Storing Firewood - What Are Your Best Options?

By Fred D Miller

arbtalk.co.uk

There are a few different ways of storing firewood. However, each way is designed to do one of two things. One is to help cure or season the firewood. This occurs because you help the sun and wind dry out the wood's moisture allowing the wood to burn longer and at a higher btu. The second is to protect the wood and keep it free from critters, rain, and snow. Here, the main goal is to help keep the wood dry by preventing mold and mildew growth. Common equipment used to help in these areas include firewood racks, firewood storage sheds, and firewood covers. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages.

1. Firewood racks

These log holders are very effective at creating seasoned firewood. Since they raise the wood off the ground, it allows wind and sun to more easily dry out the wood compared to other methods. In addition, since it raises the wood off the ground, it helps keep critters from making nests in the wood. However, its limitations are that it provides no protection against the rain and snow. For this reason, it is often used with firewood covers to help provide protection here.

2. Firewood storage sheds

An alternative to log holders is to use firewood storage sheds. These are something of a compromise between a firewood rack and a firewood cover. They offer better protection from the rain and snow. However, they are not as good for seasoning purposes. This is because the design of the shed keeps the wind and sun from drying the wood as effectively as it would on long holder. 

3. Firewood covers

As mentioned before, these are often used in combination with firewood racks. In fact, many racks are made to specially accommodate these covers for easier use. These covers main benefit is that it protects the wood by keeping off the rain and snow. They are not designed for curing purposes and, it is critical that you use ones that let the wood breathe and do not fully cover the wood. This is because it will undermine any curing or seasoning attempts. 

By keeping these different options in mind, you should have a greater understanding on what are the best methods for storing firewood. Currently, there is a growing trend towards preferring firewood racks and covers over sheds. We believe this is due to their better performance and less obstructive form. They are far easier to take with you or replace in the event of a move.

Source : ezinearticles.com