How do you store firewood?
There are 3 rules for storing and drying firewood properly:
Rule no. 1: Store wood outside.
Wood needs to be aired to dry. Do not store wood that has yet to dry in a poorly ventilated area such as a cellar. Only wood that is already dry should be brought indoors.
Rule No. 2: Store wood in a healthy, dry place.
Do not store on damp ground such as grass, but rather on dry ground such as tarmac. Ideally, you can even raise the wood off the ground, using planks for example. You can also store wood on pallets, In addition, the boards underneath are spaced apart, allowing air to circulate evenly from below.
Rule no. 3: Only cover the top of the wood.
Don't cover the sides - air is needed for the wood to dry. Note: the wood you'll be using in several months' time doesn't necessarily need to be covered.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal humidity level?
Does it matter if the wood gets caught in the rain?
If the wood is not yet dry, and you don't intend to burn it straight away, it doesn't matter if it gets caught in the rain.
On the other hand, if the wood is already dry, it is best to store it under cover. Dry wood must not regain moisture, otherwise it will turn black and degrade over time.
Note: Wood that is wet on the surface may be dry on the inside. To find this out, split the log and prick the moisture meter into the core.
How long does it take to dry firewood?
Firewood takes more than 2 years to dry if it is not split (if it remains in log form). But Once split into logs, the wood generally dries in less than 6 months.
Drying time depends on when the tree is felled, when it is split into logs, storage conditions and the species. Hardwoods such as oak, hornbeam and ash take longer to dry than softwoods such as birch.
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