How to Store Wood for Your Fireplace  

Indoors and outside, there is nothing quite like the crackling warmth that comes from wood and wood pellet fireplaces. Throughout the Capital Region of New York, wood burning appliances are popular for supplemental heating during winter and for creating outdoor ambiance in spring, summer, and fall.  

Many people don’t know that how you store your wood can make all the difference in how it burns. When they have been stored properly, logs should catch fire easily and burn evenly and efficiently. On the flip side, improper storage can leave wood vulnerable to moisture, fungus, and pests. Damp wood doesn’t burn as cleanly or efficiently, and it also tends to hiss more, produce more smoke, and create less energy.  

As Upstate New York’s go-to fireplace provider, Best Fire Hearth & Patio wants you to get the most out of your wood burning appliances. To that end, let’s explore the best practices for storing fireplace wood and some tips for storage, even if you’re short on space.  

Storing Firewood Correctly 

Regardless of the quality of your firewood, storing it improperly or in the wrong location can essentially ruin it. Moisture is the number one enemy of quality firewood. It can make the wood difficult to ignite, more challenging to keep burning, and more likely to harbor mold and produce an abundance of creosote. 

How to Select a Storage Location 

Choose a spot at least three to five feet away from the exterior of your home. Ideally, the area should have a concrete slab foundation to help prevent moisture from the ground seeping into the wood. Alternatively, you can lay a vapor barrier under the storage area or create a base of patio pavers to help minimize ground moisture. 

Fireplace Wood Storage: Stacking Suggestions 

When stacking firewood, stack it loosely to minimize dampness. Stacking the logs too tightly together allows moisture to accumulate. Choose a stacking method that suits you.  

For example, the American stacking method involves layering the logs in alternating patterns. In the first layer, every log is situated vertically. In the next, the logs are stacked horizontally. The easy-to-build Criss Cross method involves creating a base of treated two-by-fours and building end pillars at either end. The pillars are made of three to four logs arranged next to each other, topped with three to four logs in the opposite direction. The process is repeated until you have pillars 12 rows high. Whichever method you opt for, ensuring ample air flow will help you reap the storage benefits.  

Safety Considerations 

Following the best practices for storing wood for your fireplace doesn’t just impact its efficiency. It can also help mitigate safety concerns. For example, the National Fire Protection Association recommends storing firewood at least 30 feet from your home to minimize the risk of fire spreading from dry wood to your residence. 

Additionally, it’s critical to arrange firewood in a stable stack to avoid it falling on you. Preferably, use a rack or storage accessory that provides stability and airflow. Keeping the wood dry, with ample airflow, can also help reduce firewood pests.  

Firewood logs can harbor insects and rodents, which may make their way into your home while you are unaware. Carpenter ants, termites, beetles, and even cockroaches can all be attracted to the damp wood. 

• Create stable firewood stacks no higher than four feet tall. 
• Cover it as needed to reduce moisture exposure. 
• Aside from fully seasoned wood and pellets, never store wood piles indoors. 
• Maintain an adequate distance from the exterior of your home or outbuildings. 
• Use the oldest wood first and restack the pile periodically as needed. 

Space Saving Indoor Wood Storage Ideas 

Although you want to keep massive piles of logs stored outside, fully seasoned wood and pellets can be safely stored indoors. Kiln-dried firewood has undergone the treatment necessary to eliminate fungus and pests, adding an extra layer of peace of mind.  

If you are considering storing wood for your traditional or pellet burning fireplace or stove indoors, some space-efficient ideas include the following: 

Decorative Vessels 

Baskets, planters, and storage bins can be handy for stashing a few days’ worth of logs or pellets. As a bonus, you can tailor your selection to fit your decorative style to complement or accent the aesthetics of the room.  

Simple Storage Racks 

Many retailers sell modest racks that can hold your wood in sizes that meet the requirements of the space. You can find options for indoors and outside in a range of finishes. 

Integrated Firewood Shelving 

You can create a custom, built-in look using freestanding bookshelves. Arrange them to flank your fireplace or wood stove and paint them to complement the wall. In the end, you will enjoy an integrated look that keeps your firewood close at hand.  

Floating Hearth 

The space beneath a floating hearth is ideal for stashing pellets and firewood logs. This smart option maximizes your use of otherwise empty space, making it ideal for homes with limited square footage. 

Visit Best Fire to Browse Wood Burning Fireplaces, Stoves, and More 

Proper storage can go a long way toward maintaining the integrity of your firewood. When you’re ready to add a new fireplace or wood stove, sourcing it from the right retailer can make all the difference.  

Best Fire will partner with you through all the phases of your project, from planning through installation and beyond, to ensure you enjoy efficient fires for years to come. Our expert team can guide you, not only in choosing the right fireplace, but also in designing optimal storage options. 

Stop by our Albany, New York, showroom today or give us a call to learn more.