To make sure you can enjoy your fireplace all winter long, you need to make sure you have plenty of firewood stored away. We've researched the proper way of storing firewood in the garage, helping you make this easy.
Even though there are hazards to consider, you can still store firewood in your garage. To prevent problems, here are a few ways to stack your firewood in your garage:
- Inspect the wood before storing it.
- Find a good area in the garage for the firewood.
- Store the wood off the ground.
- Stack the firewood properly.
- Cover the stacks of wood with a tarp or plastic sheeting.
- Keep firewood stack away from fire hazards.
- Add other supplies or materials near a stack of firewood.
- Check the wood regularly to ensure that it is staying dry.
Keep reading as we reveal to you some tips on how to store firewood in your garage. Also, learn a few tricks by keeping your firewood in its best condition before using them.
![A view of a pile of firewood stacked in a garage prepared for winter, How To Store Firewood In Garage [And Is It A Good Idea?]](https://packilicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/How-To-Store-Firewood-In-Garage-And-Is-It-A-Good-Idea-800x1200.png)
Is Storing Firewood In The Garage A Good Idea?
Some people recommend keeping firewood in a shed, garage, or other ventilated area away from buildings due to the risk of pests. Others argue that storing the wood indoors is actually more harmful than good and that you should keep it outside as much as possible in order to dry out.
While there are benefits to both approaches, many people proved that storing firewood in the garage can be a good idea. This allows you to keep your wood close at hand and ready for burning while still being protected from harsh weather and potential infestations.
Additionally, by choosing an indoor storage spot, you can easily log your stack with an inventory system, helping you keep track of how much wood you have on hand and when it will need to be replenished.
Yet still, whether indoor or outdoor storage is right for you will depend on your individual circumstances. Either way, proper firewood care is key for ensuring safety and maximum efficiency when it comes time to build a cozy fire.
How do you store your firewood in your garage?
Storing firewood in your garage is a great way to keep it dry and protected from the elements. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Inspect the Wood Before Storing It
One of the first things to do when handling firewood is to inspect it carefully for signs of rot or damage. Damaged wood might have bugs hidden inside, and moldy wood can easily cause a buildup of moisture that can lead to further degradation.
Some wood could be wet, so you need to let logs dry first. If any areas are rotted or susceptible to rot, you should cut off these parts before further handling.
2. Find a Good Area in the Garage for the Firewood
A good place to store your firewood is in the garage. Ideally, you should pick an area away from any heat sources such as light fixtures or the furnace. This will help to prevent the wood from drying out too quickly.
Choose an inconspicuous space that isn't visible from the front door or through the windows, but that is still easily accessible if you need more wood during a chilly evening.
It's also important to make sure that there is proper ventilation so that air can circulate around your logs and dry them out properly as they age.
3. Store the Wood Off the Ground
When it comes to storing firewood, the most important thing is to keep the wood off the ground. This will help to prevent rot and insect infestation.
If possible, build a raised platform or shelves to store the wood on. If you have a lot of wood to store, consider building a lean-to or shed to protect the wood from the elements.
Remember, well-seasoned wood is the key to a good fire, so be sure to let the wood dry out for at least six months before using it. With a little planning, you can easily keep your firewood in good condition and ready for use.
4. Stack the Firewood Properly
For the best results, stack the logs in rows with the ends facing out. This will help the airflow and prevent the logs from rotting. As you stack, be sure to leave a space between each row so that the air can circulate.
Stack the wood in piles that are no more than four feet tall. This will make it easier to access the wood when you need it. Additionally, this method allows you to organize the wood by size and type, making it easier to find the pieces you need when it's time to build a fire.
5. Cover the Wood Stacks with a Tarp or Plastic Sheeting
Firewood can quickly become damp and unusable if it's not properly protected from the elements. That's why it's important to cover your stacks of firewood with a tarp or plastic sheeting.
This will help to keep the wood dry, and it will also deter insects from making their homes in the woodpile. By covering your firewood, you can help to ensure that it will be ready to use when you need it.
Utilize a heavy-duty tarp to cover your firewood. - View it on Amazon.
6. Keep Firewood Stack Away from Fire Hazards
To avoid this dangerous situation, always maintain your firewood stack well away from candles, open flames, or other potential sources of ignition. Ideally, your stack should be at least 10 feet away from any heat source to prevent accidental fires.
Additionally, you should make sure that the wood itself does not come into direct contact with a flame or other heat source so that any sparks will not catch it on fire.
7. Add Other Supplies or Materials Near a Stack of Firewood.
You should also have some other supplies near your stack of firewood. For example, an ax or saw can be helpful for splitting logs. You can also use a small shovel for moving wood around or cleaning up any debris.
Use an ax for cutting firewood. - See it on Amazon.
6. Check the Wood Regularly to Ensure that it Stays Dry
If you see any signs of moisture, remove the affected pieces of wood and allow them to dry completely before using them.
Are There Any Dangers In Storing Firewood In The Garage?
While storing firewood in the garage might seem like a convenient option, there are a number of potential dangers that come with this practice.
- For one thing, firewood can harbor pests and insects like termites, which can cause damage to your home or even result in an infestation.
- Additionally, wood that is stored in the garage is more susceptible to rot and decay, which can weaken it and make it much more likely to catch on fire.
- Finally, if there are any chemicals or toxic substances present in your garage, these materials could be absorbed by the firewood over time and transferred into your home upon burning.
Overall, you can keep your firewood in your garage as long as you ensure that it will not encounter such problems. Yet still, you can also consider other alternative firewood storage to protect your home and family from potential harm.
Besides In The Garage, Where Else Can I Store Firewood?
Storing firewood is an important part of preparing for winter. In addition to keeping your home warm, you can use them for cooking and heating water. But, finding a place to store all the wood can be a challenge. Here are some other ideas for storing firewood:
Your Porch or Deck
If you have a porch or deck, there is probably already some built-in storage for firewood. Most porches have a space under the stairs or in the corner where firewood can be kept out of the way but still within reach. Just cover the wood to protect it from the weather.
Storage Shed
If you have a storage shed in your backyard, that is another great option for storing firewood. Just make sure to keep the wood off the ground to prevent rot. You may also want to invest in a log rack to keep the wood organized and easy to grab when you need it.
Your Car Trunk
Believe it or not, you can also try your car trunk for storing firewood. Just put a tarp down first to prevent dirt and debris from getting into your car. You can also use the backseat of your car if you need to store more wood.
How Long Can You Store Firewood Before It Goes Bad?
the quality and shelf life of firewood will depend on a variety of factors, including the type and condition of the wood itself, as well as the climate and environment where you store it.
For example, softwoods such as pine are less robust than hardwoods like oak, so they may not last as long when exposed to moisture or other elements.
Furthermore, storing firewood in a hot, dry location, such as a shed or garage, can help to slow down the degradation process by preventing mold growth or other forms of decay.
So, there is no way to predict with certainty how long firewood will last under any specific conditions. But then, consider these various factors that can guide you on how to best preserve your firewood.
Final Words
Is it a good idea to store firewood in the garage? The answer really depends on your specific situation. You can always review your area if it's best to keep your firewood stock in the garage. If not, follow the steps discussed above for better results.
To get more ideas on proper storing of home items, see our articles below:
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