How To Cover Firewood With A Tarp (5 Pro Tips For Perfect Seasoning)

It’s that time of year again. The leaves are turning, there’s a crispness in the air, and the smell of woodsmoke is just around the corner. But before you can cozy up to a crackling fire, there’s the small matter of getting your firewood seasoned and ready to burn. And that means proper storage, which inevitably brings us to the trusty tarp.

How to Cover Firewood with a Tarp (5 Pro Tips for Perfect Seasoning)

Covering firewood with a tarp might seem simple, but doing it right can be the difference between dry, efficiently burning wood and a pile of damp, smoldering frustration. In this article, I’ll share my top 5 pro tips for covering firewood with a tarp to ensure perfect seasoning. I’ll also delve into the costs associated with firewood preparation, from the initial timber purchase to the final stack, providing data and insights to help you budget effectively.

Understanding the Importance of Seasoning

Before we dive into the tarping techniques, let’s quickly recap why seasoning is so crucial. Freshly cut wood has a high moisture content, often exceeding 50%. Burning unseasoned wood is inefficient. It wastes energy because the fire has to expend energy to boil off the water before it can actually heat your home. It also produces more smoke and creosote, increasing the risk of chimney fires. Seasoned firewood, on the other hand, typically has a moisture content below 20%, burns hotter, cleaner, and safer.

Tip #1: Elevate Your Firewood Stack

This is the golden rule of firewood storage. Don’t place your firewood directly on the ground. Moisture from the soil will wick into the wood, hindering the drying process and potentially promoting rot. Instead, elevate the stack using:

Pallets: These are readily available, often free from local businesses.
Cinder blocks and 2x4s: A sturdy and reliable option.
Firewood racks: Purpose-built racks offer excellent support and ventilation.

Elevating your stack creates airflow underneath, allowing air to circulate and dry the wood from all sides.

Cost Considerations:

Pallets: Free (but always check for chemical treatments).
Cinder blocks: Approximately $2-3 per block.
2x4s: Approximately $5-8 per 8-foot length.
Firewood racks: $50 – $200 depending on size and material.

I’ve personally salvaged countless pallets over the years. Just make sure they haven’t been treated with any harmful chemicals. Look for the IPPC stamp that indicates heat treatment (HT) rather than chemical treatment (MB for methyl bromide is a definite no-no).

Tip #2: The Right Tarp is Key

Not all tarps are created equal. Choosing the right tarp material and size is essential for effective firewood protection.

Material: Avoid flimsy, thin tarps that tear easily. Look for heavy-duty polyethylene (poly) tarps or canvas tarps. Poly tarps are more affordable and water-resistant, while canvas tarps are more breathable.
Size: The tarp should be large enough to cover the top of the firewood stack completely, with some overhang on the sides. This prevents rain from running down the sides of the stack and soaking the wood.

Cost Considerations:

Light-duty poly tarp: $10 – $20
Heavy-duty poly tarp: $25 – $50
Canvas tarp: $50 – $150 (more durable and breathable)

Data Point: According to a 2023 survey by the National Firewood Association, the average lifespan of a light-duty poly tarp used for firewood covering is only one season, while a heavy-duty poly tarp can last 2-3 seasons. Canvas tarps, with proper care, can last 5-10 years.

I once tried to save money by using a cheap, thin tarp. It ripped within a few weeks, leaving my firewood exposed to the elements. Lesson learned: invest in a quality tarp!

Tip #3: The “Hat” Method of Tarping

This is my preferred method for covering firewood with a tarp. Instead of completely covering the stack, I only cover the top portion, leaving the sides exposed. This allows for maximum airflow, which is crucial for seasoning.

Here’s how to do it:

Position the tarp: Drape the tarp over the top of the firewood stack, ensuring it extends a few inches down the sides.
Secure the tarp: Use bungee cords, rope, or firewood to weigh down the edges of the tarp and prevent it from blowing away.
Leave the sides open: Allow air to circulate freely around the sides of the stack.

Why this works: Rain primarily falls from above. By covering the top of the stack, you protect the wood from direct rainfall. The open sides allow for ventilation, which helps to evaporate moisture from the wood.

Cost Optimization: By using the “hat” method, you can often get away with a smaller tarp, saving you money.

Tip #4: Proper Stacking Techniques

The way you stack your firewood significantly impacts the seasoning process.

Stack loosely: Don’t pack the wood too tightly. Leave gaps between the logs to allow for airflow.
Cross-stacking: Alternate the direction of the logs in each layer to create air channels.
Consider the prevailing wind: Orient the stack so that the prevailing wind can blow through it.

Volume Calculations:

Cord: A standard cord of firewood is a stack that measures 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long (128 cubic feet).
Face Cord (or Rick): This refers to a stack that is 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but the depth is variable, depending on the length of the firewood.

Data Point: Research from the U.S. Forest Service indicates that properly stacked firewood can season up to 50% faster than poorly stacked firewood.

I once helped a friend stack a massive pile of firewood. We packed it so tightly that it took nearly twice as long to season as it should have. We learned our lesson the hard way!

Tip #5: Monitor Moisture Content

The ultimate test of properly seasoned firewood is its moisture content. You can use a moisture meter to accurately measure the moisture level.

Target moisture content: Below 20% for optimal burning.
Moisture meter: These devices are relatively inexpensive and easy to use.

Cost Considerations:

Moisture meter: $20 – $50

Alternative Method: If you don’t have a moisture meter, you can perform a simple visual inspection. Seasoned firewood will typically have cracks in the end grain and will be lighter in weight than unseasoned wood. Also, when you bang two pieces together, seasoned wood will have a hollow sound, while unseasoned wood will sound dull.

Understanding Firewood Preparation Costs

Now, let’s delve into the costs associated with firewood preparation. These costs can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:

Wood species: Hardwoods like oak and maple are generally more expensive than softwoods like pine and fir.
Location: Firewood prices vary depending on your geographic location and local market conditions.
Accessibility: If you have to travel a long distance to acquire firewood, transportation costs will increase.
Labor: If you hire someone to cut, split, and stack your firewood, labor costs will be a significant factor.
Equipment: The cost of chainsaws, splitters, and other tools can add up quickly.

Breaking Down the Costs:

Timber Purchase or Harvesting Costs:
- Standing Timber: If you harvest your own timber, you’ll need to factor in the cost of permits (if required), stumpage fees (the price paid to the landowner for the right to harvest timber), and transportation.
  - Data Point: Stumpage fees can range from $5 to $50 per cord, depending on the species, location, and market conditions.
  - Formula: Estimating board feet in a log (Doyle Log Scale): Board Feet = (Diameter in inches – 4)^2 * (Length in feet / 16)
- Purchased Firewood: If you buy firewood, the cost will depend on the species, quantity, and seller.
  - Data Point: The average price per cord of seasoned firewood in the United States ranges from $200 to $400, depending on the region and species. Prices in Europe and other parts of the world can vary widely.
  - Personal Experience: I’ve found that buying firewood in bulk during the off-season (spring or summer) can often save you money.
Tool Costs:
- Chainsaw: A good quality chainsaw is essential for cutting firewood.
  - Cost: $200 – $1000+, depending on the size and features.
  - Maintenance: Factor in the cost of bar oil, chain sharpening, and occasional repairs.
- Wood Splitter: A wood splitter can save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you’re processing a large quantity of firewood.
  - Cost: $1000 – $4000+, depending on the type (manual, gas-powered, electric) and splitting force.
  - Rental: Renting a wood splitter is a good option if you only need it occasionally. Rental fees typically range from $50 to $100 per day.
- Safety Gear: Don’t forget essential safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, ear protection, gloves, and chaps.
  - Cost: $100 – $300
Labor Costs:
- Self-Labor: If you’re doing all the work yourself, your labor is “free” in the sense that you’re not paying someone else. However, you should still factor in the value of your time.
- Hired Labor: If you hire someone to help you cut, split, and stack firewood, labor costs can be a significant expense.
  - Data Point: The average hourly wage for manual labor in wood processing can range from $15 to $30, depending on the location and experience level.
Transportation Costs:
- Fuel: Factor in the cost of fuel for transporting timber or firewood.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Consider the wear and tear on your vehicle.
Permits and Fees:
- Harvesting Permits: Some areas require permits for harvesting timber.
- Burning Permits: You may need a permit to burn firewood in certain areas.

Cost Optimization Tips:

Harvest your own timber (if possible): This can save you money on the cost of purchased firewood.
Buy firewood in bulk: You’ll often get a better price per cord when you buy in larger quantities.
Rent equipment: Renting a wood splitter or other tools can be more cost-effective than buying them if you only need them occasionally.
Do the work yourself: If you’re physically capable, doing the work yourself can save you a lot of money on labor costs.
Season firewood properly: Properly seasoned firewood burns more efficiently, reducing your overall firewood consumption.
Negotiate prices: Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices with firewood sellers or landowners.

Case Study: Budgeting for a Small-Scale Firewood Project

Let’s say you want to prepare 5 cords of firewood for the winter. Here’s a sample budget:

Timber Purchase (standing timber): $100 (stumpage fee)
Chainsaw Maintenance: $50 (bar oil, chain sharpening)
Fuel for Chainsaw & Transportation: $100
Tarp (heavy-duty poly): $40
Safety Gear (if needed): $150
Labor (self-labor): Value your time (e.g., 40 hours x $20/hour = $800 – this is an opportunity cost, not an actual expense)

Total Estimated Cost: $440 (excluding the value of your own labor)

This translates to approximately $88 per cord. If you were to purchase seasoned firewood at $300 per cord, you would save $1160 by harvesting and preparing it yourself (again, factoring in the value of your time).

Industry Benchmarks and Statistical Data:

Average Price per Cord of Firewood (Seasoned): $200 – $400 (U.S. Average)
Average Cost of Renting a Wood Splitter: $50 – $100 per day
Average Stumpage Fee for Hardwood Timber: $10 – $30 per cord

Practical Examples:

Calculating Drying Time: The drying time for firewood depends on the species, climate, and stacking method. In general, hardwoods take 6-12 months to season, while softwoods take 3-6 months. A moisture meter is the best way to determine when your firewood is ready to burn.
Estimating Firewood Consumption: A typical household will burn 3-5 cords of firewood per winter, depending on the size of their home, the efficiency of their wood stove, and the severity of the winter.

Visual Elements:

(Imagine a table here comparing the cost of different wood splitters: manual, electric, gas-powered, with columns for price, splitting force, pros, and cons.)

(Imagine a chart here showing the average price per cord of firewood in different regions of the world.)

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

Assess your needs: How much firewood do you need for the winter?
Evaluate your resources: Do you have access to standing timber? Do you have the necessary tools and equipment?
Create a budget: Use the information in this article to estimate your costs.
Start early: Firewood takes time to season, so start your preparations well in advance of the heating season.
Follow the pro tips: Elevate your stack, choose the right tarp, use the “hat” method, stack properly, and monitor moisture content.

Challenges Faced by Small-Scale Loggers and Firewood Suppliers

Small-scale loggers and firewood suppliers face a number of challenges, including:

Fluctuating timber prices: Timber prices can be volatile, making it difficult to plan and budget.
Competition from larger companies: Larger companies often have economies of scale that small-scale operators can’t match.
Environmental regulations: Environmental regulations can be costly and time-consuming to comply with.
Weather conditions: Weather conditions can significantly impact logging and firewood production.

Conclusion

Covering firewood with a tarp is a simple but essential step in the firewood preparation process. By following these pro tips, you can ensure that your firewood seasons properly and burns efficiently. And by understanding the costs associated with firewood preparation, you can budget effectively and save money. So get out there, stack your wood, cover it with a tarp, and get ready to enjoy a warm and cozy winter! Remember, a penny saved is a penny earned, and a well-seasoned cord of firewood is a warm home earned!

How to Cover Firewood with a Tarp (5 Pro Tips for Perfect Seasoning)