8 Mistakes To Avoid When Storing Firewood Outside

A warm fire brings friends and family together, but nothing ruins the mood faster than smoky, damp wood that won’t ignite. It’s tempting to toss delivered firewood into a pile and think the job is finished. Homeowners often make simple mistakes that damage their firewood, invite rot and pests, and reduce its burning quality. We’ll explain the mistakes to avoid when storing firewood outside so you can get the most out of every log.

Stacking Directly on the Ground

While stacking your wood directly on the ground may seem like a great idea, it’s a big no-no and can compromise your next bonfire. The ground holds a lot of moisture, which will seep into the bottom layer of your firewood. Dampness invites mold, rot, and insects that can ruin your entire pile.

You can prevent this issue by creating a barrier between the ground and your wood. Use a dedicated firewood rack or a few bricks to elevate the stack. Just a few inches of clearance will allow air to flow beneath, helping keep the bottom logs dry.

Covering the Entire Pile With a Tarp

When you see rain in the forecast, your first instinct might be to wrap your firewood pile tightly in a tarp. The problem is, a fully covered pile traps moisture and blocks air circulation, creating a damp, humid environment that's perfect for mold and decay.

If you use a tarp, you should only cover the top third of the pile. This method shields the wood from direct rain and snow while leaving the sides open so air can circulate freely.

Storing It Too Close to Your Home

Keeping your firewood stack right next to your house seems convenient, but it introduces serious risks. This is because firewood piles are attractive homes for pests like termites, carpenter ants, and rodents. If the stack is against your house, these critters have a direct bridge into your home.

Beyond pests, a woodpile near your home increases fire danger. Dry wood can ignite easily if lightning strikes, sparks fly from a nearby grill, or a stray ember lands on it. By keeping your firewood at least 20–30 feet away from your house, you reduce both pest problems and fire hazards while still keeping your wood accessible.

Neglecting Pest Control

As explained, firewood piles can become bustling communities for insects and other pests who enjoy burrowing into them. If you don't manage your pile, these pests can multiply and eventually find their way to your home or garden.

Luckily, you can reduce the risk of infestation with a few simple practices, including:

• Regularly inspecting your wood for signs of pests

• Always burning older wood first to rotate your stock and discourage long-term nesting

• Keeping the pile elevated off the ground to deter pests

Ignoring Sunlight and Ventilation

Sunlight and fresh air are your best friends when seasoning firewood. Stacking your wood in a shady, damp corner of your yard will slow down the drying process and promote mold growth. After all, wood needs exposure to the elements to dry out properly.

Look around your property and choose a spot for your stack that gets plenty of direct sunlight and has good airflow. An open, sunny location helps evaporate moisture from the wood, which results in cleaner, hotter fires. You can also stack the logs in neat, parallel rows to further improve air circulation around each piece.

Using Improper Stacking Methods

Another mistake to avoid when stacking firewood is using the wrong method. A neatly stacked firewood pile looks great, but it's also about safety and stability. A haphazardly thrown-together pile is unstable and can easily collapse, causing serious injury or property damage.

Take the time to stack your wood correctly. Start by placing the logs in neat, stable rows. Alternate the direction of the logs at the ends of each row in a crisscross pattern to create supportive columns. These columns will act as bookends to keep the pile from toppling over.

Stacking Your Pile Too High

Building a towering firewood stack might seem like a smart way to save space, but it poses serious safety risks. Tall piles are unstable and prone to collapsing, especially on uneven ground, and retrieving logs from the top can be awkward and dangerous.

To stay safe, keep stacks no higher than four or five feet. Shorter piles are more stable, easier to access, and allow better airflow, which helps the wood dry evenly. If you have a large supply of firewood, create multiple smaller stacks rather than a single giant pile.

Mixing Wet and Dry Wood

There's a huge difference between green (freshly cut) wood and seasoned (dry) wood. Green wood contains a high water content and takes time to dry, making it impossible to achieve a clean burn. Plus, when you mix wet logs with your dry, ready-to-burn firewood, the moisture can transfer to all your wood.

Always keep your green and seasoned wood in separate piles. For example, if you just got a batch of bulk seasoned firewood, keep it several feet away from any fresh logs you might have. Moreover, allow freshly cut logs to dry for at least 6 to 12 months before adding them to your main stack.

Leaving Wood in Contact With Rainwater

Even with a proper cover, firewood can get wet when stored in a low-lying area. Rainwater tends to pool at the base, soaking the bottom logs and encouraging rot. Storing wood in poorly drained areas means your wood stays damp long after the rain stops.

To prevent this, place your stack on well-drained, dry ground. Elevating the pile on a rack that’s lifted slightly off the ground provides extra protection, and avoiding naturally waterlogged areas ensures the wood stays dry from the ground up.

Ready for Your Next Bonfire?

Even the best firewood won’t perform if you’re careless about storage. Taking a few extra steps now keeps your wood dry, safe, and ready to burn all season long. Order your seasoned or kiln-dried firewood from East Cobb Firewood Delivery and have it delivered and stacked right where you need it. With just a little attention, you can enjoy warm, crackling fires without worry or hassle.