How to store and stack firewood correctly so it dries in time
Firewood should be stacked off the ground, in a well-ventilated place, covered only on top and left to dry for at least a year.
Firewood should be stacked off the ground, in a ventilated, sunny place, covered only on top (never enclosed at the sides) and, if possible, at least a year in advance.
Buying dry firewood is only half the job. If it is then stored poorly — piled directly on the ground, completely covered with plastic or placed in an unventilated corner — it can absorb moisture again and undo all the benefits. How it is stored matters almost as much as the type of wood.
Why storage matters as much as the type of firewood
Dry wood still absorbs moisture from its surroundings. If it touches the ground directly, it absorbs moisture from the soil. If ventilation is poor, the moisture it releases cannot evaporate and becomes trapped. The result is firewood that, despite being bought dry, is damp again when you burn it — causing the same old problems: poor draught, smoke and more creosote in the flue.
Where to locate your firewood stack
- In sun and wind, if possible: a sunny, breezy place dries firewood much faster than a shady corner.
- Away from the house: it is best to keep some distance from the façade, especially from doors and windows, both because of moisture and the risk of pests (termites and wood-boring insects) that may eventually reach the house.
- Never in direct contact with the ground: ground moisture rises by capillary action and can ruin the bottom rows of logs.
How to stack firewood step by step
- Raise the base: use pallets, battens or any support that keeps the firewood at least 10–15 cm off the ground.
- Stack in rows, not in a heap: an orderly stack arranged in rows allows air to circulate between the logs. A disorganised heap dries much more poorly inside.
- Leave space between stacks: if you have several rows, separating them makes it easier for air to circulate on all sides.
- Bark facing upwards on the top row: this helps rainwater run off instead of seeping into the stack.
Cover without suffocating it
This is one of the most common mistakes: covering the entire stack with a tarpaulin or plastic sheet, enclosed on every side. This traps the moisture released by the wood as it dries and achieves exactly the opposite of the intended effect. The correct approach is to cover only the top, leaving the sides completely open so that air can continue to circulate.
Simple rule: if you smell damp or mould when you lift the cover, the stack is poorly ventilated. Remove the cover for a few days and make sure the sides remain open.
Common mistakes that slow down drying
- Stacking freshly cut firewood too tightly, without gaps for air to circulate
- Storing it in a closed garage or shed with no ventilation
- Leaving it directly on grass or damp soil
- Covering it completely with plastic sealed on all four sides
- Mixing newly purchased firewood with already dry wood in the same stack without distinguishing between them
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Can I store firewood inside the house?
Only enough for a few days next to the fireplace. Storing large quantities inside the home is not a good idea: ventilation is very limited and it can attract insects indoors.
How often should I check the stack?
A quick check every few weeks is enough, especially after rainy periods, to make sure the top cover is still in place and there are no signs of damp or mould.
Are pine and holm oak firewood stored in the same way?
The stacking method is the same, but because holm oak takes longer to dry, it is useful to label or separate it so you know which stack is ready to burn first.
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