If you're wondering how to store firewood so it stays dry, clean-burning and ready for your stove, you’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle with moisture, pests and placement. This guide answers how to store firewood properly step-by-step.
Storing firewood correctly is essential for achieving efficient burns and protecting your home from pests and excess moisture. In this guide, we’ll cover the best way to store firewood, where to keep it, how to keep firewood dry and practical tips to season and stack wood the right way.
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Where to Store Firewood
Choosing where to store firewood is one of the most important factors in keeping it dry, seasoned and pest-free. The best place to store firewood is outdoors, elevated off the ground, exposed to sunlight and arranged to encourage natural airflow. Storing firewood outdoors also reduces the chance of insects migrating indoors.
When deciding where to store wood for a stove, look for a sunny, breezy location. Use a rack, pallets, or concrete blocks to keep wood elevated and prevent mold and rot. Indoor storage should be limited to small amounts of fully seasoned wood, only brought inside when ready to burn.
Can You Store Firewood in a Garage?
Many homeowners ask, can you store firewood in a garage? Yes, but with limitations. While it’s convenient and keeps wood dry, garages often trap moisture and reduce airflow. If you choose this method, use a metal or wooden rack, keep logs elevated and maintain ventilation to avoid mold and pests.
Read Next: Wood Storage Ideas For Your Wood-Burning Stove
How to Store Firewood
Learning how to store firewood properly ensures it seasons evenly and burns efficiently. Start by stacking split logs off the ground using pallets, blocks or a dedicated rack. Split wood dries faster, so process logs before storing.
Create rows with space between them to improve airflow. Whether you stack in simple rows or alternating tower-style ends, leave gaps between pieces to allow air pockets. Cover only the top of the stack, not the sides, to protect from rain while preserving ventilation. This is one of the most effective ways to store wood long-term.
How to Keep Firewood Dry
Moisture is the enemy of efficient burning, which is why knowing how to keep firewood dry is essential. Keep stacks sheltered from rain and snow by using a breathable cover, such as a tarp or fitted wood cover, secured a few inches above the top row. Avoid draping plastic over the entire pile, which traps moisture.
Placement matters, too. When deciding how to store wood outside or how to store firewood outdoors, choose a sunny spot and raise the stack thoroughly off the ground. Letting wind and sunlight reach your wood helps reduce moisture content and increases burn quality.
Read Next: Best Firewood To Burn In Your Stove Or Fireplace Insert
Tips For Storing Firewood
Successful long-term storage combines airflow, elevation and seasonal upkeep. Use these best practices to keep your woodpile in excellent condition:
Tip 1: Keep firewood elevated.
Pallets, racks, or blocks prevent rot and help air circulate under the pile.
Tip 2: Maintain airflow.
Stack with space between logs and avoid tight, compressed rows.
Tip 3: Cover only the top.
Protect against moisture without trapping humidity.
Tip 4: Prevent pests.
Store firewood at least 20–30 feet from the home and bring small amounts inside at a time.
Contact a Dealer to Get the Best Forge & Flame Wood Stove For Your Home
Proper storage is the key to reliable fires, efficient heating and clean-burning performance. By understanding the best way to store firewood, where to put it, how to season it and how to keep firewood dry, you’ll enjoy easier ignition, hotter flames and less smoke.
If you’re ready to pair your perfectly seasoned firewood with a high-quality stove, Forge & Flame offers a range of wood stoves built for performance, durability and long-term value. Whether you’re upgrading or purchasing your first stove, our team can help you choose the right model for your home.
