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Wood Storage: How to Store Firewood Properly
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Wood storage also has its rules. It’s not just that wood can be stored anywhere and in any way. How to properly store firewood so that you don’t lose its quality? You can read all about it in our article.
Wood is the unique raw material that has accompanied us throughout our entire human existence. From ancient times to the present day, wood has been a key element not only in our buildings and furniture, but also an element that provides warmth and comfort in the home. All lovers of a crackling fire in a fireplace who have a fireplace in their home or cottage know how important it is to properly store wood so that it retains its quality and can optimally heat the space during winter days. Some may say that this is not a science, but is it really so? Wood storage also has its own rules that must be followed, that is, if you want to avoid reducing its quality and to serve you as efficiently as possible as fuel. So how to store firewood? Storage under a shelter, under a tarpaulin hall or in a metal cage? Come read more about proper storage.
How to choose firewood
Before you start storing wood for the winter, you need to know what kind of wood is a suitable source of fuel for heating. If you thought it didn’t matter, it’s not. When choosing what kind of wood to choose, three basic factors are taken into account, namely its moisture content, hardness and density.
In connection with this, we can say that damp, soft and not very dense wood will not be suitable for storage and also for use as a source of fuel for heating. Because such wood will not burn for long and will not produce much heat.
Of course, this means that the best firewood for storage and heating is – hard, dry and dense wood this can be beech, oak, hornbeam, chestnut and the like.Thanks to these properties, you can count on this wood to be a great source of heat and burn slowly, which will ensure a long heating capacity of the space.
Why is proper wood storage important
Storing firewood is extremely important, because its goal is for it to serve as a high-quality and good source of heat. Just some information on storage, firewood should ideally be stored for one to three years. And you ask why so long? This is the time it takes for well-stored firewood to completely lose all moisture. And if the wood loses moisture, it may have the potential to be the most ideal candidate for heating.
Of course, you can also heat with wood that you do not have stored, but in that case you must take into account that such wood will not burn well and therefore the quality of the heat will be significantly lower.
So here are a few important reasons why proper storage of wood is important:
- Moisture and combustion quality – wood contains a certain percentage of moisture, which can affect its ability to burn. Proper storage of wood allows for gradual drying, ensuring that the wood has the optimal moisture content for efficient and clean burning.
- Protection from damage – it can be sensitive to weather conditions such as rain, snow, frost or sun. These factors can cause the wood to decompose, leading to a loss of its quality and efficiency when burning. Proper storage in a dry and protected environment, for example under tarpaulin halls or a shelter minimizes the risk of damage to the wood and extends its lifespan.
- Protection from pests and insects – if you do not store your wood properly, it can quickly become attacked by pests or insects. In this case, the quality of the firewood is also greatly reduced.
What is the best place to store firewood
Choosing a suitable place is an important part of how to properly store firewood. First, you need to know the 3 most basic principles of storage, when you should
ensure a regular supply of fresh air, cover the wood from above, and also prevent its direct contact with the ground. Also keep in mind that wood storage should be in a place that is in the sun and facing south or west, for example.
- You can store it directly near your house, on the one hand you won’t have to go far in the winter, and on the other hand the roof of your house can protect it. However, if you are going to store wood like this near the house, make sure that the logs are not pressed against the wall, remember that air must circulate.
- A woodshed, a wood cage is also a great place that is perfect for storing wood. It provides protection for the wood from rain and sun, keeps the working environment tidy and ensures temperature and humidity control.
- Tarpaulin halls can also be a very good place to store wood in the best possible way. Because there is enough air circulation in them and the wood is 100% protected from adverse weather conditions.
- Wood racks are ideal for storing smaller stocks of wood. They offer stability and prevent direct contact of the wood with the ground.
A small tip in conclusion on how to properly store firewood, definitely do not place it indoors, for example in the living room and the like. Of course, it is not prohibited, but such storage is not recommended, because wood can be a home for pests and insects, which can then get into your home.
Storing wood for winter and summer. Is there a difference?
Of course, there is a difference due to weather conditions. Winter wood storage should look like this:
- In winter, the main goal of storing wood is to keep it dry and ready for use in heating
- Wood should be stored in a dry and protected environment, ideally in a woodshed or under a roof, to minimize the risk of moisture and damage.
- It is also important to ensure that the wood is sufficiently dried before the start of winter to maximize its burning efficiency.
- In winter, wood should not be stored in a place where it could freeze, but it is good to store it in a cooler place.
On the other hand, storing wood in summer should be:
- During the summer, the priority is to keep the wood in good condition and minimize the risk of insect and mold infestation.
- Wood should be placed on raised shelves or pallets to minimize contact with the ground.
- It is also important to ensure that the wood is stored in a well-ventilated place where it can be exposed to sunlight and wind, which helps to naturally dry the wood and minimize moisture. However, be careful, it must not be directly in the sun, where it is hot.
The most important principles for storing wood
If you have reached this far, you probably already know how to properly store wood, as well as the difference between storing wood for winter and summer. So what are the most important principles for storing wood?
- First of all, it is the right choice of firewood for storage. That is, wood that is hard and dry, so that it has the best heating properties.
- You need to find a suitable place for it, whether it is near the house, in a woodshed, under a tarpaulin shed or in a cage.
- It is necessary to ensure good air circulation, so that it does not come into contact with the ground, and that it is covered from above.
- When storing wood, ensure that there are gaps between the logs.
- The length of storage, i.e. the quality and proper storage of firewood, should be 1 to 3 years so that the wood is sufficiently dry. You can get a hygrometer to measure the humidity.
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