Firewood can keep you warm all winter and help you reduce your gas bill by acting as an alternative source of heat. Storing the wood correctly will help you protect it to create a reserve to use in cold seasons. Use these tips to get it right.
Steps
Step 1. Dry and season the green wood
- Make sure the wood is exposed to wind and sun. Green wood is seasoned thanks to atmospheric agents. It cannot be seasoned and dried well if it is protected from the elements. Do not store it in a shed or facility.
- Let it mature under a canopy. Stack it in a well-ventilated area protected from rain.
Step 2. Make stacks out of the wood for storage
- Stack it on level ground. The piles of wood will stay compact if you place them on level, not sloping ground.
- Limit the stacks to 1.2m. If they are taller they can become unstable, move around and can even fall when too high.
- Place the wood piles several inches from the walls and other piles to improve air circulation.
- Place them close enough so that children or pets don't pass between them and step on them.
Step 3. Protect the stack from direct contact with the ground
- Reduce exposure to soil moisture by placing something between the earth and wood, such as a wooden pallet, tarpaulin, gravel or stone.
- Place them on drainage concrete floors.
Step 4. Cover the wood with a tarp, leaving the sides exposed
This will protect the stack. Promote ventilation by leaving the sides exposed to the air.
Step 5. Store the wood in a facility
- Make sure your shed, garage, or other structure is well ventilated. Wood needs air to age and stay dry.
- Place the piles of wood under porches, canopies, porches or car covers. These structures are not closed and offer adequate ventilation for proper storage of firewood.
Step 6. Spray pesticides on the wood to keep insects away
Use one that is not harmful to pets.
Advice
Dry firewood burns better and produces more heat. In addition, it will produce less smoke and fewer creosote emissions
Warnings
- Watch out for snakes burrowing into woodpiles. They may hide to take refuge from cold temperatures and avoid other predators.
- Keep children away from woodpiles. Teach them that they are no place to play.
