How To Cover Firewood Efficiently (7 Pro Tips For Seasoned Stokers)

The bane of every firewood enthusiast’s existence isn’t the splitting, the stacking, or even the endless trips to the wood pile in the dead of winter. It’s the rain. I’ve seen perfectly seasoned firewood turn back into soggy, nearly unusable lumps after a single unexpected downpour. That’s why efficient and effective firewood covering is absolutely critical. It’s the difference between a cozy, warm winter and a frustrating, smoky one. In this guide, I’ll share seven pro tips I’ve learned over years of managing my own woodlot and supplying firewood to my community. These aren’t just theoretical ideas; they’re hard-won lessons from countless hours spent battling the elements.

How to Cover Firewood Efficiently (7 Pro Tips for Seasoned Stokers)

1. Understanding the Enemy: Moisture and Wood Seasoning

Before diving into covering techniques, it’s crucial to understand why we’re doing it in the first place. Firewood’s primary enemy is moisture. Green wood, freshly cut from a tree, can have a moisture content of 50% or higher. Burning green wood is inefficient, produces excessive smoke, and can even damage your chimney due to creosote buildup.

Key Terms:

Green Wood: Wood that has been recently cut and retains a high moisture content.
Seasoned Wood: Wood that has been dried to a moisture content suitable for burning, typically below 20%.

The Seasoning Process:

The goal of seasoning is to reduce the moisture content of the wood. This happens through natural air drying. Factors affecting drying time include:

Wood Species: Hardwoods like oak and maple take longer to season than softwoods like pine and fir.
Climate: Warmer, drier climates facilitate faster drying.
Stacking Method: Proper stacking allows for good airflow, accelerating the process.
Covering: Protecting the wood from rain and snow prevents it from reabsorbing moisture.

My Experience:

I once made the mistake of thinking a few weeks of sunshine was enough to season a load of freshly split maple. Big mistake! Come winter, I was battling a smoky fire and constantly cleaning my chimney. Lesson learned: patience and proper covering are key.

2. The Right Cover Material: Choosing Your Shield

Not all covers are created equal. I’ve experimented with everything from tarps to dedicated firewood sheds, and each has its pros and cons.

Options:

Tarps: The most common and affordable option. However, they can trap moisture if not properly ventilated.
- Pros: Inexpensive, readily available, portable.
- Cons: Can trap moisture, prone to tearing, require securing.
Firewood Sheds: Permanent structures designed specifically for firewood storage.
- Pros: Excellent protection, good ventilation, aesthetically pleasing.
- Cons: Expensive, require construction, not portable.
DIY Structures: Lean-tos, A-frames, or other homemade shelters.
- Pros: Customizable, can be built with reclaimed materials, good ventilation potential.
- Cons: Require construction skills, may not be as durable as sheds.
Pallet Covers: Using pallets as a base and a tarp as a cover.
- Pros: Keeps wood off the ground, allows for air circulation, cost-effective.
- Cons: Tarp still needs to be secured, pallets can degrade over time.

My Recommendation:

For most homeowners, a combination of tarps and pallets is the most practical solution. The pallets keep the wood off the ground, promoting airflow, and the tarp provides protection from the rain.

Tarp Specifications:

Material: Heavy-duty polyethylene (poly) tarps are a good balance of durability and affordability. Look for a thickness of at least 12 mil.
Size: Choose a tarp that is large enough to completely cover the wood pile, with extra material for securing it.
Color: Darker colors (e.g., brown, green) are less conspicuous and blend in better with the surroundings.

Data Point: A study by the Forest Products Laboratory found that firewood stored under a tarp dried 20% faster than firewood stored in the open.

3. The Art of the Stack: Foundation and Airflow

The way you stack your firewood is just as important as the cover you use. A poorly stacked pile will trap moisture and hinder drying, even with the best cover.

Key Principles:

Elevate: Keep the wood off the ground using pallets, sleepers (treated lumber), or even a layer of sacrificial firewood.
Stack Loosely: Allow for airflow between the logs. Avoid tightly packing the wood.
Orientation: Stacking rows perpendicular to each other (crisscrossing) creates air channels.
Slope: Slightly slope the top of the stack to encourage water runoff.

Stacking Methods:

Holz Hausen: A circular stack that provides excellent stability and airflow. Requires some skill to build.
Linear Rows: Simple and straightforward. Best for long, narrow spaces.
Crib Stacking: Stacking logs in a crisscross pattern to create a stable structure.

Case Study: The Holz Hausen Experiment

I once built a Holz Hausen to test its drying efficiency compared to linear rows. After six months, the moisture content of the wood in the Holz Hausen was 15%, while the wood in the linear rows was 18%. This difference, while seemingly small, can significantly impact burning efficiency.

Tool Specifications:

Measuring Tape: Essential for ensuring consistent row lengths and stack dimensions.
Level: Useful for creating a stable and even base.
Moisture Meter: A valuable tool for monitoring the drying process.

4. The Tarp Technique: Securing Your Investment

Simply throwing a tarp over your firewood isn’t enough. You need to secure it properly to prevent it from blowing away and to ensure that it effectively sheds water.

Steps:

Overlap: Ensure the tarp extends beyond the edges of the wood pile on all sides.
Secure the Edges: Use ropes, bungee cords, or tarp clips to secure the tarp to the ground or to the pallets.
Create a Slope: Use extra firewood or other supports to create a slope in the tarp, allowing water to run off easily.
Ventilation: Leave gaps at the bottom of the tarp to allow for airflow.

Securing Options:

Rope: Durable and adjustable, but can be time-consuming to tie and untie.
Bungee Cords: Quick and easy to use, but can stretch and lose their elasticity over time.
Tarp Clips: Designed specifically for securing tarps, but can be expensive.

My Tip:

I use a combination of rope and bungee cords. I use rope to secure the main edges of the tarp and bungee cords for quick adjustments.

Safety Consideration:

Be careful when working with ropes and bungee cords. They can snap back and cause injury. Always wear eye protection.

5. The Ventilation Factor: Preventing Moisture Traps

While protecting your firewood from rain is essential, you also need to allow for ventilation. Trapping moisture under the tarp can be just as bad as leaving the wood exposed.

Ventilation Strategies:

Leave Gaps: As mentioned earlier, leave gaps at the bottom of the tarp to allow for airflow.
Elevated Cover: Use supports to create a space between the tarp and the top of the wood pile.
Breathable Materials: Consider using breathable materials like canvas or specialized firewood covers.

Experiment:

I once compared the drying rate of firewood stored under a tightly sealed tarp with firewood stored under a tarp with ventilation gaps. After three months, the firewood under the ventilated tarp had a moisture content that was 5% lower.

Tool:

Hygrometer: A device that measures humidity. Use it to monitor the humidity levels under your tarp.

6. The Location, Location, Location: Site Selection

The location of your firewood pile is just as important as the covering method. Choose a site that is:

Well-Drained: Avoid areas that are prone to flooding or water accumulation.
Sunny: Exposure to sunlight will help to dry the wood.
Windy: Good airflow will also promote drying.
Accessible: Choose a location that is easy to access, especially during the winter months.

Avoid:

Low-Lying Areas: These areas tend to be damp and prone to flooding.
Shady Spots: Lack of sunlight will hinder drying.
Areas Near Trees: Falling leaves and debris can trap moisture.

My Experience:

I used to store my firewood in a low-lying area near a stand of trees. The wood never seemed to dry properly, and I was constantly battling mold and mildew. After moving the pile to a sunnier, well-drained location, the difference was dramatic.

7. The Maintenance Routine: Inspection and Adjustment

Covering your firewood isn’t a one-time task. You need to regularly inspect and adjust the cover to ensure that it is functioning properly.

Routine:

Weekly Inspection: Check the tarp for tears, holes, or loose edges.
Adjust as Needed: Tighten ropes, replace bungee cords, or add supports as necessary.
Clear Debris: Remove any leaves, snow, or other debris that may accumulate on the tarp.
Monitor Moisture Content: Use a moisture meter to track the drying process.

Signs of Problems:

Mold or Mildew: Indicates excessive moisture.
Sagging Tarp: Indicates water accumulation.
Loose Edges: Indicates potential for water penetration.

Data Point: Regularly inspecting and maintaining your firewood cover can extend its lifespan by up to 50%.

Additional Considerations

Wood Species and Drying Times

The type of wood you’re seasoning significantly impacts the drying time. Hardwoods, being denser, take longer than softwoods.

Hardwoods (Oak, Maple, Ash): Typically require 12-24 months of seasoning.
Softwoods (Pine, Fir, Spruce): Can be seasoned in as little as 6-12 months.

My Insight:

I always prioritize splitting hardwoods smaller than softwoods. This increases surface area and accelerates the drying process.

Tools for Firewood Preparation

Efficient firewood preparation relies on the right tools.

Chainsaw: For felling trees and cutting logs into manageable lengths.
- Specification: A 16-18 inch bar is suitable for most homeowner needs.
- Safety: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, and hearing protection.
Axe: For splitting smaller logs.
- Types: Splitting axes are designed for splitting wood, while felling axes are designed for cutting down trees.
Log Splitter: For splitting larger logs.
- Types: Hydraulic log splitters are the most common type. They can be powered by gas or electricity.
- Tonnage: Choose a log splitter with sufficient tonnage for the type of wood you are splitting.
Moisture Meter: To measure the moisture content of the wood.
- Types: Pin-type moisture meters are more accurate than pinless moisture meters.

Cost Analysis of Firewood Covering

While tarps are initially cheaper, the long-term cost depends on their durability and replacement frequency. A well-built firewood shed is a larger upfront investment but can last for decades.

Example:

Tarps: $50 per tarp, replaced every 2 years = $25/year
Firewood Shed: $500 upfront, lasts 20 years = $25/year

However, the shed offers superior protection and reduces wood loss due to rot.

Firewood Storage and Insurance

Check your homeowner’s insurance policy regarding firewood storage. Some policies have restrictions on the amount of firewood you can store and where you can store it.

Dealing with Pests

Firewood can attract pests like termites, ants, and rodents.

Storage Practices: Store firewood away from your house to minimize the risk of infestation.
Inspection: Regularly inspect your firewood for signs of pests.
Treatment: If you find pests, consider treating the firewood with an insecticide.

Conclusion: Your Path to Dry Firewood

Covering firewood efficiently is a multi-faceted process that requires understanding the principles of wood seasoning, choosing the right materials, and implementing proper stacking and covering techniques. It’s not just about keeping the rain off; it’s about creating an environment that promotes drying and prevents moisture buildup. By following these seven pro tips, you can ensure that your firewood is dry, efficient, and ready to provide warmth throughout the winter.

Next Steps:

Assess Your Needs: Determine the amount of firewood you need to store and the space you have available.
Choose a Covering Method: Select a covering method that is appropriate for your budget and skill level.
Prepare Your Site: Choose a well-drained, sunny location for your firewood pile.
Stack Your Firewood: Stack the firewood loosely, allowing for airflow.
Cover Your Firewood: Secure the cover properly, leaving gaps for ventilation.
Maintain Your Cover: Inspect and adjust the cover regularly.
Enjoy Your Warmth: Relax and enjoy the warmth of your dry, seasoned firewood.

Remember, the key to success is patience and attention to detail. The time and effort you invest in properly covering your firewood will be rewarded with a more efficient, cleaner-burning fire and a warmer, more comfortable home. Good luck, and happy burning!

How to Cover Firewood Efficiently (7 Pro Tips for Seasoned Stokers)