There are many different fuels that homeowners can choose to burn, however, firewood remains one of the most popular options on the market thanks to it affordability and efficiency. In fact, it is carbon neutral which means that it is the eco-friendliest option in comparison to alternatives like fossil fuels and gas. With this said, burning firewood means that homeowners must play close attention to the storage requirements of the fuel. Read on as we go over everything you need to know about how to store firewood…

Should firewood be stored indoors or outdoors?

Although it may be more convenient to store firewood indoors, it is important that there is a high-quality ventilation system in place in order to prevent moisture build-up. With this said, outdoor firewood storage requires a lot of dedication and is often preferred by those who season their own logs which is why homeowners should consider the amount of time that they can commit to this process. Ultimately, the decision to store logs inside or outside is down to the preference of the homeowner and it is important to consider the pros and cons of both options carefully in order to ensure that it is carried out properly.

How should firewood be stacked?

Regardless of whether the logs are inside or outside, it is important that they are stacked in a specific manner as this provides ventilation for the wood in order to help remove moisture. In fact, there are many different ways that firewood can be stacked, however, the most common one is a crisscross pattern and it is preferred because it is the most stable. With this said, the wood should always be raised above the ground, particularly if it is outdoors, as this improves airflow and reduces the risk of rot development.

What does ‘seasoning’ firewood mean?

The act of removing moisture from firewood is known as seasoning and it is an important process that needs to be carried out to every log. In fact, there are many different ways to do this, such as kiln drying, however, the traditional method takes 6-12 months to complete which is why many homeowners choose to buy their logs pre-seasoned and ready for burning. With this said, even seasoned firewood needs to be stored above the ground in a well-ventilated location or else the moisture content of the logs can be affected.

In order to generate an efficient woodburning fire, it is important that the firewood has a moisture content of 20% or below. After all, too much water in the pores of the logs can make it difficult to light and if they do manage to hold a flame, the output is often weak and costly to maintain. Luckily, storing firewood correctly means that there is little to no risk of moisture contamination. As the best coal merchants on the market, the team here at Pearson Fuels understand the importance of using the correct fuel. To find out more information, get in contact with a member of the team and ask about our firewood range today!