How to Stack and Store Firewood So It Stays Dry All Winter

You’ve bought good, dry firewood — or spent weekends splitting your own. Now it needs to stay that way. Poorly stored firewood soaks up rain, snow and ground moisture, and wood that was perfectly dry in October can be hissing and smoking by February.

Follow these simple principles to keep your firewood dry, clean and ready to burn all winter.

The three rules of firewood storage

1. Off the ground
2. Covered on top
3. Open to the air on the sides

Get those right and you’ve solved 90% of firewood storage problems.

1. Keep it off the ground

Firewood stacked directly on soil or grass draws moisture up from the ground and rots from the bottom. It also invites insects.

Good options:
– A purpose-built metal firewood rack
– Wooden pallets
– Two parallel rails of treated lumber, concrete blocks or old fence posts

Aim for at least 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) of clearance.

2. Cover the top — but not the sides

Rain and snow falling on the top of the stack is the main source of moisture. Cover it with:

• A woodshed with a solid roof and open or slatted sides (the ideal solution)
• A firewood rack cover that drapes only partway down
• A tarp over the top only, weighted or tied down

Don’t wrap the whole stack in plastic. Fully sealed wood traps moisture, encourages mold and prevents drying.

3. Let the air flow

Airflow carries moisture away. Help it by:

• Stacking in single or double rows rather than one huge pile
• Facing the long side towards the prevailing wind
• Leaving a few inches between the stack and any wall or fence
• Choosing a sunny spot where possible

How to stack firewood properly

• Bark side up on the top layer helps shed water.
• Criss-cross the ends of each row (alternating layers at 90°) to build stable end pillars, or use end posts.
• Keep stacks to about 4 feet (1.2 m) high for stability and safety, especially with children around.
• Lean the stack slightly into itself rather than outwards.
• Separate wood by type or dryness — keep this season’s dry wood apart from next year’s green wood.

Where not to store firewood

• Against the house: a large stack against exterior walls can attract termites, carpenter ants and rodents and trap moisture against siding. Keep the main stack at least 20–30 feet (6–9 m) from the house where practical, and follow any local fire-safety guidance.
• Indoors in large quantities: bringing a whole cord into a basement or garage can introduce insects and adds fuel load near your home.
• Under trees or downspouts where water drips constantly.

Keeping a small indoor supply

Bring in one to three days’ worth at a time. Store it in:

• A log basket or metal log holder near (but at a safe distance from) the stove or fireplace
• A covered porch box close to the door

Wood warmed to room temperature for a day lights more easily — just keep it well away from the stove’s clearance zone.

Storage tips for different climates

• Cold, snowy regions (Canada, northern US, Scandinavia, Alps): a roofed woodshed is well worth it. Keep a path clear to your stack so you’re not digging through drifts.
• Wet, mild regions (Pacific Northwest, UK, Ireland, Atlantic Europe): airflow is critical. Use slatted sheds, maximize sun exposure and avoid tarps that trap humidity.
• Dry regions: pests and fire safety are bigger concerns than moisture. Keep stacks away from buildings and clear surrounding vegetation.

What about kiln-dried firewood?

Kiln-dried wood starts with very low moisture, but it can reabsorb water if stored badly. Treat it with the same care — off the ground, covered on top — and it will stay ready to burn. Because it’s heat-treated, kiln-dried wood also brings fewer insects into your storage area.

Briquettes and pellets need extra care

Compressed fuels like wood briquettes and pellets are even more sensitive to moisture than logs. Store them indoors or in a dry garage, on pallets, in their original wrapping.

Frequently asked questions

Should I cover firewood with a tarp?

Cover only the top of the stack, letting the tarp hang a short way down the sides. Wrapping the whole stack traps moisture and prevents drying. A roofed woodshed with open sides is even better.

How long can firewood be stored?

Properly stacked and covered firewood can be stored for several years. Over long periods, some woods start to decay, especially if they get damp, so aim to use your oldest wood first and keep buying or splitting to stay a season or two ahead.

Is it OK to store firewood in the garage?

A small amount for a few days’ use is fine. Storing a large quantity in an attached garage adds a significant fuel load close to your home and can bring insects inside. Keep the main stack outdoors and bring in only what you need.

Do I need to worry about termites?

Termites and carpenter ants can live in firewood, which is another reason to keep stacks off the ground and away from your house. Heat-treated kiln-dried firewood greatly reduces the risk of introducing insects.

Can I stack firewood in a circle?

Yes. Round “holz hausen” style stacks are traditional in parts of Europe and can be stable and attractive. They need careful building and still benefit from a cover on top.

Stock up on dry, ready-to-burn firewood

Pure Biofuel Pellets delivers premium kiln-dried hardwood firewood by the full cord, half cord and face cord across the USA, Canada and Europe. Pair it with our BioBricks for compact, high-heat backup fuel.