How to Store Firewood in a Basement

Store firewood inside for ready access and to keep it dry.

Storing firewood helps keep a supply of wood handy and dry. The basement presents a cool, dry area where the wood is easily reached. There are things to consider prior to storing and stacking firewood in the basement. Stack the wood in a way to allow the air to circulate and consider applying pest control. If the basement is damp, consider placing a dehumidifier in the basement to help keep the wood dry and seasoned.

Things You'll Need

• Wood pallets
• Canvas tarp
• Pest control
• Dehumidifier -- optional

Instructions

1. Set pallets on the basement floor and up against a basement wall. Stack the firewood onto the pallets. This raises the wood off the floor, allowing air to circulate and prevent molding to the bottom pieces.

2. Stack the wood to two-thirds of the height of the wall. Stack one deep, meaning stack so there is only one line of firewood against the wall. Stacking higher or deeper makes it harder to gather wood to bring to the wood stove and increases the potential of stacks falling.

3. Place a dehumidifier in the basement if there is dampness. Keep the wood dry. Cover the stack with the canvas tarp.

4. Place pest control boxes such as D-con or traps around the wood. If you have family pets, place the pest control where they cannot get to it. Slide a small box of D-con under the pallets. Small rodents nest in wood piles. Place the pest control to mitigate the infestations.

References

• Oregon.gov -- ODA Measurement Standards: Firewood Tips