Storing firewood properly is crucial for keeping it dry and ready to burn. Wet, rotting firewood won’t burn well and can even be dangerous in your fireplace or wood stove. With the right firewood storage solutions, you can keep your wood neatly stacked, well-ventilated, and protected from the elements.
Whether you need to corral a few cords or have an entire woodshed to fill, these 18 firewood storage ideas offer creative ways to store firewood that you’ll be burning to try this season.
Utilize Multi-Purpose Outdoor Storage
Outdoor storage items like sheds, cabinets, and bins offer covered containment to keep firewood tidy and dry. Look for storage options that allow airflow so moisture doesn’t get trapped inside.
Sheds and Lean-Tos
A wood shed or basic lean-to with a roof provides ideal covered firewood storage. Make sure it’s large enough to hold the amount of wood you typically use in a season with extra room for ventilation. Face the opening toward the south for maximum sun exposure and airflow.
Log Holders
Self-contained log holders or firewood bins fit neatly against the house or at the end of the porch. Look for metal bins or wood holders with slatted sides and back to enable air circulation. A hinged lid on top keeps rain and snow off the wood.
Closed Cabinets
Outdoor storage cabinets offer another enclosed option for protecting firewood from wet weather. Look for cabinet styles with ventilation slots or mesh panels in the doors and sides for air to flow through. Close and lock the doors to keep firewood contained and hidden from view.
Multi-Use Storage Units
Repurpose a garden shed, storage cabinet, or deck box to contain firewood. Any outdoor storage item that keeps the wood covered and stacked neatly can work. Just be sure it allows adequate airflow so moisture doesn’t build up inside.
Craft Creative Firewood Storage
With a little DIY inspiration, you can craft inventive and functional firewood storage for your yard or porch. Custom-built log holders are also easy to match to your home’s style.
DIY Firewood Box
Make a simple wood box from slatted fencing or lattice panels. Screw the panels together to form an open-sided box for stacking firewood neatly. Add a removable rainproof lid on top if desired.
Log Baskets
Weave a log-sized basket out of metal fencing, flexible twigs, or thick vines. Place the long slender basket against the house or on the hearth to hold firewood attractively. Make a set of two or more sizes for a visually appealing display.
Freestanding Log Holder
Construct an open log holder from straight metal pipes or thick wooden dowels. Arrange and weld or screw them together into a cylindrical holder or square rack for displaying cut logs. Paint or stain the holder to match your decor.
Repurposed Storage
Upcycle an old dresser, filing cabinet or wine rack to neatly contain stacked firewood. Look for sturdy used furniture pieces with openings or mesh panels that allow airflow through the stored wood.
Wheelbarrow Wood Caddy
Load cut logs into an old wheelbarrow or garden cart to store firewood conveniently by the hearth. Choose a wheelbarrow with good drainage holes in the bottom so rainwater can flow out.
Opt for Durable Built-In Storage
For a permanent solution, install built-in firewood receptacles integrated into your home’s architecture. Enclosed firewood boxes and wall cubbies keep logs contained while adding a decorative focal point.
Enclosed Firewood Boxes
An enclosed box made of brick, stone, or metal mounted on the wall near the fireplace offers weather-resistant firewood storage. It resembles a long skinny chimney with ventilation gaps at the top and bottom. Install a tightly fitting metal lid to keep out rain.
Mortared Masonry Enclosures
Construct a custom firewood enclosure from brick or stone mortared onto an exterior wall. Build shelves into the enclosure for neatly stacking cut logs. Include drainage holes in the floor and ventilation gaps up top. Add a sturdy door to enclose it.
Log Cubbies
Build open log cubbies from lumber or masonry into the side of the house near doors and fireplaces. Stash neatly stacked logs in each hole, separated by ventilation gaps. A overhanging roof keeps the stored wood dry.
Sunken Fire Pits
Surround an outdoor fire pit with a knee-high stone or masonry wall. Recess wood storage cubbies into the wall to keep firewood handy but out of sight and protected from weather.
Stack Firewood Creatively
When storing wood without a container, get creative with stacking techniques. Try unique patterns or make a sculpture to elevate a simple wood pile.
Holiday Shapes
Stack firewood into seasonal shapes like Christmas trees, stars, or a haunted house for the fall. Pile rounded log ends outward to form the sculpture. Use smaller sticks and kindling to detail the shape.
Geometric Patterns
Stack logs in geometric patterns like zigzags, diamonds, wavy lines or circles for visual interest. Alternate directions and log sizes as you stack. Leave air gaps between stacks to allow ventilation.
Lincoln Log Cabins
Arrange uniformly cut logs horizontally like Lincoln Logs to form small cabins or towers. Crisscross logs at the corners to interlock the shape. The evenly cut logs stay neatly stacked while allowing airflow.
Wood Walls and Partitions
Stack logs lengthwise into long rows to make dividing walls and partitions in a protected outdoor area. Leave gaps between rows for walkways and ventilation. Anchor stacked wall ends together if needed.
Triangular Stacking
Stack logs on their sides in rows forming long triangular prisms. Alternate triangle direction to interlock the rows. The triangular shape provides stability while maximizing air circulation.
Use Gradual Storage Systems
Utilize gravity or mechanical assistance to move logs from a high stacking area down to ground level for easy access. Elevated storage keeps wood up off the ground.
Elevated Rack and Bin
Build an elevated open log rack from lumber or metal and place a wood bin below it. Neatly stack logs on the high rack, then grab wood from the bin as needed. Replenish the low bin from the rack.
Raised Platforms
Construct a raised platform with multiple shelves to hold stacked firewood up off the ground. Place vertical dividers between stacks to hold them separate. Use open stair access to easily reach the higher shelves.
Slanted Racks
Stack logs on slanted, crisscrossing log racks. The angled storage allows logs to roll down to you. Elevated rear racks hold reserve wood that replenishes the front as you remove logs.
Log Conveyors
Mount conveyor rollers or sliding rails from an upper holding platform that feeds down to a low convenient height. Replenish the raised platform area as needed. Use gravity power or a hand crank to move logs down the conveyor.
Add Easy Access to Firewood Storage
When firewood is out of reach or hard to access, you’ll end up avoiding the inconvenience. Ensure your storage setup has easy access for grabbing logs when needed.
Nearby Placement
Position firewood storage near exterior doors and high-traffic areas. Place a small log holder or bin right next to the fireplace or wood stove for ultra-convenient access. Store limited quantities of wood close by for immediate use.
Open Designs
Store wood in open holders, racks or cubbies without doors, lids or panels obstructing access. Logs stacked loosely in open-sided structures are always within reach. Just be sure they’re shielded from rain and sun by a roof overhang.
Low Profile Storage
Choose short accessible firewood receptacles that you can reach into without bending or straining. Elevated racks and platforms should have at least one section low enough to easily load from.
Front Facing
Arrange log racks, holders, and shelving so logs face forward towards the front for easy grabbing. Make sure storage openings also face outward. Avoid needing to reach around things or squeeze into tight spaces.
Ergonomic Heights
Position part of your firewood storage at a comfortable working height to avoid excessive bending and lifting. Vary stacked heights and include racks or cubbies between knee and waist level for ergonomic loading and unloading.
Use Firewood Storage for Multi-Purpose Functions
Make your firewood storage setup earn its keep by also serving other functions. Multipurpose wood storage ensures the space is utilized year-round.
Seating Areas
Stack firewood attractively to form backrests and partitions for outdoor seating around fire pits. Place logs on their ends in rows with gaps between to hold the shape of benches.
Garden Edging
Use cut logs laid lengthwise as landscape edging to border gardens and flower beds. When needed for burning, remove the end log to preserve the border. Replace it with a fresh one.
Wood Drying Racks
Allow freshly cut green wood to season and dry stacked on open log racks before burning it. Elevate rows of logs on rails or crisscrossed foundation boards. Cover the tops only if needed.
Outdoor Kitchens
Incorporate firewood storage into outdoor kitchens and grilling stations. Store neatly stacked logs in the structure framing under counters and shelves where they’re handy but don’t take up prep space.
Room Dividers
Piled firewood makes an attractive raw divider between outdoor patio areas or garden rooms. Stack logs tightly into long sections with air gaps between each one.
Maintain Proper Firewood Storage
Keep your firewood storage system functioning at its best with regular maintenance and upkeep checks. Proper care ensures your wood stays dry.
Check for Moisture
Inspect inventory regularly for moisture, mold, and rotting. Discard any questionable pieces and move firewood away from moist surfaces to allow drying. Covering the tops of stacks can help.
Allow Ventilation
Make sure air flows freely through covered and enclosed storage with ventilation gaps. Open up any doors, flaps or lids during dry weather. Uncover log piles when you can.
Repel Pests
Use wire mesh screens to prevent rodents from invading covered firewood storage. Trim back vegetation touching wood stacks. Air circulation and avoiding wood-ground contact also helps repel pests.
Relocate Often
Change firewood locations frequently and move logs around in the stack. Regularly unstacking and restacking helps air circulation. Place newer logs on the bottom to promote drying.
Check for Termites and Ants
Inspect closely for any signs of termite activity in or near stored firewood. Discard and replace damaged logs. Treat as needed to prevent spreading. Keep wood off the ground and well ventilated.
Remove Debris
Keep storage areas free of accumulated debris that can harbor moisture. Clean up any bits of bark, sawdust or dirt that collect inside log holders or on stacks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Firewood Storage
Storing firewood properly helps ensure you always have dry, seasoned logs ready to burn. Here are answers to some common questions about the best ways to store and maintain firewood.
How much firewood storage space do I need?
This depends on how much wood you use and the severity of your winters. Aim to store at least a full season’s worth of wood to avoid running out. Allow extra space for ventilation around the stacks.
Where is the best place to store firewood?
Outside near the home’s entrances, under a roof overhang or purpose-built woodshed is ideal. Keep some smaller quantities near the hearth for convenient access.
What is proper firewood stacking technique?
Stack logs lengthwise on their ends in rows with air gaps between rows to allow airflow. Crisscross stack ends at row corners to interlock them. Keep a base of lumber under bottom logs to prevent ground contact.
Should firewood be covered?
Covering the top of the stack while allowing open sides can help keep rain and snow off. But don’t wrap wood too tightly or moisture can get trapped inside. Some periodic exposure to dry out is good.
How do you keep bugs and pests out of stored firewood?
Air circulation, ventilation gaps, stacking wood off the ground, and avoiding contact with the home’s structure helps deter pests. Screening cabinet doors and openings can also prevent access. Discard any infested logs found.
How often should you rotate firewood stacks?
Check your stored wood monthly and rotate the stack at least twice a year. Move newer logs to the base of the pile so the oldest, driest ones get burned first. Restacking helps aerate the wood too.
Can firewood get too dry or seasoned?
Yes. Wood that is overly dried out and weathered can deteriorate and become punky or powdery inside. Use very seasoned logs quickly before they get overly dried out. The ideal moisture content for burning is around 20%.
Is it better to season firewood outdoors or in a woodshed?
Seasoning outdoors exposed to air and sun is best, as long as the wood is protected from rain and ground contact. An open woodshed that allows airflow also works well. Finished seasoned wood can be stored more protected.
How do you know when firewood is ready to burn?
Look for cracked log ends and bark that easily falls off. The wood should feel lighter after drying. Bang logs together to hear a hollow sound when completely seasoned. Use moisture meters to test moisture content.
Get Your Fireplace Ready With Proper Wood Storage
Setting up a designated space to store firewood encourages you to stock up on wood early and keep your fireplace or wood stove primed and ready to enjoy all season long. Whether you opt for an easy stack, a sophisticated log holder, or a fully-enclosed woodshed, proper firewood storage ensures you’ll have plenty of perfectly seasoned logs ready to feed the fire whenever you’re burning to try out a cozy evening fire. With your firewood neatly stowed away and protected from the elements, you can focus on relaxing fireside instead of prepping a fire in the rain or snow.
Give some of these clever firewood storage solutions a try this season. Find an approach that neatly contains the logs while working well with your climate, yard layout, and the size of your typical firewood supply. Get your fireplace prepped and eliminate any excuse not to have a warming blaze on a chilly night. Your ideal firewood storage setup is waiting – the only thing left is deciding which of these 18 great ideas you’ll be burning to try first!