burn wood daily or just on chilly weekends, taking the time to store it right can save you hassle, protect your stove or fireplace, and keep your firewood burning clean. Need firewood racks, gaskets, or replacement parts for your stove? Check out Total-Hearth.com for high-quality hearth products and expert support.