DIY Builds
Photo: Tomáš Malík
To Cover or Not to Cover Ideally, firewood should remain uncovered so it can be properly dried, but this is not practical when rain, snow and ice can quickly coat winter firewood. A good cover over the top of your woodpile will protect it, and be sure the cover is slanted to shed moisture away from the pile's base.
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The drier wood is, the longer it will last when stacked and the better it will burn. Store wood in an open area with proper ventilation on all sides. If possible, store freshly cut wood in a windy, sunny location where it will dry more quickly, but protect it from rain or snow that will keep it wet and unusable. For the best seasoning, wood can need up to 1-2 years to thoroughly dry. Stack Location Matters Don't stack your winter firewood just anywhere. Your stack should be close to the house and easy to access, even in poor weather. This will make it easier to bring in more wood when you need it, without risking slips, falls or other problems as you go back and forth. Don't stack your winter firewood just anywhere. Your stack should be close to the house and easy to access, even in poor weather. This will make it easier to bring in more wood when you need it, without risking slips, falls or other problems as you go back and forth. Get Elevated The best woodpiles do not sit on the ground. When firewood sits directly on the ground, it can absorb moisture and invites insects to take up residence. Instead, use skids, grates or racks to keep your wood at least 2-3 inches above the ground. This will also improve air circulation to keep the wood dry, especially when the ground is wet from melting snow and ice. The best woodpiles do not sit on the ground. When firewood sits directly on the ground, it can absorb moisture and invites insects to take up residence. Instead, use skids, grates or racks to keep your wood at least 2-3 inches above the ground. This will also improve air circulation to keep the wood dry, especially when the ground is wet from melting snow and ice. Stack Stability As you begin to stack your firewood, place larger pieces on the bottom so they will support the rest of the stack. Take care that the stack does not lean as it gets taller, or it could topple dangerously as wood is removed. Avoid stacking wood too high where it will be difficult to reach. Don't try to pack wood tightly – a little bit of space will promote better air circulation for drier, more well-seasoned wood. As you begin to stack your firewood, place larger pieces on the bottom so they will support the rest of the stack. Take care that the stack does not lean as it gets taller, or it could topple dangerously as wood is removed. Avoid stacking wood too high where it will be difficult to reach. Don't try to pack wood tightly – a little bit of space will promote better air circulation for drier, more well-seasoned wood. Keep It Clean
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Read More »Never treat firewood with chemicals, solvents or insecticides. These treatments can have dangerous results, such as higher combustibility that can lead to uncontrolled fires. Some chemicals also release toxic fumes when burned. If the area around the woodpile must be treated, cover the wood temporarily while the chemicals are applied to prevent any from getting on the firewood. As you prepare your winter firewood, it is also a good time to be sure chimneys, flues and vents are all clean and working properly as well. Never treat firewood with chemicals, solvents or insecticides. These treatments can have dangerous results, such as higher combustibility that can lead to uncontrolled fires. Some chemicals also release toxic fumes when burned. If the area around the woodpile must be treated, cover the wood temporarily while the chemicals are applied to prevent any from getting on the firewood. As you prepare your winter firewood, it is also a good time to be sure chimneys, flues and vents are all clean and working properly as well. To Cover or Not to Cover Ideally, firewood should remain uncovered so it can be properly dried, but this is not practical when rain, snow and ice can quickly coat winter firewood. A good cover over the top of your woodpile will protect it, and be sure the cover is slanted to shed moisture away from the pile's base. The cover should be broad enough to provide a good overhang, but the sides of the pile should remain open so air can thoroughly circulate. With care, it is easy to store firewood properly for warm, cozy use all winter.
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