How to Store Firewood Properly: The Complete Expert Guide
How to Store Firewood Properly
Buying premium kiln dried firewood is only half the story.
How you store your firewood after delivery has a direct impact on how well it performs when you come to burn it. Even the highest quality logs can absorb moisture if they're stored incorrectly, reducing heat output, making fires harder to light and increasing smoke.
At Surefire Wood, we've spent decades producing premium kiln dried firewood for homes and businesses throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom. As Ireland's leading producer and one of Europe's largest producers of kiln dried firewood, we've learned that proper storage is just as important as proper drying.
This guide explains how to store your firewood correctly so it stays dry, burns efficiently and delivers maximum heat throughout the heating season.
Quick Answer
The best way to store firewood is:
✅ Under cover
✅ Raised off the ground
✅ In a well-ventilated area
✅ Protected from rain
✅ Never completely wrapped in plastic
If you've bought WFQA Ready to Burn certified firewood in Ireland or Woodsure Ready to Burn certified firewood in the UK, following these simple steps will help preserve its low moisture content.
Why Storage Matters
Firewood is hygroscopic.
That means it naturally absorbs and releases moisture depending on its surroundings.
Even after kiln drying, logs left sitting on wet ground or exposed to persistent rain and poor ventilation can gradually regain moisture.
The wetter the log becomes, the more difficult it is to burn efficiently.
Proper storage protects the investment you've already made in premium firewood.
The Biggest Storage Mistakes
Over the years we've seen the same problems repeatedly.
Leaving Firewood On The Ground
One of the quickest ways to damage firewood is leaving it directly on soil, grass or concrete.
Ground moisture gradually moves into the bottom layer of logs.
Instead:
- Use pallets
- Timber bearers
- Log stores
- Raised shelving
Keeping logs off the ground allows air to circulate underneath while preventing moisture transfer.
Wrapping Firewood In Plastic
Many people think covering logs completely with plastic will keep them dry.
In reality, it often traps moisture.
Condensation builds up inside the cover, reducing airflow and encouraging mould.
Instead:
Cover only the top.
Leave the sides open.
Air movement is essential.
Poor Ventilation
Fresh air is one of the most important parts of firewood storage.
Good ventilation allows any surface moisture to evaporate naturally.
Whether you're storing a few bags or several cubic metres, always allow space for air to circulate.
The Best Places To Store Firewood
Purpose-Built Log Store
The ideal solution.
A log store provides:
- Roof protection
- Open sides
- Raised floor
- Excellent airflow
Garage
Suitable if well ventilated.
Avoid damp garages with little air movement.
Shed
Works well provided there's good airflow.
Leave doors or vents open whenever possible.
Lean-To
One of the best options.
Sheltered while remaining naturally ventilated.
Outdoors
Perfectly acceptable.
Just remember:
- Raise off the ground.
- Cover the top.
- Leave the sides open.
Where You Should Never Store Firewood
Avoid:
❌ Damp basements
❌ Plastic storage boxes
❌ Completely sealed sheds
❌ Directly against exterior walls
❌ Under tarpaulins wrapped tightly around the stack
These environments trap moisture rather than removing it.
How To Stack Firewood
A well-built log stack isn't just attractive.
It also improves airflow.
Our recommendations:
- Stack bark side up where possible.
- Leave small gaps between rows.
- Don't lean stacks dangerously.
- Keep stacks stable.
- Avoid packing logs too tightly.
A loosely stacked pile dries and ventilates far better than a compressed one.
How Long Can Kiln Dried Firewood Be Stored?
One of the biggest advantages of premium kiln dried firewood is that it stores exceptionally well.
When kept:
- Dry
- Raised
- Ventilated
it can remain in excellent condition for many months and often considerably longer.
This is one reason many customers choose to order their winter fuel during late summer or early autumn.
Does Coastal Weather Matter?
Yes.
Homes close to the sea often experience:
- Higher humidity
- Salt-laden air
- More damp conditions
Customers in places such as:
- Galway
- Cork
- Wexford
- Waterford
- Dublin Bay
- Belfast Lough
should pay particular attention to ventilation.
Good airflow becomes even more important.
Winter Storage Tips
As winter approaches:
Bring only a small quantity indoors.
Many customers keep:
- One log basket
- One day's supply
- One week's supply
inside the house.
This allows logs to reach room temperature before burning while keeping the main stock protected outdoors.
Summer Storage Tips
Summer is actually the best time to buy firewood.
Demand is lower.
Storage conditions are usually excellent.
By the time autumn arrives your fuel is already organised and ready to burn.
Expert Insight From Surefire Wood
One of the biggest misconceptions we encounter is that once firewood has been kiln dried, storage no longer matters.
In reality, kiln drying removes moisture—it doesn't make timber waterproof.
If premium firewood is stored on wet ground or in poorly ventilated conditions, it can gradually absorb moisture from the surrounding environment.
That's why we always recommend thinking of storage as the final stage of the firewood journey. Producing premium kiln dried firewood is only part of the process; protecting it until it's burned is equally important.
Firewood Storage Checklist
Before winter, ask yourself:
✔ Is my firewood raised off the ground?
✔ Is the top protected from rain?
✔ Can air circulate around the stack?
✔ Is the storage area dry?
✔ Am I keeping only small quantities indoors?
If you answered yes to all five, your firewood is likely to remain in excellent condition throughout the heating season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kiln dried firewood get wet again?
Yes.
If exposed to moisture for prolonged periods it can absorb water from the surrounding environment.
Should I store firewood indoors?
Only small quantities.
Store the main supply outside under cover with good ventilation.
Is a garage suitable?
Yes, provided it's dry and well ventilated.
Should I cover my firewood completely?
No.
Cover the top only.
Leave the sides open.
Does firewood need ventilation?
Absolutely.
Good airflow is one of the most important factors in maintaining dry firewood.
Can I leave firewood outside all year?
Yes.
Provided it's stored correctly under cover and raised off the ground.
Final Thoughts
Buying premium kiln dried firewood is an investment in better heating performance.
Protecting that investment is straightforward.
Store your logs:
- Under cover
- Raised off the ground
- In a well-ventilated area
Choose WFQA Ready to Burn certified firewood in Ireland or Woodsure Ready to Burn certified firewood in the United Kingdom, store it correctly and you'll enjoy cleaner fires, higher heat output and dependable performance throughout the heating season.
From Our Yard to Your Home – Why Storage Starts Before Delivery
At Surefire Wood, we think about storage long before your order reaches your home. After kiln drying, firewood is kept in controlled conditions to help preserve its low moisture content before dispatch. Orders are handled carefully to minimise unnecessary exposure to the elements, ensuring your logs arrive in the best possible condition.
Once your delivery arrives, the final stage is in your hands. By storing your firewood correctly, you're preserving the work that's already gone into producing premium WFQA Ready to Burn and Woodsure Ready to Burn certified firewood. Good storage isn't just about keeping logs tidy—it's about maintaining the quality, efficiency and performance you paid for.