There’s nothing like a warm fire on a cold Connecticut evening. But enjoying that fire starts long before you strike a match. Where you store your firewood—and how you stack and cover it—can make a big difference when it’s time to bring a few logs inside. Elmwood Bark and Stone, we want you to get the most out of your firewood purchase. These simple storage tips will help you protect your supply and stay organized throughout the winter.
1. Keep Your Firewood Off the Ground
Stacking firewood directly on grass or soil exposes the bottom layer to moisture. A sturdy firewood rack or raised base helps keep logs away from damp ground and allows air to circulate underneath. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends storing firewood outdoors, off the ground, with the top covered. Choose a level location where your stack will stay stable. Avoid low spots where rainwater or melting snow collects and make sure you can reach the wood without crossing a muddy section of your yard.
2. Stack for Airflow and Stability
A loose pile might seem convenient after delivery, but an organized stack makes it easier to cover your wood, access it, and keep track of how much you have left. Arrange logs in stable row with room for air to move between them. Use a rack with supported ends and keep the stack at a manageable height rather than building a tall pile that could shift or fall. Split wood dries faster than whole rounds, and a raised base helps reduce exposure to moisture and pests.
3. Cover the Top, Leave the Sides Open
Protecting firewood from rain and snow is important, but wrapping the entire stack tightly in a tarp can trap moisture. Use a secured cover over the top while leaving the sides open for ventilation. A covered rack or open-sided woodshed can also provide protection without enclosing the wood completely. Check your cover after windy weather to make sure it hasn’t slipped or started collecting water. The goal is simple: keep precipitation off the stack while allowing air to circulate.
4. Make Winter Access Easy
Think about your storage location before snow arrives. A spot that’s convenient in October may be difficult to reach once snowbanks build up. Keep a clear route to your woodpile and leave enough space to shovel around it. Store your main supply outdoors and bring in smaller amounts as needed instead of moving the entire pile inside. An organized setup means less searching beneath a tarp, less digging through snow, and fewer cold trips across the yard.
5. Know Whether Your Wood Is Ready to Burn
Good storage helps protect dry firewood and supports continued drying, but it doesn’t make damp wood ready overnight. A moisture meter can help you check readiness rather than relying only on appearance. The EPA recommends burning wood with a moisture content below 25 percent.
Get your winter woodpile started with Elmwood Bark and Stone in West Hartford, Connecticut. Order online, call, text, or stop by the yard to discuss seasoned firewood, delivery options, and stacking service for an additional fee.
From our yard to your door—stock up now and spend more of winter enjoying the fire.