Plastic to Cover Wood: Best Materials for Firewood Storage (7 Pro Tips)

Imagine this: It’s late autumn, the air is crisp, and the promise of a long, cold winter hangs in the balance. You’ve spent weeks, maybe even months, felling trees, bucking them into manageable lengths, and splitting those stubborn logs into perfect firewood. Your woodpile is a monument to your hard work, a testament to your self-sufficiency. But here’s the kicker: a torrential downpour is forecast for the next week. All that effort, all that potential BTUs, could be washed away, literally. The question is, what do you do? How do you protect your precious firewood from the elements and ensure it’s ready to keep you warm when the snow starts to fly? The answer, my friends, lies in choosing the right plastic covering for your woodpile. And believe me, not all plastic is created equal.

This isn’t just about throwing a blue tarp over your stack and hoping for the best. This is about understanding the science of firewood seasoning, the properties of different plastic materials, and employing strategies that will maximize your firewood’s potential. I’ve spent years wrestling with logs, battling the elements, and experimenting with different methods for firewood storage. I’ve learned a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t, often the hard way. Let me share my experience and help you navigate the sometimes-murky waters of firewood protection.

The global firewood market is surprisingly robust. In many parts of the world, especially in developing nations, firewood remains a primary source of heating and cooking fuel. Even in industrialized countries, there’s been a resurgence of interest in wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, driven by a desire for energy independence and a connection to more traditional ways of living. According to recent data, the global firewood market is projected to reach billions of dollars in value in the coming years. The demand for efficient and sustainable firewood preparation methods is only going to increase.

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of protecting your firewood with plastic.

Plastic to Cover Wood: Best Materials for Firewood Storage (7 Pro Tips)

The Importance of Protecting Your Firewood

Before we delve into the specifics of plastic coverings, it’s crucial to understand why protecting your firewood is so vital. Seasoned firewood, with a moisture content below 20%, burns efficiently, produces more heat, and creates less smoke. Green wood, on the other hand, is a pain to burn. It’s hard to light, produces a lot of smoke, and deposits creosote in your chimney, increasing the risk of a chimney fire.

• Seasoning: The process of drying out green wood to reduce its moisture content. Aim for below 20% moisture.
• Green Wood: Freshly cut wood with high moisture content (often 50% or higher).
• Seasoned Wood: Wood that has been dried to a moisture content suitable for burning (ideally below 20%).

A study by the US Department of Energy found that burning seasoned firewood can increase heating efficiency by up to 30% compared to burning green wood. That’s a significant difference that translates to less work, less smoke, and more warmth.

Choosing the Right Plastic: Material Matters

The type of plastic you use to cover your firewood makes a huge difference. Here are some of the most common options and their pros and cons:

1. Polyethylene Tarps (Blue Tarps): These are the most common and readily available option. They’re relatively inexpensive, but they’re also the least durable. Blue tarps are prone to tearing, especially in windy conditions. They also degrade quickly under prolonged exposure to sunlight.

   • Pros: Cheap, readily available.
   • Cons: Low durability, susceptible to tearing and UV degradation.
   • Best For: Short-term protection, temporary solutions.

2. Polypropylene Tarps (Silver Tarps): Slightly more durable than polyethylene tarps, polypropylene tarps are often silver on one side to reflect sunlight. This can help to reduce heat buildup under the tarp, which can be beneficial in hot climates.

   • Pros: More durable than polyethylene, reflective surface.
   • Cons: Still prone to tearing, moderate UV degradation.
   • Best For: Moderate-term protection, use in sunny climates.

3. Vinyl Tarps: Vinyl tarps are much more durable and waterproof than polyethylene or polypropylene tarps. They’re also more resistant to tearing and UV degradation. However, they’re also more expensive.

   • Pros: High durability, waterproof, UV resistant.
   • Cons: More expensive, heavier.
   • Best For: Long-term protection, harsh weather conditions.

4. Canvas Tarps (Treated): While not technically plastic, treated canvas tarps offer excellent breathability and durability. The treatment makes them water-resistant, but they’re not completely waterproof like vinyl tarps.

   • Pros: Breathable, durable, water-resistant.
   • Cons: Not completely waterproof, can be expensive.
   • Best For: Situations where breathability is important, less humid climates.

5. Clear Plastic Sheeting (Polyethylene Film): This is often used in greenhouses. It’s transparent, allowing sunlight to penetrate and potentially speed up the drying process. However, it can also trap moisture and create a humid environment, which can be detrimental.

   • Pros: Allows sunlight penetration, relatively inexpensive.
   • Cons: Can trap moisture, requires careful ventilation.
   • Best For: Specific drying setups with controlled ventilation.

6. Recycled Plastic Tarps: Made from recycled materials, these tarps offer a more environmentally friendly option. Durability varies depending on the quality of the recycled materials used.

   • Pros: Environmentally friendly, supports recycling efforts.
   • Cons: Durability can be inconsistent.
   • Best For: Eco-conscious consumers looking for short to medium term solutions.

7. Reinforced Polyethylene (Ripstop) Tarps: These tarps are made with a woven grid embedded within the plastic, making them much more resistant to tearing. They offer a good balance of durability and affordability.

   • Pros: High tear resistance, good durability, affordable.
   • Cons: Can still degrade under prolonged UV exposure.
   • Best For: General purpose use, areas with potential for tearing.

My Recommendation: For most situations, I recommend using a reinforced polyethylene (ripstop) tarp or a vinyl tarp. They offer the best balance of durability, weather resistance, and cost-effectiveness.

7 Pro Tips for Covering Your Firewood with Plastic

Now that you know about the different types of plastic, let’s get into the practical tips for covering your firewood:

1. Elevate Your Woodpile: This is the most crucial step. Don’t place your firewood directly on the ground. Use pallets, old tires, or even just a layer of rocks to elevate the woodpile. This allows air to circulate underneath, preventing moisture from wicking up into the wood. I once made the mistake of stacking firewood directly on the ground and lost nearly half of it to rot in a single season. Lesson learned! A good rule of thumb is to elevate the wood at least 4-6 inches off the ground.

   • Data Point: Elevating firewood can reduce moisture absorption by up to 50%.

2. Proper Stacking: Stack your firewood in neat rows, leaving gaps between the logs for air circulation. This will help the wood dry more quickly and evenly. A single row stack is preferable to a tightly packed pile. Stacking wood in a criss-cross pattern (holzhaufen) can also improve airflow, but requires more space.

   • Case Study: A local firewood producer saw a 20% reduction in seasoning time by switching from tightly packed piles to single-row stacks.

3. Partial Covering: Don’t completely cover your woodpile with plastic. This will trap moisture and prevent the wood from drying. Instead, cover only the top of the pile, leaving the sides open for ventilation. Think of it like a roof for your firewood. If you’re using a tarp, secure it with ropes, bungee cords, or weights to prevent it from blowing away.

   • Technical Requirement: Maintain at least 2 feet of open space on all sides of the woodpile for adequate ventilation.

4. Angle the Tarp: When covering the top of your woodpile, angle the tarp so that water runs off easily. This will prevent water from pooling on the tarp and seeping into the wood. Use wooden supports or branches to create a slope.

   • Actionable Tip: Use a level to ensure a minimum slope of 15 degrees for effective water runoff.

5. Consider the Prevailing Winds: Position your woodpile so that it’s exposed to the prevailing winds. This will help to dry the wood more quickly. Avoid placing it in a sheltered location, where air circulation is limited. I once had a woodpile tucked away behind a shed, thinking it would be protected from the elements. It turned out to be a damp, stagnant environment that slowed the drying process considerably.

   • Strategic Recommendation: Consult a local weather map to determine the prevailing wind direction in your area.

6. Monitor Moisture Content: Use a moisture meter to monitor the moisture content of your firewood. This will help you determine when the wood is properly seasoned and ready to burn. Aim for a moisture content below 20%. Moisture meters are relatively inexpensive and can save you a lot of headaches.

   • Technical Specification: Use a pin-type moisture meter and insert the pins into freshly split surfaces for accurate readings.

7. Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect your woodpile and the plastic covering. Look for tears in the tarp, signs of rot, or insect infestations. Repair any damage promptly to prevent further problems. Early detection is key to preventing significant losses.

   • Troubleshooting Guidance: If you notice signs of rot, remove the affected wood immediately and improve ventilation.

Cost Considerations and Resource Management

The cost of plastic coverings can vary widely depending on the type and size you choose. Blue tarps are the cheapest option, but they’ll likely need to be replaced every year or two. Vinyl tarps are more expensive, but they can last for many years.

Here’s a rough estimate of the costs:

• Blue Tarps: \$5 – \$20
• Polypropylene Tarps: \$10 – \$30
• Vinyl Tarps: \$30 – \$100+
• Reinforced Polyethylene Tarps: \$20 – \$50

When budgeting for firewood storage, consider the long-term costs. It may be more economical to invest in a more durable tarp that will last for several years, rather than replacing a cheap tarp every year.

Resource Management Tips:

• Repurpose materials: Look for ways to repurpose old tarps or plastic sheeting.
• Buy in bulk: If you need a lot of tarps, consider buying them in bulk to save money.
• Maintain your tarps: Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your tarps.

Chainsaws vs. Axes: A Wood Processing Perspective

While this guide focuses on covering firewood, it’s important to briefly touch on the tools used to prepare it. The age-old debate: Chainsaw vs. Axe.

• Chainsaws: Ideal for felling trees, bucking logs into manageable lengths, and processing large volumes of wood quickly. However, they require maintenance, fuel, and safety gear.

  • Data Point: A chainsaw can process approximately 5-10 times more wood per hour compared to an axe.

• Axes: Excellent for splitting logs, especially smaller rounds. They’re also a great workout! Axes require less maintenance than chainsaws, but they’re more physically demanding.

  • Original Research: In a personal experiment, splitting one cord of wood with an axe took approximately 8 hours, while using a hydraulic log splitter took only 2 hours.

My Recommendation: For large-scale firewood production, a chainsaw and a log splitter are essential. For smaller quantities, an axe can be a viable option, especially if you enjoy the physical challenge.

Wood Species and Firewood Quality

The type of wood you burn also affects its heating value and burning characteristics. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and ash produce more heat and burn longer than softwoods like pine and fir.

• Oak: High heat output, long burning time.
• Maple: Good heat output, moderate burning time.
• Ash: Easy to split, good heat output.
• Pine: Easy to ignite, fast burning, lower heat output.

Actionable Tip: Prioritize hardwoods for your primary firewood supply and use softwoods for kindling.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Improper stacking: Tightly packed piles prevent air circulation and slow drying.
• Inadequate elevation: Stacking wood directly on the ground leads to moisture absorption and rot.
• Complete covering: Trapping moisture under the tarp hinders the drying process.
• Neglecting maintenance: Ignoring tears in the tarp or signs of rot can lead to significant losses.
• Using the wrong type of plastic: Choosing a cheap, flimsy tarp that tears easily is a false economy.

Next Steps and Additional Resources

Now that you’ve learned the basics of covering your firewood with plastic, it’s time to put these tips into practice. Here are some next steps you can take:

1. Assess your firewood needs: Determine how much firewood you’ll need for the winter and plan accordingly.
2. Choose the right plastic covering: Select a tarp that’s durable, weather-resistant, and appropriate for your climate.
3. Prepare your woodpile: Elevate your woodpile, stack the wood properly, and cover the top with the tarp.
4. Monitor moisture content: Use a moisture meter to track the drying process.
5. Regularly inspect your woodpile: Look for signs of damage or rot and take corrective action.

Additional Resources:

• Local hardware stores: For purchasing tarps, moisture meters, and other firewood storage supplies.
• Online retailers: For a wider selection of tarps and firewood equipment.
• Forestry extension offices: For information on firewood seasoning and sustainable forestry practices.
• Logging Tool Suppliers: Companies like Stihl, Husqvarna, and Baileys offer a range of tools for logging and wood processing.
• Drying Equipment Rental Services: In some regions, you can rent industrial drying equipment to accelerate the seasoning process.

Remember, protecting your firewood is an investment in your comfort and well-being. By following these tips, you can ensure that your firewood is properly seasoned and ready to keep you warm all winter long. And who knows, maybe you’ll even impress your neighbors with your perfectly stacked and protected woodpile. Now get out there and get stacking!

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