Fall has officially started and, here in the Northeast, that means cold weather is imminent. But do you know what else that means? That’s right—it’s the perfect time of year for cozying up next to your fire pit or outdoor or indoor fireplace!
One thing that’s especially important this time of year is to make sure you remember how to store your firewood safely and efficiently for optimal use. If your memory is a little hazy, we’ve got you covered. Check out these essential tips for safe and proper firewood storage!
1) Always store firewood outside and away from your house.
Wood stored inside or too close to your home is a fire hazard and will likely attract bugs and other pests into your house. Choose a well-ventilated area to store your wood that is at least 10 feet away from your house or any buildings on your property. Make sure this is a spot where children, dogs, and other animals cannot easily get to it.
2) Stack firewood properly to ensure it dries well and is protected from infestation.
The drier the wood, the better it will burn in your fire pit or fireplace. That’s why you’ll want to store firewood off the ground on a pallet, rack, or at least a tarp. Placing wood directly on the ground reduces airflow and increases moisture. It also makes it easier for pests and insects to burrow inside of it and mold or fungus to grow. For this same reason, you should keep the area around your firewood free of unruly grass or plant growth.
When stacking wood, don’t make your pile more than 4 feet high, for safety reasons. If your wood is not yet seasoned, stack it bark-side down for better moisture evaporation. If your wood is already seasoned, you may stack it bark-side up for extra weather protection.
3) Keep your firewood well-protected from the elements.
Speaking of weather, exposure to elements like rain and snow will increase the moisture levels in your wood and eventually render it unusable. To prevent this, invest in a firewood cover or store your wood in an open shelter (seasoning shed, open barn, even under an arbor).
If you’re going with a cover, all you’ll need is a partial top cover for the warmer seasons. This will ensure your wood still gets plenty of airflow. For winter, use a full-sized, waterproof, UV-treated cover to protect wood when it’s raining or snowing and remove once the weather clears.
Looking for a new top-of-the-line fire pit or outdoor fireplace to keep you warm while you make the most of those chilly fall nights in your yard? VistaPro Landscape & Design can set you up with everything you need! Our team of landscaping experts will custom design, construct, and install the firepit or outdoor fireplace you’ve always wanted for your property.
Reach out to us today to get started on your custom fire pit!