How to Store Firewood Properly

Whether you purchase freshly cut logs or partially seasoned timber, the way you store your wood can significantly affect how quickly it dries and how well it burns.

Freshly cut timber contains a high moisture content, often exceeding 50%. Most wood-burning stoves are designed to burn wood with a moisture content below 20%.
Burning wet wood can result in:

• Reduced heat output
• Difficulty lighting and maintaining a fire
• Excess smoke
• Increased soot and creosote deposits in the chimney
• Poor fuel efficiency
• Greater environmental impact through higher particulate emissions

Correct storage allows air to circulate around the logs, gradually reducing moisture until they are ready to burn.

Choose a storage location that is:

• Outdoors or in a well-ventilated open-sided structure
• Sheltered from persistent rain
• Exposed to prevailing winds where possible
• Away from direct contact with the ground

Avoid storing firewood in enclosed sheds, garages or damp cellars unless they have excellent airflow, as trapped moisture will slow the seasoning process.

Never stack logs directly onto soil, grass or concrete. Ground moisture will be absorbed into the bottom layers of timber, slowing the drying process and encouraging mould.

Instead, raise the stack using:

• Timber bearers
• Sleepers
• Concrete blocks
• Steel log rack bases
• Wooden pallets

Keeping logs at least 100–150 mm above ground improves airflow and keeps the timber dry.

A well-built log stack encourages maximum airflow.
For best results:

• Stack bark-side up where practical.
• Leave small gaps between logs.
• Avoid tightly packed piles.
• Keep the front and back of the stack open to allow air movement.
• Stack no higher than is safe and stable.

A single-row stack seasons considerably faster than large, tightly packed piles.

Rain should be kept off the top of the stack, but the sides should remain open.

A waterproof roof, timber canopy or fitted log store roof provides protection while still allowing air to circulate.

Avoid wrapping the entire stack in tarpaulin or plastic sheeting, as this traps moisture and can encourage mould and fungal growth.

These are the most popular options for domestic use.
Benefits include:

• Excellent airflow
• Natural appearance
• Easy access

Available in a wide range of sizes
Look for stores with slatted sides and raised floors.

Galvanised steel or powder-coated aluminium stores offer:

• Long service life
• Minimal maintenance
• Modern appearance
• Good weather resistance

Ensure the design still provides adequate side ventilation.

Larger households or customers using wood as their primary heat source may prefer larger structures with:

• Open front access
• Solid roof
• Timber or steel frame
• Capacity for one or more cubic metres of logs

The ideal size depends on your annual wood consumption.

Many customers choose two smaller stores rather than one large unit, allowing one supply to season while the other is in use.

Drying times vary depending on the species and initial moisture content.

Typical seasoning periods are:

• Ash: 6–12 months
• Birch: 6–12 months
• Beech: 12–24 months
• Oak: 18–24 months

Splitting larger logs before stacking will significantly reduce drying times.

A moisture meter is an inexpensive and reliable way to check when logs are ready for use. Firewood should read below 20% moisture content before being burned.

Properly stored firewood delivers more heat, burns more efficiently and helps protect your stove and chimney.

Remember these key principles:

• Keep logs raised off the ground.
• Allow plenty of airflow.
• Protect the top from rain.
• Leave the sides open.Store wood for sufficient time before burning.
• Only burn logs with a moisture content below 20%.

With the right storage, your firewood will season naturally, providing cleaner combustion, improved efficiency and a warmer home throughout the heating season.