Do you have to cover logs?

Avoid tree cover if possible and don't leave the logs in a heap. Does firewood need to be covered? Firewood should remain uncovered so it can be properly dried. However, this is not always possible, especially during the winter months where ice, snow and rain can wreak havoc with firewood storage.

Do logs need to be covered?

Covers and stores

Although logs can be left in the open they do benefit from the extra protection of a cover or dedicated storage area.

What is the best way to store logs outside?

Stack Logs Neatly and Do Not Leave Logs in a Heap

The best way to stack firewood outside is to do it neatly, close to (not touching) a wall or fence. It is important to be quite precise as tight stacking will ensure that only the top layer will get damp if it rains.

Do logs need to stay dry?

Having dry logs makes a lot of difference to the amount of heat your wood burner will produce, so ensuring they are as dry as possible is extremely beneficial.

Can you keep logs in a shed?

A non-wood shed is ideal when it comes to keeping your firewood clean and dry. Stack your firewood in the same direction to encourage air circulation, which will keep the wood moisture-free. Cover the wood with a clean tarp when you're not using it to keep it dry and safe.

Storing Firewood Outside, What You Need to Do

How do you store logs inside?

Try to keep your wood stacks shorter than 1.2 meters, and make sure there's airflow between each log. Less airflow for middle logs may cause them to rot instead of age. Make sure your storage location is dry, well ventilated and won't get wet. The last thing you'd want to do is reverse your drying process.

Can firewood get rained on?

Once wood has properly seasoned, does it matter whether rain gets on seasoned firewood? Seasoned firewood should be stored out of the rain to help prolong how well it keeps for. If seasoned firewood gets rained on it can dry out within a few days, but constant contact with moisture will lead to the wood going bad.

Does a log store need a roof?

A good log store allows great air circulation between the logs (ideally, in a good stack the gaps between the logs should be large enough to allow a mouse to run through). All you really need is a roof on the thing to keep the rain off.

Can I dry logs outside?

The best place to dry freshly-cut firewood is outside.

If you throw it straight into a wood shed, it will take twice as long (18-24 months) because it's not getting assistance from the sun or air movement.

How long do logs take to dry out?

Seasoning or Air-Drying Wood: The One-Year Rule

In fact, expect most types of wood to take about one year per inch of thickness to dry out. If it's a two-inch log, that means you'll need to let it sit outdoors for two whole years before it's dry enough to efficiently burn.

Should I cover my wood pile with a tarp?

Should you cover a woodpile? Above: If a wood stack is out in the open then it can be protected from rain with a tarpaulin or some other cover but this should never come down over the side of the pile because it would trap moisture, as well as potentially causing mold and rot.

Can logs be stored in a garage?

Storing logs in your garage is perfectly ok – providing they're already dry. It's a very bad idea to keep freshly cut or partially seasoned logs in a garage, as there simply isn't enough fresh or flowing air to help them dry out.

How do you store tree logs?

Choose a dry, breezy area of your property. Keep the wood about 20 feet from the nearest door to your house to prevent pests from having a direct route inside. If you're stacking wood next to a structure, stack it at least a few inches away from the structure to allow airflow behind the stack.

How long does untreated wood last?

Untreated wood can last anywhere from a couple of months to over two years. If you are searching for a long-term project you might want to stick with treated wood or make sure you treat it yourself.

When should you cover firewood?

If you buy wood that has been seasoned, you still should cover it to keep moisture off the top of it. Regardless of which route you go with your firewood cover, you'll be helping to protect it from the elements and ensure you have a more enjoyable fire.

Should you cover wood in winter?

Keep it Covered

Make sure you cover the wood to protect it from harsh rain, snow or ice throughout the winter. This can be done by storing your wood in an open storage shed that allows wind flow through opposite sides, covering the wood with a tarp or purchasing a firewood rack cover large enough to fit the pile.

How long do logs take to season?

How long does it take to season firewood? It can take 3-12 months or longer to season firewood. On average, it usually takes around 6-months to dry out the cut-firewood that you purchased from a store or supplier.

Should a wood store be covered?

Avoid tree cover if possible and don't leave the logs in a heap. Does firewood need to be covered? Firewood should remain uncovered so it can be properly dried. However, this is not always possible, especially during the winter months where ice, snow and rain can wreak havoc with firewood storage.

Should a log store be waterproof?

If you don't fancy buying or building a storage shed for your logs then the best way to protect them is with a waterproof sheet pinned over your pile. But before you hastily encase them in their protective layer it's important that they're properly stacked.

Why do log stores have gaps?

A good log store will be raised off of the ground to prevent moisture seeping into your logs and preventing them from seasoning, have plenty of airflow (again for the same reason) which usually means gaps or slats in the side that allow direct airflow all the way around, and a weather-resistant roof that overhangs the ...

Should firewood be covered from rain?

Firewood does not need to be covered all the time. However, it should be covered when possible to protect it from rain and snow or other elements that could cause it to become damp. Throwing a tarp over it when rain is expected is a good proactive measure to take.

What happens if you burn unseasoned wood?

If you burn unseasoned wood the water vapour, when combined with other gases and particles go up the chimney, and unless the chimney is kept warm, the condensation creates a creosote substance, which when hardens forms tar in the chimney. This tar can also seep into the brickwork if a chimney is unlined.

How can you tell if wood is seasoned?

Seasoned wood will be darker in color than green wood, and may be cracking at the ends. Seasoned wood can also lighter in weight and the bark can be peeled off more easily than unseasoned wood. A moisture meter will be able to provide an accurate reading of whether firewood is fully seasoned or not.