Properly storing wood logs outside is important to keep them dry and ready to burn. There are a few key things to consider when storing wood logs outdoors:
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Should you store wood logs outside?
Storing wood logs outside is common practice for many homeowners who have fireplaces or wood stoves. Here are some of the pros and cons of outdoor wood storage:
Pros:
- More space – Storing wood outside frees up indoor space.
- Natural drying – The wind and sun will help dry out the wood logs.
- Pest control – Storing wood outside prevents bugs from coming indoors.
- Convenience – The wood is easily accessible for loading/unloading.
Cons:
- Exposed to elements – Wood can get wet from rain or snow.
- Unsightly – Some homeowners dislike the appearance of a woodpile.
- Space required – You need adequate outdoor space for a woodpile.
- Theft risk – Outdoor wood could get stolen.
If properly stored and protected from the elements, the pros generally outweigh the cons for outdoor wood storage.
Where to store wood logs outside
When selecting an outdoor location for storing wood logs, consider these factors:
- Covered area – A covered wood shed, carport or covered porch is ideal to keep wood dry.
- Sunny spot – Sunshine helps dry out damp wood so pick a sunny spot, if possible.
- Slope – Stack wood on a slight slope so rain and snowmelt drain away.
- Airflow – Allow space between stacks for airflow to dry logs.
- Accessible – Pick a spot near where wood will be used for easy loading.
- Level ground – Stack on level, solid ground or a foundation to prevent collapse.
Avoid storing wood directly on grass or soil which can cause rot. An elevated wood rack or pallet helps improve airflow underneath the stack.
How to stack wood logs outside
Proper stacking is crucial for keeping wood logs dry outdoors. Follow these tips for stacking:
- Stack logs parallel in a compact arrangement to prevent collapse.
- Place supporting logs perpendicular at each end to hold stack in place.
- Keep stacks narrow (4-6 feet wide) so they don’t topple.
- Make sure air can flow through by keeping space between stacks.
- Elevate bottom layer on scrap wood, pallets or concrete blocks to prevent rotting.
- Organize stacks by species and size for easier access.
- Stack bark facing down so water runs off.
Start new stacks as you use wood rather than making one giant pile. This allows for better drying between stacks.
| Stacking Method | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Crisscross stacking | Very stable, interlocking design |
| Holz hausen | Sheds water well, stylish appearance |
| Stack against a wall | Takes up less yard space |
There are several organized stacking methods that provide stability and promote drying. The holz hausen style creates an interwoven cone shape which looks attractive and sheds rain very effectively.
Best wood for outdoor storage
Hardwoods tend to be better for outdoor storage than softwoods. Here are some top woods to store outside:
- Oak – Very dense, seasons slowly with minimal checking
- Hickory – Impervious to rot, seasons slowly
- Black locust – Extremely rot resistant, burns hot and clean
- Osage orange – Natural insect repellent, excellent humidity resistance
Softer woods like pine, spruce and poplar are more prone to mold and rot when stored outdoors. However, with adequate protection these woods can still be stored outside successfully.
How long can wood be stored outside?
With proper stacking methods and protection from rain and snow, most hardwood logs can be stored outside for 12-24 months before use. Softwoods are best used within 6-12 months. Here are general guidelines for outdoor wood storage times:
| Wood Type | Outdoor Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Hardwoods – Oak, hickory, etc. | 12-24 months |
| Softwoods – Pine, cedar, etc. | 6-12 months |
Well-seasoned hardwoods that have been stored outdoors 1-2 years typically have a moisture content around 20%. Newly cut “green” wood can have moisture content over 60%, which makes it difficult to burn.
Protecting wood from moisture
One of the biggest threats to outdoor wood storage is exposure to rain, snow and ground moisture. Here are some ways to help keep wood dry:
- Wood sheds – A wood shed with a roof is ideal protection.
- Tarps – Cover wood stacks with waterproof tarps, secured tightly.
- Plastic wrap – Wrap top layer of wood stacks with plastic to create a moisture barrier.
- Elevate – Use pallets, scrap wood or cement blocks to elevate wood off wet ground.
- Slope – Stack on a slightly angled slope so moisture drains away.
It’s also a good idea to keep a moisture meter handy to test your firewood. Look for a moisture content of 20% or less before burning.
Avoiding insect damage
Wood boring insects like termites and woodpeckers can damage stored wood logs. Here are some tips for preventing insect problems:
- Use naturally insect-resistant wood like cedar, osage orange or black locust.
- Stack bark side down to minimize entry points for pests.
- Keep stacks off the ground away from insect access.
- Separate stacks to disrupt pest travel between them.
- Use chemical insecticides if infestation is noticed.
- Cover with tarps to create a barrier against bugs.
Ensuring wood is properly seasoned and dry also helps deter insects which prefer damp wood. Use damaged wood first and inspect regularly for pest problems.
Safety considerations
Storage of large amounts of firewood presents some safety issues to keep in mind:
- Fire hazards – Keep firewood stacks at least 30 feet from structures.
- Pests – Wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid injury from insects and spiders.
- Heavy lifting – Use proper lifting techniques to avoid back injury when moving logs.
- Hazardous Wildlife – Beware of snakes, rodents or other animals that can hide in woodpiles.
- Allergies – Wear a dust mask when sawing or handling firewood if you have respiratory allergies.
Make sure wooden stacks are stable and well-supported to avoid collapse which could cause injury. Keep the storage area clean and organized for safety and convenience.
Choosing firewood
Not all wood makes good firewood. The best types of firewood have these qualities:
- Burns hot and slow – Hardwoods like oak, hickory, black locust
- Dries quickly – Softwoods like elm, soft maple
- Produces less smoke – Fruit woods like apple, cherry, pear
- Easy to split – Ash, chestnut, Douglas fir
Poor quality firewood includes:
- Burns fast with little heat – Aspen, poplar, spruce, willow
- Smoky or sparks – Pine, spruce, tamarack, rubberwood
- Hard to split – Gum, sycamore, dogwood, sweetgum
For the best results, choose a mix of hardwoods and softwoods stored outside 12-24 months to have properly seasoned firewood ready to keep you warm.
Conclusion
Outdoor storage provides a convenient place to season and stockpile firewood. By choosing a protected spot, stacking wood neatly, keeping it elevated and covered, and using naturally rot-resistant woods, you can store logs outside successfully. With the right wood storage methods, you’ll have perfectly seasoned firewood ready to feed your fireplace or wood stove and heat your home.