How to Store Firewood For Winter

Get ready for winter with your firewood. Read on..

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 

   Well it is time to get ready for winter and for those of use who have a wood burning fireplace or stove that means it is time to gather firewood. Let's see how to pick the best wood to burn and store it.

2. 

   When cutting down trees for firewood always pick the trees that are diseased and damaged. This way you will help the healthy trees to grow in your forest or woods by giving them more space.

3. 
   Warm fireplace

   The best firewood for burning in your wood burning stove or fireplace is;
   
   Hornbeam.
   Beech.
   Maple.
   Apple.
   Walnut.
   Elm.
   Poplar.
   Pine.

4. 

   The best time to cut your firewood is from November 1st to Easter. Remember to cut it to size when your are cutting the tree down so you do not have to cut it again to fit in your wood burning stove or fireplace. To burn the best, the wood should age for 2 years.

5. 

   One thing you do not want to have happen is for the wood to rot while aging. Do not pile the wood next to a wall or lay it directly on the ground. I suggest you build a platform or just use shipping pallets for a platform to place the firewood on. Just make sure the air can circulate around your wood to stop the rotting process.

6. 

   You should sturdy up the platform area with 4x4 posts on both sides. Place these post at least 3 feet in the ground to keep them from moving during the freeze and thaw process.

7. 

   When stacking your firewood place the largest logs on the bottom. Then with each row change direction of stacking for stability and air flow. I would stop stacking at 6 feet high for safety reasons and ease of getting to the wood. Do not fill the open spaces in your firewood stack with kindling.

8. 

   Keep the wood dry. Cover the firewood with a plastic tarp or a weatherproof canvas. Anchor the tarp with rocks or other logs.

9. Place those hard to stack pieces kindling in paper bags. I would place just enough kindling in each bag to start a fire when needed. Of course keep it dry also. Stay warm!

Tips & Warnings

• Always use extreme care when using a chain saw and cutting down trees.
• Watch out for termites if placed too close to the house and other insects.

[lighthouse1958]

on 11/13/2009 My mom still uses wood on one side of her house. We have been thinking of striking up the fireplace that we have never used. Great article. 5*

[alltrails]

on 10/25/2009 Excellent advice on how to store firewood for winter. Winter is coming on fast. Choosing your firewood carefully and storing it properly is important. 5 stars - Thanks!

[femwriter]

on 10/4/2009 These are good tips on how to store firewood for Winter. Thanks for sharing, 5* plus recommendation!