How to Store Firewood: A Complete Guide

It's wintertime in Perth; there’s nothing quite like the warmth and atmosphere of a wood fire. Firewood is wood stored for burning, and for homeowners who rely on a fireplace or wood heater for heat or ambience, how that wood is kept has a major impact on how dry it stays, how well it seasons and how cleanly and hot it burns.

Properly stored firewood stays drier, seasons more effectively and is less likely to rot, attract pests or become difficult to manage. This guide explains the essentials: keeping firewood off the ground, choosing a dry, well-ventilated spot, covering and stacking it properly, seasoning it well and maintaining a safe woodpile so it stays usable throughout the colder months.

Keep Firewood Off the Ground

One of the most important rules when storing firewood outdoors is to keep it off the ground.

Direct contact with soil allows moisture to move into the timber and can encourage rot, mould and insect activity. Even well-seasoned firewood can absorb moisture from damp ground, particularly during wet weather.

A simple firewood rack is an excellent option, but there are other solutions. Timber sleepers, pallets or a suitable layer of gravel can help create a raised, well-drained base for your woodpile.

The goal is to allow air to circulate underneath the firewood while preventing it from sitting in water or constantly absorbing moisture from the ground.

Choose a Dry, Well-Ventilated Location for Firewood Storage

Firewood needs airflow as much as it needs protection from rain.

Avoid storing your wood in a completely enclosed space where air cannot circulate. Large quantities are best kept outside, while small amounts may be stored indoors only on a well-ventilated rack. A covered wood shed, open-sided shelter or well-ventilated area is generally preferable. A garage is usually not ideal because humidity can build up and affect the wood.

Good airflow allows moisture within the timber to gradually escape, helping the wood continue to season.

If possible, choose a location that receives some sunlight and isn't exposed to constant dampness. Avoid low-lying areas of the yard where water tends to collect. Wood stored indoors can also bring in insects, so it should only be kept inside in small amounts.

Should You Cover Your Firewood?

Yes, but there is an important distinction between covering firewood and completely enclosing it, and the best way is to protect it from rain without blocking airflow.

A roof or waterproof cover can protect your wood from rain, but the sides should ideally remain open to allow air to move through the pile.

One common mistake is wrapping an entire woodpile in a waterproof tarp. While this may keep rain out, moisture can spread under a fully wrapped cover if ventilation is blocked, particularly if the timber wasn't completely dry to begin with.

A better approach is to cover the top of the pile while leaving the sides open, ensuring the firewood stays dry.

How to Stack Firewood Correctly

How you stack firewood can also affect how quickly it dries in storage.

Stack logs neatly in rows rather than simply throwing them into a large pile. Leave small gaps between pieces where possible so that air can circulate.

The cut ends of the logs can be placed in the right position to encourage airflow through the stack, and careful placement can increase stability while avoiding excessive height. Correct stacking is essential for airflow and helping keep wood dry.

If you're storing a large quantity of firewood, consider creating several smaller stacks rather than one enormous pile. This can improve overall stability, make the wood easier to access, and is a practical way to store wood in an orderly stack.

Give Firewood Time to Become Seasoned Firewood

Freshly cut or "green" wood contains a significant amount of moisture and generally doesn't make good firewood; fresh firewood can hold 40 to 50 per cent water, so it is damp wood rather than ready fuel.

Seasoning allows this moisture to evaporate over time. If you are wondering whether firewood dries quickly, seasoning can take at least 250 days, depending on the type of timber, log size, climate, ventilation and how the wood is stored.

Properly seasoned firewood is generally lighter, drier and often develops cracks around the ends of the logs. Before burning, seasoned firewood should have a moisture level below 25 per cent.

Burning wet or poorly seasoned wood can result in more smoke, less heat and inefficient combustion. It can also contribute to deposits building up inside your chimney or flue, so only clean, untreated wood should be used in a wood heater because properly dried wood is easier to light and burns more cleanly.

Keep Your Woodpile Safe

One thing homeowners often overlook is that where you store your firewood matters as much for safe placement as it does for keeping it dry.

Keep woodpiles a sensible distance from buildings, fences and other structures, and if you're setting up a stack in the garden, avoid placing large quantities of timber directly against the exterior walls of your home.

A tidy, well-organised woodpile is also easier to inspect for pests, mould and deterioration. Termites are a particular risk when timber is left close to the house or in damp areas.

If you're creating a permanent firewood storage area, it's worth considering the ground underneath it. Good drainage can make a significant difference, particularly through Australia's wetter winter months. Kept dry and protected from the elements, it can be stored for up to 5 years.

How to Store Your Firewood to Make It Last Longer

Good firewood storage is ultimately about three things: keeping the timber dry, allowing plenty of airflow and keeping it away from damp ground.

With a suitable location, a well-drained base and protection from the weather, your firewood can continue to season properly and remain ready to burn when you need it.

Whether you're setting up a small rack near a stove or fireplace for short-term access, or creating a dedicated storage area outside for a wood heater, taking the time to prepare the right foundation can help protect your timber and make managing your firewood much easier in such a way that the area stays clean and convenient.