You've got your firewood delivered — now what? How you store and stack your wood makes a big difference in how well it burns. Improperly stored firewood can absorb moisture, attract pests, and rot before you ever get to use it. Follow these tips to keep your wood in peak condition all season long.
Why Proper Stacking Matters
Firewood needs airflow to stay dry. Even well-seasoned or kiln-dried wood can re-absorb moisture if it's piled on the ground or covered too tightly. Good stacking technique keeps your wood dry, accessible, and ready to burn at its best.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
- Keep it off the ground. Use a firewood rack, pallets, or 2x4s to elevate your stack at least 3–6 inches. This prevents ground moisture from wicking into the wood and discourages insects.
- Stack away from your house. Keep firewood at least 5–10 feet from your home's exterior to reduce the risk of pests (termites, carpenter ants) migrating indoors.
- Pick a sunny, breezy spot. Sun and airflow are your best friends for keeping wood dry. Avoid low-lying areas where water pools.
Step 2: Stack It Right
- Bark side up. Stack logs with the bark facing up. Bark acts as a natural rain shield, helping water run off rather than soak in.
- Leave gaps between rows. Don't pack logs too tightly. Air needs to circulate through the stack to keep moisture levels low.
- Keep rows stable. Alternate the direction of end logs (like a log cabin corner) to create stable ends that won't topple.
- Don't stack too high. Keep stacks under 4 feet tall for safety and stability. Taller stacks can shift and fall.
Step 3: Cover It Correctly
This is where many people go wrong. You want to protect the top of your stack from rain and snow, but you don't want to wrap it completely in a tarp.
- Cover only the top. Drape a tarp or use a purpose-built firewood cover over just the top of the stack, leaving the sides open for airflow.
- Avoid full wrapping. Completely enclosing your stack traps moisture and promotes mold and rot.
- Use a dedicated firewood shed if you have one — it's the ideal solution, with a roof but open sides.
How Long Can You Store Firewood?
Properly stored firewood can last 3–4 years without significant quality loss. Kiln-dried wood stored correctly will maintain its low moisture content for at least a full season. Seasoned wood stored well continues to dry and improve over time.
Signs Your Wood Has Gone Bad
- Soft, spongy texture when you press on it
- Visible mold or fungal growth
- Strong musty or rotten smell
- Crumbles easily when handled
If your wood shows these signs, it's past its prime and won't burn efficiently.
Stock Up with Quality Wood from By The Roadside
Starting with quality firewood makes all the difference. At By The Roadside, our firewood is properly prepared so it's ready to store and burn. Pick up at our locations in Sandston, Aylett, or Mechanicsville, or order online today.