Winter is here, and nothing ruins a cosy fire like damp, smoky firewood.

Improper storage can leave your logs wet, mouldy, and unusable when you need them most.

To keep your firewood dry and ready to burn, store it in a dry, well-ventilated area, raised off the ground, and covered loosely to allow airflow.

By following our step-by-step guide, you’ll ensure you have burn-ready logs all winter long, so you can enjoy a warm, crackling fire whenever you need it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Firewood (Indoors & Outdoors)

The way you store your firewood depends on the location.

While outdoor storage is ideal for the bulk of your logs, you may want to bring in smaller amounts for indoor use to avoid the elements on those cold winter nights.

Here’s how to store your firewood both outdoors and indoors for maximum efficiency and longevity:

Outdoor Storage

1. Choose the right spot:
   Store your firewood in a dry, well-ventilated area, such as a covered porch or log store. Raise the wood off the ground using pallets or bricks to keep it dry and prevent moisture absorption.
2. Stack properly:
   When stacking your firewood outdoors, arrange it in a crisscross pattern to promote airflow. Avoid stacking too high to ensure proper drying, which helps prevent the wood from becoming damp and unusable. Read more about how to stack your firewood properly.
3. Protect from the elements:
   While outdoor storage is great for ventilation, you still need to protect your firewood from rain and snow. Cover the wood with a tarp or, better yet, use a log store to keep it shielded from the elements. Just make sure the cover is not too tight, as proper ventilation is key to preventing mould and rot.

Indoor Storage

1. Only bring in what you need:
   When bringing firewood indoors, only take in enough for 1-2 days to keep near your fireplace for convenience. This prevents your indoor storage from becoming too cluttered and keeps the wood dry and easy to access.
2. Keep it clean and organised:
   Use a log rack or a decorative log store to keep your wood off the floor, reducing mess and allowing air to circulate around it. Be sure to store it safely away from any direct heat sources to prevent fire hazards.
3. Avoid long-term indoor storage:
   For safety reasons, avoid storing large quantities of firewood indoors or in humid spaces like basements. Too much wood indoors can lead to pest problems and reduced ventilation. A small, manageable stash of wood will keep your firewood dry and ready to burn when needed.

Why Proper Firewood Storage Matters

Improperly stored firewood can burn less efficiently, create excess smoke, and even cause dangerous creosote build-up in your chimney. Damp logs are also more likely to develop mould and attract pests, which can damage your fireplace or stove.

To prevent these issues and ensure longer-lasting, cleaner fires, it’s essential to store your firewood in a dry, well-ventilated area.

If you’re unsure which firewood is best for your stove, take a look at our guide on the best firewood to burn in the UK. At Stewart Timber, we sell premium, kiln-dried firewood logs for an efficient and warm burn.

For a reliable solution that keeps your firewood organised and protected all year-round, explore our log stores, which offer the ideal storage for keeping your wood dry.