Stack firewood off the ground, split and covered only on top, in a dry, well-ventilated spot away from your home.
Seasoned firewood burns hotter, produces less smoke, and avoids the frustration of fighting wet logs. The difference between a good pile and a soggy mess comes down to four principles: keep it split, keep it raised, keep it exposed to air, and keep only the top covered. Here is everything to know about storing firewood the right way.
How Long Does Firewood Need To Dry Before Burning?
Freshly cut wood contains too much moisture to burn efficiently, so seasoning is the first step. This means the best time to buy or split next winter’s wood is in spring or early summer.
You’ll know wood is seasoned when it develops cracks on the ends, feels light and hollow when struck together, and weighs less than it did when green. Moisture meters can confirm the state — anything below 20% moisture content is ready to burn.
The Correct Way To Stack Firewood
Stacking method matters as much as location. Split the wood before stacking; whole rounds dry much slower and invite pests. Build the pile with the cut ends facing outward so air can circulate through the core.
Keep these stacking rules in mind:
- Raise the pile: Set the stack on pallets, racks, bricks, or a similar raised base. Direct soil contact draws moisture upward and encourages rot and insect activity.
- Leave gaps for airflow: Avoid tight packing. Leave a few inches between the pile and any wall or fence so air moves freely on all sides.
- Cover only the top: Use a tarp, metal roofing, or a roofed cover on the top only. Never seal the sides — trapped moisture turns covered wood into a mold farm.
- Pick an open spot: Choose a location with good sun exposure and wind, not a damp, shaded corner.
One thing to watch: the classic “full tarp over everything” approach is the most common firewood mistake. A tightly wrapped pile traps humidity against the logs, slowing drying and promoting fungal growth. Keep the sides open no matter what.
How Far Should A Woodpile Be From The House?
Visibility and convenience pull you toward stacking right against the siding, but that invites two problems: pests and fire risk.
Firewood acts as an attractive home for termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring insects, and rodents, so keeping the pile away from exterior walls, decks, and living trees prevents pests from migrating indoors. If 30 feet isn’t realistic on your property, place the pile as far as space allows — every foot of separation helps.
| Storage Factor | What Works | What To Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Pallets, racks, bricks off the ground | Direct soil contact |
| Cover | Tarp or roof on the top only | Sealing the sides fully |
| Location | Open, sunny, well-ventilated spot | Damp shade or against walls |
| Distance from home | At least 3 feet, ideally 30 feet | Stacked against the siding |
| Wood condition | Split, seasoned 6–12 months | Whole rounds or green wood |
Can Firewood Be Stored Indoors?
Never stack firewood inside your home. California’s firewood guidance calls indoor storage a fire hazard, and insects hiding in the bark can emerge once the wood warms up indoors.
If you want the convenience of dry wood indoors, bring in only what you’ll burn within a day or two and keep it in a contained rack. For bulk storage, the outdoor pile remains the right call.
Dealing With Wet Weather
Region changes the math slightly. Cornell Extension notes that in the Northeast, where rain and snow arrive frequently, protecting the pile from precipitation matters more than chasing maximum sun exposure. An EPA flyer recommends a roof overhang large enough to shield the wood from rain and snow, sloped so water runs off rather than pooling.
A simple sloped tarp held down with bricks works fine, but a permanent roofed rack is more reliable and lasts longer. If you’re setting up a new storage area, a covered rack keeps the wood drier, keeps the area cleaner, and makes rotating old stock easier. And if you’re buying rather than splitting your own, it’s worth looking for seasoned wood that’s ready to burn — our roundup of the best bags of firewood can help you find quality suppliers.
FAQs
Can I use a plastic tarp to cover firewood?
Yes, but cover only the top and secure it well. A tarp sealed around the entire pile traps moisture and prevents drying. Leave the sides open so air can circulate and keep the tarp weighted down at the edges so wind doesn’t tear it loose.
Should I stack firewood bark side up or down?
Stack with the bark facing up to shed rainwater, or face the cut ends outward for better air circulation. Either works if the pile is raised off the ground and the top is covered. Denser hardwoods with thick bark benefit most from bark-up placement.
Does firewood expire if stored too long?
Seasoned firewood dries out further over time but never truly expires. Very old wood can become punky and lose heat value, especially if stored on damp ground. Properly raised and covered wood can last for years without meaningful degradation.
References & Sources
- EPA Burn Wise. “Storing Firewood.” Explains seasoning times and proper storage technique.
- California Firewood Task Force. “California Firewood Best Management Practices.” Covers distance from structures and indoor storage guidance.
- Cornell Cooperative Extension. “Storing and Drying Firewood.” Details distance recommendations and wet-climate storage strategy.