Avoid smoky fires and insects in your home by steering clear of these common firewood storage mistakes.
Getty Images / Evgeniia Siiankovskaia
There are few things better than a warm fire on a chilly evening.
Using proper storage techniques is vital for creating the perfect fire while also keeping insects away from the party.
Credit:Getty Images / Evgeniia Siiankovskaia
Here are nine commonfirewood storagemistakes you should avoid to prevent smoky fires and pest infestations.
Leaving Wood Uncovered
One of the main priorities of firewood storage is making sure the wood stays dry.
Since wood is typically stored outdoors, you should avoid leaving it uncovered.
You should only store firewood inside if it has been kiln-dried.
Other wood types can contain insects or mold and require further drying outdoors.
Although not as convenient, firewood storage should be several feet away from your home.
However, this can still lead to issues with air circulation.
Your wood stack should stay dry, which means it needs to receive proper ventilation.
Your woodpile is also likely to pick up pests from the soil.
This will promote proper airflow underneath the wood and help prevent an infestation.
Stacking Too Tightly
How you stack firewood is just as important as where you store it.
A poor stacking technique can restrict airflow, which can cause it to get damp and moldy.
This extra space keeps the pieces dry, which will give you longer burn times and minimize smoke.
Stacking Too High
Your wood stack should stay within a height of four feet.
Anything higher can compromise the stability of the pile, which can be a safety issue.
This also ensures that the highest pieces are easy to access.
This method is also great for extra stability.
However, this can be dangerous and counterproductive.
Plus, you’ll miss out on that wonderfully smoky campfire smell that burning wood usually produces.
