Seasoned firewood is necessary for efficient burning throughout the winter months. But did you know that the best way to have this fuel on hand is to begin in the spring and summer? Wood burning is easier and more affordable when you plan ahead.
For optimum results buy your firewood in the early months of summer and stack it carefully and safely (no more than 4 feet high) in a sunny area that is also exposed to the wind. Remember to keep the stack off of the ground and cover just the top of the woodpile. The quicker the wood is dried by both the sun and the wind, the less chance of damage from bug infestation.
Once the wood is seasoned – generally by the end of September – you can move it into winter storage. But by starting early and planning now your firewood supply will keep you happily warm next year.
Here’s a typical scenario. You’ve purchased a cord or more of firewood to keep your home warm throughout the winter season. But now that the heating season is in full swing you’re frustrated at the state of disorganization in your woodpile.
It’s a mess. And that makes it more difficult to use your wood stove. It also creates an unsafe and unattractive area on your property. How can you manage a woodpile easily? Is there any way to clean up the mess and make storage organized and functional?
You need the help of a log rack and a few hours to sort and stack the fuel. A quality log rack will not only keep the wood stacked neatly, making it easier and neater to store, it will also help to keep your firewood in top condition. Log racks allow air to pass through, around and under the woodpile, keeping the firewood drier and in better shape for efficient burning.
Log racks make stacking simple. Install them anywhere on your property and enjoy better wood management, which translates to more enjoyment of your wood stove.
Firewood is best burned once the moisture content has dropped below 20 percent. In order to reach that level your firewood needs to dried or seasoned for four to six months. Many experienced wood burners look at getting their wood fuel in the spring, stack it themselves to dry over the summer and have it ready for use come October or November.
Firewood needs to be stacked carefully in a log rack to precipitate drying and provide safe storage. Pile the chopped firewood in one row, stacking the pieces on top of one another and never so high that the top row is beyond your reach.
Set up the log rack in an area that’s exposed to both sun and the wind for faster dry times. Keep it a safe distance from the house and keep an eye out for critters trying to make a home in the stack.
