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Storing Firewood Outside: 7 Tips to Keep Your Logs Dry
If you use a wood-burning stove or fireplace, having a supply of dry firewood makes a real difference. But simply stacking logs in the garden is not enough. Rain, poor airflow and contact with damp ground can prevent the wood from drying properly.
Storing firewood outside is an effective way to season and store logs, provided you choose the right location and stacking method. A well-ventilated woodpile helps moisture escape while keeping the firewood protected from the weather.
In this guide, you will learn how to store firewood outdoors, how long firewood takes to dry, how to check its moisture content and which common storage mistakes to avoid.
Why Is Storing Firewood Outside Properly Important?
Freshly cut wood contains a considerable amount of water. Before it is suitable for burning, much of this moisture needs to evaporate. This process is called seasoning firewood.
Burning wet wood produces less useful heat and more smoke. It can also contribute to soot and creosote deposits inside a chimney or flue. Correct storage helps the wood dry more consistently.
Storing Firewood Outside: 7 Practical Tips
You do not need a complicated storage system. A simple covered log rack can work well when it is positioned and used correctly.
Choose a dry, well-ventilated location
Place your firewood storage in an area that receives good airflow and, ideally, some sunlight. Avoid damp corners surrounded by dense plants. Keep the stack clear of doors, walkways and drainage channels.
Keep firewood off the ground
Never place your entire woodpile directly on soil or grass. Use a sturdy raised rack or suitable supports to create space underneath the logs. This reduces contact with ground moisture and improves ventilation.
Stack logs loosely and securely
Arrange the logs so they cannot roll or collapse. Leave small spaces between pieces where practical. Avoid building an excessively deep, tightly packed pile that prevents air from reaching the inner logs.
Cover the top, not the entire pile
A roof or waterproof cover over the top protects firewood from rain and snow. Keep the sides open wherever possible. Wrapping the whole pile in plastic can trap moisture and slow drying.
Split larger logs before seasoning
Thick, unsplit logs usually dry more slowly than smaller split pieces. Splitting exposes more wood surface to the air. Cut logs to a suitable length for your stove and split them before placing them in storage.
Separate fresh wood from dry wood
Keep newly cut firewood separate from logs that have already seasoned. Label stacks with the month and year they were prepared. Use the oldest suitably dry wood first rather than mixing everything together.
Check the woodpile regularly
Inspect your storage after heavy rain or strong winds. Check that the roof is secure, the woodpile remains stable and water is not collecting underneath. Measure moisture before bringing logs indoors for burning.
How Long Does Firewood Take to Dry?
One of the most common questions about drying firewood is how long it takes before the logs are ready to burn.
There is no single drying time that applies to every woodpile. Wood species, log size, initial moisture, airflow and weather all affect the process.
| Firewood Type | Indicative Drying Time | Important Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Split softwood | Approximately 6–12 months | May dry faster with good airflow |
| Split hardwood | Approximately 12–24 months | Dense species often need longer |
| Large unsplit logs | Often considerably longer | Thick pieces lose moisture slowly |
These periods are only general estimates, not guarantees. Some wood can take longer, particularly in cool or damp conditions.
What Is the Ideal Firewood Moisture Content?
For a wood-burning stove or fireplace, firewood should generally have a moisture content below 20%, subject to the appliance manufacturer's instructions.
Wood that is too wet can be difficult to light, produce excessive smoke and leave more deposits in the flue.
How to Measure Firewood Moisture
Use a suitable wood moisture meter and follow its instructions. For a more representative reading, split a log and measure on the freshly exposed inner surface rather than only on the dry outer end of the wood.
- Choose a representative log from the stack.
- Split it to expose the inner wood.
- Measure on the fresh split face.
- Repeat with several logs from different parts of the pile.
- Continue seasoning if the readings are too high.
Cracks at the ends, loose bark and a lighter weight can suggest that wood has dried, but these signs cannot replace a moisture measurement.
Preparing Firewood Before Outdoor Storage
Before storing firewood, you may need to cut longer pieces to length or split thick logs. The right approach depends on the size and type of wood.
A splitting axe can be suitable for smaller quantities of wood. For cutting logs to length, a chainsaw may be useful when the material is within the tool's intended cutting capacity.
Recommended Batavia Product: 36V MAXXPACK Cordless Chainsaw
If you regularly prepare logs for firewood storage, a cordless chainsaw can help cut suitable timber into manageable lengths. The Batavia 36V MAXXPACK chainsaw is a relevant option for this cutting stage.
A chainsaw does not replace a splitting axe or log splitter. Use it only for appropriate cutting tasks, secure the wood properly and follow the product manual.
After cutting your firewood, remove sawdust and inspect your equipment before putting it away. Read our guide on how to clean a chainsaw step by step for practical maintenance advice.
Common Mistakes When Storing Firewood Outside
Stacking firewood directly on the ground
Wet soil can transfer moisture to the bottom logs. Raise the stack on a suitable support and keep the area underneath well drained.
Wrapping the entire pile in plastic
A fully enclosed cover can prevent moisture from escaping. Protect the top while allowing airflow through the sides.
Storing logs against a house wall
A woodpile placed directly against a building can trap moisture and shelter insects or rodents. Maintain a suitable gap and follow local fire-safety guidance.
Burning firewood before it is dry
Wood can appear dry on the outside while remaining damp inside. Check the moisture content before use.
Safety Tips for Cutting and Storing Firewood
- Wear sturdy footwear and suitable gloves when handling logs.
- Use eye protection when splitting wood.
- Wear appropriate hearing, eye, head and leg protection when operating a chainsaw, as required by its manual.
- Keep bystanders outside the cutting and splitting area.
- Work on stable ground and secure logs before cutting.
- Never hold a log by hand while cutting it with a chainsaw.
- Remove the battery before chainsaw maintenance.
- Do not stack firewood so high that the pile becomes unstable.
- Keep stored wood away from ignition sources and maintain safe clearances.
If you are inexperienced with chainsaw work, seek practical training before attempting larger cutting tasks. Do not attempt to fell trees without the necessary competence and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storing Firewood Outside
Can you store firewood outside all year?
Yes. Firewood can be stored outside throughout the year if it is raised off the ground, protected from rain above and exposed to good airflow. Regularly check the condition of the stack and avoid enclosing it completely with plastic.
How long does firewood take to dry?
Split softwood may take around 6–12 months, while many hardwoods need approximately 12–24 months or longer. The actual drying time depends on the species, size, climate and storage conditions. Use a moisture meter to confirm readiness.
What moisture content should firewood have?
Firewood should generally contain less than 20% moisture before burning in a stove or fireplace. Always follow the appliance manufacturer's recommendations. For an accurate check, measure a freshly split inner surface.
Should firewood be covered while drying?
Yes, but mainly from above. A roof or top cover helps keep rain off the logs. The sides should remain ventilated so moisture can escape. A tightly wrapped plastic cover can slow the seasoning process.
Is it better to split firewood before storing it?
Usually, yes. Split logs expose more wood surface to moving air and generally season faster than thick, unsplit pieces. Prepare logs to a manageable size and stack them securely with space for ventilation.
Conclusion: Store Firewood Outside the Right Way
Storing firewood outside is a practical way to season logs and keep them ready for future use. The most important steps are choosing a ventilated location, raising the wood off the ground and protecting the top of the stack from rain.
Split larger logs before drying, keep fresh and seasoned firewood separate and check the moisture content before burning. Aim for wood below 20% moisture, unless your appliance manufacturer specifies otherwise.
If you also need to cut timber into suitable lengths, explore the Batavia tools designed for tree cutting and pruning.