How to Store Wood Pellets in a Basement

Wood pellets are a type of fuel used in pellet stoves. Most wood pellets are made from sawdust and ground wood chips. The pellets contain no additives and have resins and binders that hold them together. Wood pellets must be stored in a dry area indoors, or outdoors in a storage shed or other enclosed space. To store wood pellets in your basement, you must prepare the area before placing the pellets in the space.

Things You'll Need

• Work gloves
• Large storage container---plastic or wood with a lid
• Caulking
• Caulking gun
• Shelving unit or table
• Tarp or other covering

Instructions

1. Put on a pair of work gloves to protect your hands.

2. Purchase or locate a large storage container that has a lid. Make sure it is free of any holes or cracks. If any holes or cracks are present, seal them with some caulking.

3. Clear out an area of your basement that is dry.

4. Place a shelving unit or a table in the cleared space in your basement.

5. Place the storage container on a shelf about halfway up the shelving unit or on a table. Make sure the container is securely on the shelf or table to keep it from falling off and spilling its contents.

6. Keep the wood pellets in their bag or other packaging and place them in the storage container.

7. Place a tarp or other covering over the storage container and then place the lid on the container. Make sure the lid snaps shut onto the container.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not keep the storage container or wood pellets on the basement floor.

References

• Wood Pellets
• Where Does Pellet Fuel Come From?

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• New England Wood Pellet