The colder months are on their way, so it’s time to prepare your home for the chilly weather. One of the most important steps is making sure you have enough firewood to keep you warm. This blog post will teach you how to cover firewood to keep it dry and ready for burning. Keep reading to learn more!
Summary: There are many ways to cover firewood so that it will not catch fire. One way is to stack the wood in a pyramid shape. Another way is to lay the wood on its side so that the ends of the boards are facing the ground.
What Causes Wet Firewood?
Before we get into how to cover firewood, let’s first talk about what causes it to become wet in the first place. One of the main reasons is that it’s left out in the rain. If you live in an area with a lot of precipitation, this is definitely something you need to be aware of. Additionally, even if you live in a dryer climate, firewood can still become wet if it’s not properly stored. If it’s not covered, the sun can cause moisture to build up inside the wood, eventually making it damp.
Another common cause of wet firewood is not allowing it to dry out properly before burning. If you put damp wood on the fire, it won’t burn as well and will produce a lot of smoke. The other cause of wet firewood is using a green log that hasn’t been properly seasoned. Seasoning is the process of allowing the moisture to escape from the wood so that it’s ready to be burned.
Why Is It Important to Keep Firewood Dry?
Now that we know what causes firewood to become wet let’s talk about why it’s so important to keep it dry. The first reason is that wet wood doesn’t burn as well. When you try to light a fire with damp wood, you’ll likely find that it doesn’t catch as easily and produces a lot of smoke. Additionally, wet wood doesn’t produce as much heat as dry wood, so you’ll be left feeling cold and frustrated.
Another reason to keep your firewood dry is that it can rot. If the wood is constantly wet, it will start to break down and develop mold. Not only is this gross, but it can also be dangerous. When you burn moldy wood, the mold can release toxins into the air that can harm your health. Finally, wet wood is just plain heavier than dry wood, so it’s not as easy to move around.
10 Ways How to Cover Firewood
1. Use a Tarp
One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your firewood dry is to use a tarp. Tarps are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores. When choosing a tarp, make sure to get one that’s large enough to cover all of your wood. You’ll also want to make sure the tarp is waterproof and has grommets so you can secure it in place. To use a tarp, gather all your wood and pile it in one spot.
Then, drape the tarp over the top of the woodpile and secure it in place. You can use bungee cords, rope, or even duct tape to keep the tarp in place.
2. Build a Wood Shed
If you have the space and the budget, another option is to build a wood shed. A wood shed is a small structure that’s specifically designed to store firewood. When choosing a wood shed, make sure to pick one that’s large enough to hold all of your wood, and that has a waterproof roof. You’ll also want to ensure the shed has proper ventilation to allow the wood to dry out.
First, choose a level spot in your yard to build a wood shed. Then, use lumber to build the frame of the shed. Once the frame is complete, add a roof and walls. You can use plywood, metal, or plastic sheets for the roof and walls. Finally, add a door to the shed to easily access your wood.
3. Cover Firewood with a Plastic Sheet
Plastic sheets are another great option for keeping your firewood dry. They’re typically cheaper than tarps and can be found at most hardware stores. When choosing a plastic sheet, get one that’s large enough to cover your woodpile. You’ll also want to make sure the sheet is waterproof and has grommets so you can secure it in place.
To use a plastic sheet, gather all your wood and pile it in one spot. Then, drape the sheet over the top of the woodpile and secure it in place. You can use bungee cords, rope, or even duct tape to keep the sheet in place. Avoid using plastic tarps as they can tear easily.
4. Use a Pallet
If you have a pallet lying around, you can use it to keep your firewood dry. To do this, first, find a level spot in your yard to place the pallet. Then, gather all your wood and pile it on top of the pallet. Once the wood is in place, cover it with a tarp or plastic sheet and secure it in place.
This will create a makeshift wood shed that will protect your firewood from the elements. If you don’t have a pallet, you can usually find them for free at hardware stores or online.
5. Use an Old Carpet
If you have an old carpet that you’re no longer using, you can repurpose it to keep your firewood dry. This is a great way to protect your wood from the elements and keep it in good condition. First, lay the carpet out on the ground. Then, stack your firewood on top of the carpet. Finally, fold the edges of the carpet over the top of the wood to keep it in place. Avoid using a new carpet, as the chemicals in the carpet can harm your health.
6. Use Cinder Blocks
If you have cinder blocks lying around, you can use them to keep your firewood dry. To do this, first, find a level spot in your yard. Next, line up the cinder blocks in a row. Then, place one log on top of each cinder block. Finally, cover the entire stack with a tarp. You can use bricks or stones if you don’t have cinder blocks.
7. Store Firewood Indoors
If you have the space, storing your firewood indoors is the best way to keep it dry. This will protect your wood from the elements and keep it in good condition. If you’re going to store your firewood indoors, make sure to choose a spot that’s out of the way. You’ll also want to ensure the area is well-ventilated to allow the wood to dry out.
8. Use a Firewood Rack
If you don’t have the space to store your firewood indoors, you can use a firewood rack. A firewood rack is a small structure that’s specifically designed to store firewood. When choosing a firewood rack, make sure to pick one that’s large enough to hold all of your wood. You’ll also want to ensure the rack has proper ventilation to allow the wood to dry out. To use a firewood rack, first, find a level spot to place the rack.
Then, load the rack with firewood. First, put down a layer of wood, then add a layer of crosspieces. Continue adding layers of wood and crosspieces until the rack is full. Once the rack is full, cover the top with a tarp to protect the wood from the elements.
9. Use a Log Store
If you have a lot of firewood, you may want to consider using a log store. A log store is a larger version of a log rack, and it can hold a lot more wood. Most log stores are made of metal or plastic and have a roof to keep the wood dry. To use a log store, first, build a foundation for it using concrete blocks or cinder blocks. Next, assemble the log store according to the instructions. Once it’s assembled, fill it with your firewood.
Finally, cover the top of the log store with a tarp to keep the wood dry. If you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, you may want to consider using a log store.
10. Build a Simple Cover
If you don’t have a log store or firewood rack space, you can build a simple cover to keep your wood dry. To do this, you’ll need some four-by-four posts, a few two-by-fours, and some corrugated metal roofing. Start by setting the posts into the ground about two feet apart. Then, nail the two-by-fours to the tops of the posts, creating a frame. Finally, cover the frame with the metal roofing, securing it with nails or screws.
You can add a layer of tar paper or other material to help keep the wood dry. Avoid using plastic, as it can trap moisture and lead to rot. This type of cover is not the most attractive option, but it is inexpensive and easy to build.
You Can Check It Out to Make a Curved Deck
Why Should You Cover Firewood?
Covering firewood is important for several reasons. First, it helps to keep the wood dry and free from moisture. When wood is exposed to rain or snow, it absorbs water and becomes more difficult to burn. Wet wood can also promote the growth of mold and bacteria, which can be harmful to your health.
Second, covering your firewood protects it from pests such as rodents and insects. These pests are attracted to wood and can burrow into it, causing damage and creating a potential fire hazard. Finally, covering firewood can help to prolong its lifespan.
By keeping it dry and protected, you can ensure that it remains in good condition for a longer period of time, allowing you to enjoy a warm fire whenever you need it. Overall, covering firewood is a simple yet important step in maintaining a safe and efficient heating source during the colder months.
How To Properly Cover Firewood?
Properly covering firewood is crucial to maintaining dry and workable wood. Choosing a dry and well-drained location is the first step in ensuring the wood stays dry. Ground moisture can be problematic for firewood, so it is important to stack the wood on top of a rack or pallet. This raises the wood off the ground, protecting it from moisture.
Stacking the wood in a neat pile with the cut ends facing upward and some space between logs allows for air circulation and encourages drying. Choose a large cover to completely wrap the stack with extra overhanging sides to prevent rain from entering. Ensure the cover is secured tightly to prevent wind from blowing it off.
It is important not to wrap the pile too tightly as it can trap moisture and prevent the wood from drying out. Ventilation around the pile allows for air circulation to help dry the wood. Regular checks for damp or moldy wood and to ensure the cover is secure are necessary. Properly covering firewood can ensure dry and ready-to-use firewood for your heating or outdoor cooking needs.
Conclusion
So there you have it, ten ways how to cover firewood. Choose the method that best suits your needs and your budget. By taking the time to store your firewood properly, you can ensure it stays dry and in good condition, making it ready to use when you need it. Thanks for reading!
