For firewood to burn efficiently and as cleanly as possible, it’s not just the type of wood that matters. Above all, what matters is how dry the wood is and how it was stored. Firewood that is too damp burns poorly, provides less usable heat, and can lead to the formation of smoke and soot. With the right storage location, adequate air circulation, and a little patience, you can prepare your firewood optimally for the heating season.
Why does firewood need to dry at all?
Freshly cut wood still contains a lot of water. Before it can be used effectively as firewood, a large portion of this moisture must evaporate. When damp wood is burned, energy must first be expended to heat and evaporate the water it contains. As a result, less energy is available for actual heat production.
Well-dried firewood, on the other hand, ignites more easily and burns more efficiently. As a general guideline, firewood should have a moisture content of no more than 20%.
Split Firewood as Soon as Possible
After felling, the wood should not simply be stored in large logs. The smaller the pieces of wood, the greater their surface area, and the better moisture can escape.
Therefore, it is recommended to cut the wood to the required stove length as soon as possible and then split it. Depending on the amount of wood, you can use splitting axes (Item No. 31618), splitting hammers (Item No. 31619), splitting wedges (Item No. 45966), or a log splitter (Item No. 104657).
Do not stack the logs tightly together; instead, stack them so that air can circulate between them.
The Right Storage Spot for Firewood
A well-ventilated and, if possible, sunny location is best for drying. Good air circulation is especially important. Wind helps carry away the moisture that escapes from the wood.
Ideal options include, for example, covered firewood storage areas, firewood shelters, or well-ventilated sheds. Completely enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation are less suitable.
Here’s what you should keep in mind when choosing a storage location:
- Protect firewood from rain and snow
- Store it with the sides as open as possible
- Ensure adequate air circulation
- Avoid direct contact with the ground
- Choose a location that is as sunny and windy as possible
- Stack the wood in a stable and secure manner
Never Store Firewood Directly on the Ground
A common mistake is stacking firewood directly on the ground, grass, or any other damp surface. This allows the wood to absorb moisture from the ground.
It’s better to use a raised platform that’s off the ground. Pallets, lumber, or special firewood racks are suitable for this purpose. This allows air to circulate even beneath the stack.
Does firewood need to be covered?
Yes—but only if done correctly. Above all, the top of the wood stack should be protected from precipitation. The sides, on the other hand, should remain as open as possible.
If the entire wood stack is tightly wrapped in a tarp (Item No. 33964), air can barely circulate. Moisture has a harder time escaping and can accumulate under the cover. Therefore, the rule is: protect the top, ventilate the sides.
How long does firewood need to dry?
The required drying time depends on various factors. These include, among others, the type of wood, log size, initial moisture content, location, sunlight exposure, and air circulation.
Under good conditions, firewood can dry sufficiently within about one to two years. However, rather than relying solely on the storage period, the actual moisture content of the wood should be checked.
Measuring Wood Moisture Content Correctly
A wood moisture meter (Item No. 121834) allows you to quickly check whether the firewood is already dry enough.
To ensure the most accurate measurement possible, do not measure only the outer surface of the log. It is best to split a log fresh and then measure the newly exposed inner surface. This allows for a better assessment of the moisture content inside the wood.
If the measured moisture content is at most about 20%, the wood is generally dry enough for heating.
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Firewood Storage
Insufficient airflow, contact with the ground, or a completely sealed cover can significantly slow down the drying process. It’s also not advisable to leave freshly cut wood unsplit for long periods of time.
Those who need firewood regularly should also follow the “first in, first out” principle: Older, already dry wood is used first, while newly stored wood can continue to dry.
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