Storing Firewood the Right Way: Drying, Airflow, and What Not to Do
Once your firewood is delivered, how you store it can make or break how well it burns. Whether you're burning this season or letting it season a bit longer, the right storage setup helps prevent mold, speeds up drying, and keeps your wood clean and ready to use.
Here’s how to store firewood properly, especially if you're leaving it in a pile.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Poorly stored firewood can reabsorb moisture, rot from the bottom up, or trap mold — even if it was dry when it was delivered. Proper airflow and drainage ensure:
Faster seasoning
Less waste
Better burning performance all winter long
Tips for Storing Firewood in a Pile
1. Keep It Off the Ground
Wood stored directly on the soil will soak up ground moisture, leading to mold and decay. Use:
Pallets
Timbers
Logs
Scrap lumber
Even a few inches of elevation makes a big difference.
2. Do Not Fully Cover the Pile With a Tarp
This is one of the most common mistakes we see. When a tarp is wrapped around the entire pile, it traps humidity — the exact opposite of what firewood needs.
Instead:
Only cover the top of the pile
Leave the sides completely open
Use breathable or rigid covers like metal roofing, or drape a tarp loosely like a ridge cap
3. Pick a Sunny, Airy Location
Choose a spot that gets decent wind and sun — a clearing, yard edge, or fence line is ideal. Avoid tight corners or shady spots that stay damp.
4. Make It Accessible
Place your pile where you’ll still be able to reach it in the snow, ideally somewhere that doesn’t turn into a mud pit after rain.
How Long Does Firewood Take to Season?
That depends on the species and the time of year it was processed. For most mixed hardwoods:
With good airflow and summer sun, 3–6 months of seasoning is typical
Denser woods like oak may take longer
Spring and early summer Green wood deliveries are often ready by fall if stored properly
If you're unsure whether your wood is ready, we can help you identify seasoned wood by weight, color, and moisture level.
We Deliver Firewood Throughout Central New York
Grabeldinger Firewood & Logging delivers quality firewood by the face cord or log load across the region, including:
Utica
Rome
Whitesboro
New Hartford
Clinton
Deansboro
Hamilton
Brookfield
Barneveld
Forestport
And surrounding Mohawk Valley towns
📞 (315) 404-8978
