DIY Builds
Photo by Joana Hahn Pexels Logo Photo: Joana Hahn

Is it better to season wood covered or uncovered?

Covering fresh-cut firewood will not only help to keep the wood dry for burning, but it will also help in the firewood seasoning process itself.

What can I put on my land without planning permission?
What can I put on my land without planning permission?

23 Projects You Can Do Without Planning Permission Interior renovations. ... Single-storey extensions. ... Build a conservatory without planning...

Read More »
Which side of OSB goes up on floor?
Which side of OSB goes up on floor?

The Intent of Surface Roughness When installing sub-flooring, you'll want the rough side facing up as well for traction when working. This is...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Why Cover Fresh-Cut Firewood?

Keeping fresh-cut firewood on your property year-round is essential to maintain the ability to enjoy a nice campfire any time on a whim. Whether you have recently purchased firewood or have been chopping wood yourself, knowing the proper way to care for the wood can help you get the most out of your materials. Covering fresh-cut firewood is highly recommended if you live in an area where it rains or there is significant precipitation year-round. While wood will dry out after becoming wet, it will take much more time and may lead to rotting wood if left too long in dampness. Covering fresh-cut firewood will not only help to keep the wood dry for burning, but it will also help in the firewood seasoning process itself.

Tips for Covering Fresh-Cut Wood

When you think of covering the wood you have collected for your property or campfire, your best option is often a traditional tarp. An outdoor tarp is designed to withstand weather and natural environments without allowing moisture to seep in and beyond the tarp itself. Use the following tips when handling wood on your own property: Choose an area that is dry, breezy, and easily accessible to place and store your firewood. Avoid placing any piles of wood closer than 20 feet to your home. Wood placed too close to your home can quickly result in pest infestations and additional fire risks. If you are stacking wood next to a building or a shed, be sure to do so a few feet away to provide airflow. Airflow is necessary to help with the drying process of the wood, even if the wood already appears relatively dry and ready to be burned. If you live in an area that is rife with rain and snowfall each year, you may want to consider using a shed to store your wood. Building your own shed is a way to minimize moisture accumulation while also providing you with plenty of room for airflow and movement. Using a shed can allow you more opportunities to store and season your firewood without the hassle year-round.

What is Seasoned Firewood?

Typically, seasoned firewood is considered any wood that has been dried properly and adequately. On average, firewood requires at least six full months to completely dry before being harvested and burned. While it is often possible to burn wood prior to six months into the drying process, this may result in less seasoned firewood and more smoky campfires.

Does IKEA have high end furniture?
Does IKEA have high end furniture?

Plus, IKEA increasingly offers higher-end furniture to appeal to shoppers of all income levels and tastes. You can buy unfinished furniture, or...

Read More »
How far will a 2x12 span?
How far will a 2x12 span?

A 2×12 with an E of 800,000 psi and Fb of 790 psi also works, since it can span 15 feet and 10 inches. Given a design span of 15 feet 1 inch and a...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Seasoning your firewood can help with burning the wood at a lower temperature while also reducing the amount of smoke the wood gives off. Additionally, firewood that has been adequately seasoned for the appropriate amount of time will burn much longer than firewood that has not been seasoned at all. If you choose to use unseasoned firewood in your home or with a stovetop or chimney, you will likely experience the buildup of soot and smoke more quickly. A buildup of creosote in the chimney is most commonly the result of burning excessive amounts of unseasoned firewood.

Is There Ever a Reason Not to Cover Fresh-Cut Firewood?

In some instances, you may not need to cover your fresh-cut firewood. If you live in a drier climate, it may not be necessary to cover or store your fresh-cut firewood anywhere other than near your campfire. If you are interested in expediting the drying process of your firewood, you can also opt to leave the wood uncovered. Covering the wood, even just the top of the wood, with a tarp or another cover, can significantly increase the overall drying time needed for the wood itself. If you need your firewood immediately or if you want to speed up the drying time, try removing the cover or tarp you are using, but only if you have dry and predictable weather. Knowing why it is important to cover fresh-cut firewood can help you prepare your own property and your campfire area. When you are familiar with the importance of covering firewood and how to prevent dampness from accumulating, you can extend the lifespan of all of the firewood you have at your disposal and enjoy optimal fires.

Luxury Firepits - Firepit Accessories - Firepit Grates

Walden Backyards Makes the Highest Quality Fire Pits and Accessories

Legacy Firepit - Blow Through Stoker Poker - Fire Pit Grates - Accessories

Do you drop anchor from bow or stern?
Do you drop anchor from bow or stern?

Drop the stern anchor behind the boat on either the port or starboard side. You'll want to angle your boat at 15 degrees off the windward swell (on...

Read More »
How do you keep a tarp from sagging?
How do you keep a tarp from sagging?

Another option is to use boards (planks, plywood, etc.) to prevent the tarp from sagging into the trailer opening. In the example shown here, the...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
What can I make out of wood to sell?
What can I make out of wood to sell?

What handmade wood items sell best? Wooden signs. Wall signs. Wooden pallets. A wooden bench. Kitchen products. Furniture. Surfboards. Boxes. More...

Read More »
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »
How much are trusses for a shed?
How much are trusses for a shed?

Roof truss materials cost from $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot of building area, or between $35 and $150 per truss. Installation labor ranges from...

Read More »