Cover Firewood Pile Easily & Cheaply (DIY Tips for Wood Hoarders)

Let’s face it, a wood pile sitting out in the elements is just asking for trouble. Rain, snow, sun – they all conspire to turn your carefully stacked firewood into a soggy, moldy mess. And nobody wants that! That’s why I’m sharing my secrets to covering a firewood pile easily and cheaply. I’ve been splitting, stacking, and burning wood for over 20 years, from the damp forests of the Pacific Northwest to the arid landscapes of the Southwest, and I’ve learned a thing or two about keeping my wood dry. This guide is about taking the sting out of winter prep, and ensuring you get to enjoy a roaring fire when the time comes. This is all about DIY solutions for wood hoarders (and those who aspire to be!).

Dry wood burns hotter, cleaner, and produces significantly less smoke than wet wood. It also reduces the risk of creosote buildup in your chimney, which is a major fire hazard. Covering your firewood pile is the simplest and most effective way to keep it dry, but the “how” can be tricky. We’re going to dive into a range of methods, from the simplest tarps to more elaborate DIY structures, always keeping cost and ease-of-implementation in mind.

This isn’t just about slapping a tarp on top and hoping for the best. It’s about understanding the principles of airflow, moisture management, and material selection to create a system that truly protects your investment in fuel.

Understanding Your Enemy: Moisture and Firewood

Before we get to the solutions, let’s talk about the problem. Wood moisture content (MC) is the percentage of water in the wood relative to its dry weight. Freshly cut (“green”) wood can have an MC of 50% or even higher. For efficient burning, you want your firewood to be in the 15-20% MC range.

• Green Wood: 50%+ MC. Difficult to light, smoky, low heat output.
• Seasoned Wood: 15-20% MC. Easy to light, burns hot and clean.
• Kiln-Dried Wood: 6-8% MC. Ideal for stoves and inserts, but often more expensive.

The key to reducing MC is airflow. Wood needs to “breathe” to release moisture. That’s why simply wrapping your pile in plastic is a recipe for disaster. You’ll trap moisture and create a breeding ground for mold and rot.

My Personal Experience: I once made the mistake of covering a large pile of oak with a heavy-duty tarp, sealing it tightly on all sides, thinking I was being proactive. A few months later, when I went to retrieve some wood for the fireplace, I was greeted by a horrifying sight: a layer of green mold covering the entire pile. The wood was damp, heavy, and practically useless. This experience taught me the critical importance of ventilation.

Technical Data: Wood Moisture Content & Burning Efficiency

Key Takeaway: Aim for 15-20% MC for optimal burning. Use a moisture meter to check your wood. These are readily available online or at hardware stores for under $30.

Covering Your Firewood Pile: The DIY Arsenal

Now that we understand the importance of dry wood, let’s explore some DIY methods for covering your firewood pile, keeping cost and simplicity in mind.

1. The Tarp Method: Simple but Requires Finesse

The most common and arguably the cheapest option is the humble tarp. But as my moldy oak experience showed, it needs to be done right.

• Materials: Heavy-duty tarp (polyethylene or canvas), rope or bungee cords, wooden pallets or scrap lumber.
• Cost: $20-$100 depending on tarp size and quality.
• Pros: Inexpensive, readily available, easy to set up.
• Cons: Can be prone to tearing, requires careful placement to ensure ventilation, can be unsightly.

How to Do It Right:

1. Elevate the Wood: Start by placing your firewood on pallets or scrap lumber to keep it off the ground. This is crucial for preventing moisture wicking from the soil.
2. Create a Slope: When covering the pile, don’t just drape the tarp flat. Create a slope so that water runs off easily. You can achieve this by placing a few logs or branches on top of the pile before covering it.
3. Ventilation is Key: Leave the sides of the pile open for airflow. The tarp should only cover the top and partially down the sides, leaving a significant gap for ventilation.
4. Secure the Tarp: Use rope or bungee cords to secure the tarp to the pallets or the ground. Make sure it’s tight enough to prevent the wind from lifting it, but not so tight that it restricts airflow.
5. Consider a Ridge Pole: For larger piles, consider using a ridge pole (a long, sturdy branch or piece of lumber) to create a more pronounced slope and prevent water from pooling on the tarp.

Technical Tip: When selecting a tarp, look for one with a high denier count. Denier refers to the thickness of the individual threads used to make the tarp. A higher denier count means a stronger, more durable tarp. For firewood piles, I recommend a tarp with a denier count of at least 1200.

2. The Pallet Shelter: A Step Up in Protection

For a more robust and visually appealing solution, consider building a simple shelter using wooden pallets. Pallets are often free or very cheap (check with local businesses), and they can be easily assembled into a sturdy structure.

• Materials: Wooden pallets, screws or nails, corrugated metal roofing or plywood, tarp (optional).
• Cost: $0-$50 (mostly for roofing material).
• Pros: Sturdy, provides good protection from the elements, allows for excellent ventilation, can be customized to fit your needs.
• Cons: Requires some basic carpentry skills, may require more space than a simple tarp cover.

How to Build It:

1. Choose Your Pallets: Select pallets that are in good condition, free from rot or major damage. Standard pallet sizes are 48″ x 40″ (1219mm x 1016mm), but sizes can vary.
2. Build the Frame: Arrange the pallets to form the walls and roof of your shelter. You can use screws or nails to secure the pallets together. Consider creating a slightly angled roof for better water runoff.
3. Add Roofing: Cover the roof with corrugated metal roofing or plywood. Corrugated metal is more durable and weather-resistant, but plywood is cheaper and easier to work with. Overlap the roofing material to prevent leaks. Ensure the roofing material extends beyond the walls to further protect the wood from rain.
4. Ventilation is Still Key: Leave gaps between the pallets for ventilation. You can also add vents near the top of the shelter to allow hot air to escape.
5. Optional Tarp: For added protection, you can drape a tarp over the front of the shelter during heavy rain or snow.

My Pallet Shelter Project: I built a pallet shelter in my backyard using six pallets and some scrap corrugated metal roofing I found at a construction site. It took me about a day to complete, and it has been a lifesaver for keeping my firewood dry. I even added a small door to the front to keep out the occasional critter.

3. The Lean-To: Simple and Effective

A lean-to structure is a simple, angled roof that leans against an existing wall or fence. This is a great option if you have a suitable wall or fence available.

• Materials: Lumber (2x4s or similar), corrugated metal roofing or plywood, screws or nails.
• Cost: $50-$150 depending on the size and materials.
• Pros: Simple to build, provides good protection from the elements, utilizes existing structures.
• Cons: Requires an existing wall or fence, may not be suitable for all locations.

How to Build It:

1. Attach the Frame: Attach a ledger board (a horizontal piece of lumber) to the wall or fence at the desired height for the roof.
2. Build the Rafters: Cut rafters (angled pieces of lumber) to the desired length and angle. Attach one end of each rafter to the ledger board and the other end to a support post or beam.
3. Add Roofing: Cover the rafters with corrugated metal roofing or plywood. Overlap the roofing material to prevent leaks.
4. Ensure Ventilation: Leave the sides of the lean-to open for ventilation.

Technical Consideration: When building a lean-to, make sure the angle of the roof is steep enough to allow water to run off easily. A minimum slope of 4:12 (4 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run) is recommended.

4. The Hoop House: For the Serious Wood Hoarder

For those who need to store a large amount of firewood, a hoop house (also known as a greenhouse) can be an excellent option. Hoop houses are relatively inexpensive to build and provide excellent protection from the elements.

1. Build the Base: Construct a rectangular base using lumber. This will provide a stable foundation for the hoop house.
2. Create the Hoops: Bend PVC pipe or metal conduit into hoops and attach them to the base. Space the hoops evenly apart.
3. Cover with Plastic: Cover the hoops with greenhouse plastic, securing it to the base with screws or clamps.
4. Add Ventilation: Cut vents in the plastic near the top of the hoop house to allow for ventilation. You can also install a door at one end for easy access.

My Hoop House Experiment: I built a small hoop house to store firewood in my backyard. I was amazed at how quickly the wood dried out inside the hoop house, even during the rainy season. The plastic sheeting created a greenhouse effect, trapping heat and accelerating the drying process.

5. The Upcycled Solution: Creative Reuse

Don’t underestimate the power of upcycling! With a little creativity, you can repurpose materials you already have to create a unique and effective firewood cover.

• Old Sheds: If you have an old shed that’s no longer in use, consider converting it into a firewood storage area.
• Shipping Containers: Shipping containers can be repurposed into durable and secure firewood storage units.
• Old Trampolines: The frame of an old trampoline can be used as a base for a hoop house-style firewood cover.
• Discarded Doors and Windows: These can be used to create walls and a roof for a small firewood shelter.

The Key is Adaptation: The best upcycled solutions are those that are tailored to your specific needs and resources. Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative!

Location, Location, Location: Site Considerations for Your Firewood Pile

Where you place your firewood pile is just as important as how you cover it. Consider these factors when choosing a location:

• Sun Exposure: Choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight. Sunlight helps to dry out the wood and prevent mold growth.
• Airflow: The location should be well-ventilated. Avoid placing the pile in a damp, enclosed area.
• Proximity to House: Choose a location that is convenient to access, especially during the winter months.
• Ground Conditions: Avoid placing the pile directly on the ground. Use pallets or other materials to elevate the wood.
• Drainage: Ensure the area has good drainage to prevent water from pooling around the pile.
• Clearance: Keep the area around the pile clear of vegetation to prevent fire hazards.

My Recommendation: I always try to place my firewood pile on the south-facing side of my house. This provides maximum sun exposure and helps to dry out the wood quickly.

Maintaining Your Firewood Pile: Best Practices

Once you’ve covered your firewood pile, it’s important to maintain it properly to ensure that your wood stays dry and ready to burn.

• Inspect Regularly: Check the tarp or shelter regularly for tears or damage. Repair any damage immediately to prevent water from entering the pile.
• Check for Moisture: Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood periodically. If the MC is too high, improve ventilation or move the pile to a drier location.
• Rotate the Wood: Rotate the wood in the pile periodically to ensure that all sides are exposed to air and sunlight.
• Clear Debris: Keep the area around the pile clear of leaves, snow, and other debris.
• Consider a Firewood Rack Inside: For immediate needs, keep a small amount of firewood on a rack inside your house. This will allow the wood to dry out completely before burning.

Safety First: Handling Firewood Responsibly

Working with firewood can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

• Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy boots when handling firewood.
• Use Proper Lifting Techniques: Lift with your legs, not your back, to avoid injury.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Watch out for uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, and overhead hazards.
• Use Tools Safely: Use chainsaws, axes, and other tools according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Store Firewood Away from Structures: Keep firewood at least 30 feet away from your house and other structures to prevent fire hazards.
• Check for Insects and Pests: Be aware of the risk of insects and pests that may be present in firewood. Wear insect repellent and inspect the wood for signs of infestation.

Chainsaw Calibration: I use a Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss chainsaw, and I calibrate it at least once a year to ensure optimal performance and safety. This involves checking the chain tension, adjusting the carburetor, and sharpening the chain. A properly calibrated chainsaw is safer and more efficient.

Case Study: My Community Firewood Project

I recently participated in a community project to provide firewood for low-income families in my area. We collected donated wood, split it, and delivered it to those in need.

Technical Details:

• Wood Species: Primarily oak, maple, and ash.
• Volume of Wood Processed: Approximately 20 cords.
• Moisture Content Target: 15-20% MC.
• Drying Method: Open-air seasoning with tarp covers.
• Tools Used: Chainsaws, log splitters, axes, and moisture meters.

Challenges:

• Weather: We experienced several periods of heavy rain, which slowed down the drying process.
• Volunteer Coordination: Coordinating a large group of volunteers required careful planning and communication.
• Equipment Maintenance: Keeping the equipment in good working order was a constant challenge.

Lessons Learned:

• Planning is Essential: Careful planning and preparation are crucial for the success of any large-scale firewood project.
• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Working together as a team made the project much easier and more enjoyable.
• Community Support is Key: The project would not have been possible without the support of the local community.

The Bottom Line: Dry Wood, Warm Hearts

Covering your firewood pile is an essential step in ensuring that you have a ready supply of dry, burnable wood when you need it. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can protect your investment in fuel and enjoy a warm and cozy winter. Remember, dry wood is efficient wood, and a little effort in preparation goes a long way toward a safer and more enjoyable heating season.

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