How to Store Your Firewood for the Winter
As winter approaches, thoughts often turn to sitting in front of a crackling fireplace with friends and family. Avoid the disappointment that comes when you go out to get some more firewood and find that it's not ready for the fireplace. Be sure that your firewood is properly stored for the winter so you can enjoy uninterrupted pleasure. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Obtain a shipping pallet. Many businesses, such as newspapers, give these pallets away or sell them at a low cost. You can also build a fireplace rack with 2-by-4-inch lumber. It's important that the firewood be off the ground.
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Determine where you will stack the firewood. It needs to be convenient to your home, but it's best to store it at least 30 feet away from the structure to avoid bugs and possibly termites from entering your residence. Also try to locate it so that there are trees or other structures nearby that you will be able to connect bungee cords to for a tarp covering. Place the pallet on flat ground.
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Stack the firewood in rows on top of the pallet. Start with the largest pieces on the bottom. As you lay the second and successive rows, try to lay the wood in the stack so that it gets as much air circulation as possible between each piece of firewood. If you need to stack more than one tier, ensure there is sufficient air circulation between the two stacks.
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Stretch a tarp over the firewood stack to protect it from rain and snow. Connect the tarp to trees or other structures so that air can still flow into the firewood stacks. If that's not possible, secure it to the ground with tent stakes or rocks.
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Tips & Warnings
The best firewood for burning in your wood burning stove or fireplace is ironwood, apple, sugar maple, yellow birch, red oak and beech,
Watch out for termites if placed too close to the house and other insects.
References
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