Tarp For Firewood: Best Choices For Dry Storage (5 Pro Tips)

It’s estimated that nearly 77 million households in the United States use wood as a primary or secondary heating source. And if you’re like me, relying on firewood to keep your home warm, you know that properly storing it is just as crucial as splitting it. A soggy pile of wood is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. That’s where the humble tarp comes in. Choosing the right tarp and using it effectively can be the difference between a cozy winter and a frustrating, damp one. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best tarp choices for firewood storage and share five pro tips to ensure your wood stays dry and ready to burn.

Tarp for Firewood: Best Choices for Dry Storage (5 Pro Tips)

Why Dry Firewood Matters: A Personal Anecdote and Technical Deep Dive

Before diving into tarp specifics, let’s talk about why dry firewood is so important. I remember one particularly harsh winter a few years back. I had thought I was prepared, with a seemingly large stack of wood. However, I hadn’t properly protected it from the elements. Come December, I discovered that the outer layers were saturated, and even the inner logs retained significant moisture. Lighting a fire became a chore, producing more smoke than heat, and leaving a nasty creosote buildup in my chimney. It was a miserable experience, and a powerful lesson learned.

The Science Behind the Burn:

Moisture Content: Green wood can have a moisture content of 50% or higher. Ideally, firewood should be below 20% moisture content for efficient burning.
Heat Value: Burning wet wood wastes energy. A significant portion of the heat produced is used to evaporate the water within the wood, rather than heating your home. Dry wood, on the other hand, releases more heat per log. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, seasoned firewood (15-20% moisture content) can provide up to 25% more heat than unseasoned wood (45-50% moisture content).
Creosote Buildup: Wet wood burns incompletely, producing more smoke and creosote. Creosote is a flammable byproduct that accumulates in your chimney and can lead to dangerous chimney fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends annual chimney inspections to prevent creosote-related fires.
Air Quality: Burning wet wood contributes to air pollution, releasing more particulate matter into the atmosphere.

Data Points to Consider:

Ideal Moisture Content for Firewood: 15-20%
Moisture Content of Green Wood: 50% or higher
Increase in Heat Value with Seasoned Wood: Up to 25%
NFPA Recommendation: Annual chimney inspections

Choosing the Right Tarp: Materials and Specifications

Not all tarps are created equal. The tarp you choose for firewood storage needs to be durable, waterproof, and resistant to the elements. Here’s a breakdown of the most common tarp materials and their suitability for firewood storage:

Polyethylene (Poly) Tarps: These are the most common and affordable type of tarp. They are lightweight, waterproof, and readily available. However, they are also the least durable and can tear easily, especially in windy conditions or under heavy snow loads.
- Pros: Affordable, lightweight, waterproof
- Cons: Low durability, prone to tearing, limited UV resistance
- Specifications:
  - Thickness: Measured in mils (1 mil = 0.001 inch). Look for at least 6 mil for firewood. Heavier duty tarps can go up to 12 mil or higher.
  - Weight: Measured in ounces per square yard. A heavier weight indicates a denser and more durable tarp.
  - UV Resistance: Check for UV-resistant coatings to prevent the tarp from degrading in sunlight.
- Canvas Tarps: These tarps are made from woven cotton or hemp fibers. They are more breathable than poly tarps, which can help prevent condensation buildup. However, they are not inherently waterproof and require treatment with a waterproofing agent.
- Pros: Breathable, more durable than poly tarps (depending on the canvas weight)
- Cons: Not inherently waterproof, requires treatment, heavier and more expensive than poly tarps.
- Specifications:
  - Weight: Measured in ounces per square yard. Heavier canvas tarps are more durable and water-resistant. Look for at least 12 oz canvas.
  - Waterproofing Treatment: Ensure the tarp is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating. Reapply as needed.
- Vinyl Tarps: These are the most durable and waterproof option. They are resistant to tearing, abrasion, and UV damage. However, they are also the most expensive and can be heavy and difficult to handle.
- Pros: Highly durable, waterproof, resistant to tearing and UV damage
- Cons: Expensive, heavy, less breathable
- Specifications:
  - Thickness: Measured in mils. Look for at least 18 oz vinyl for heavy-duty firewood storage.
  - Reinforced Edges: Ensure the tarp has reinforced edges and grommets for added durability.
- Mesh Tarps: These tarps are made from a woven mesh material. They are not waterproof but allow for excellent airflow, which can be beneficial for drying firewood. They are best used in conjunction with a waterproof tarp for protection from rain and snow.
- Pros: Excellent airflow, lightweight, allows for drying
- Cons: Not waterproof, requires additional protection from rain and snow
- Specifications:
  - Mesh Density: Measured in threads per inch. Higher mesh density provides more shade and wind protection.
  - UV Resistance: Check for UV-resistant coatings to prevent the mesh from degrading in sunlight.

My Recommendation:

For most firewood storage applications, I recommend a heavy-duty polyethylene tarp (at least 10 mil thickness) or a canvas tarp with a durable waterproofing treatment. Vinyl tarps are excellent if you need maximum durability and are willing to invest more.

Data Points to Consider:

Minimum Poly Tarp Thickness: 6 mil (10 mil recommended)
Minimum Canvas Tarp Weight: 12 oz per square yard
Vinyl Tarp Thickness: At least 18 oz
UV Resistance: Essential for all tarp types

Pro Tip #1: Sizing Your Tarp Correctly

Choosing the right size tarp is crucial for effective firewood protection. Too small, and you’ll leave portions of your woodpile exposed. Too large, and you’ll have excess material flapping in the wind, creating potential hazards and accelerating wear and tear.

Calculating Tarp Size:

Measure Your Woodpile: Measure the length, width, and height of your woodpile.
Add Overhang: Add at least 1 foot of overhang on each side to ensure adequate coverage and allow for securing the tarp. For example, if your woodpile is 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 4 feet high, you’ll need a tarp that is at least 10 feet long and 6 feet wide.
Consider the Shape: If your woodpile is not perfectly rectangular, measure the longest and widest points to ensure adequate coverage.
Round Up: When in doubt, round up to the nearest standard tarp size.

Example:

Woodpile Dimensions: 8 feet long x 4 feet wide x 4 feet high
Required Tarp Size: 10 feet long x 6 feet wide

Important Considerations:

Slope: If your woodpile is sloped, measure the height at the highest point to ensure adequate coverage.
Ground Clearance: Ensure the tarp extends far enough down the sides to prevent rain and snow from splashing onto the wood.
Wind Exposure: In windy areas, consider adding extra overhang to prevent the tarp from being blown off.

A Story from the Field:

I once underestimated the size of the tarp I needed for a large woodpile. I purchased a tarp that seemed adequate based on the initial measurements, but after stacking the wood, I realized that the tarp was several feet short on each side. As a result, the top layers of the woodpile were exposed to the elements, and I had to purchase a second tarp to provide adequate coverage. This experience taught me the importance of accurately measuring the woodpile and adding sufficient overhang when selecting a tarp.

Data Points to Consider:

Minimum Overhang: 1 foot on each side
Slope Measurement: Measure the height at the highest point
Wind Exposure: Add extra overhang in windy areas

Pro Tip #2: Proper Woodpile Construction for Optimal Tarp Coverage

The way you stack your firewood significantly impacts how effectively a tarp can protect it. A well-constructed woodpile promotes airflow, prevents moisture buildup, and provides a stable base for the tarp.

Best Practices for Woodpile Construction:

Choose a Dry Location: Select a location that is well-drained and receives plenty of sunlight. Avoid low-lying areas where water can accumulate.
Elevate the Woodpile: Use pallets, cinder blocks, or scrap wood to elevate the woodpile off the ground. This promotes airflow and prevents moisture from wicking up from the soil.
Stack Wood Loosely: Avoid stacking the wood too tightly. Leave gaps between the logs to allow for airflow and drying.
Crisscross the Ends: Crisscross the logs at the ends of the woodpile to provide stability and prevent the pile from collapsing.
Slope the Top: Slope the top of the woodpile to allow rainwater to run off easily.
Minimize Contact with Walls: If stacking wood against a wall, leave a gap of several inches to allow for airflow.

Technical Details:

Elevation Height: Aim for at least 4 inches of elevation off the ground.
Spacing Between Logs: Leave at least 1 inch of space between logs for airflow.
Slope Angle: A slope angle of 5-10 degrees is sufficient for water runoff.

Visual Example:

[Insert a diagram showing a properly constructed woodpile with elevation, spacing, and slope.]

A Personal Insight:

I’ve found that building a small “roof” of scrap wood on top of the woodpile before covering it with a tarp is a great way to further improve water runoff. I use old fence boards or plywood scraps to create a sloped surface that directs water away from the wood. This simple addition can significantly reduce the amount of moisture that penetrates the woodpile.

Data Points to Consider:

Minimum Elevation Height: 4 inches
Minimum Spacing Between Logs: 1 inch
Slope Angle: 5-10 degrees

Pro Tip #3: Securing the Tarp: Grommets, Ropes, and Anchors

A tarp is only as good as its ability to stay in place. In windy conditions, a poorly secured tarp can quickly become a liability, exposing your firewood to the elements and potentially causing damage.

Best Practices for Securing a Tarp:

Use High-Quality Grommets: Inspect the tarp’s grommets for durability. Reinforce any weak grommets with grommet repair kits.
Use Strong Ropes or Bungee Cords: Avoid using thin, flimsy ropes that can easily break. Opt for strong ropes or bungee cords with sufficient tensile strength.
Anchor the Tarp Securely: Use stakes, weights, or anchors to secure the tarp to the ground. The type of anchor you use will depend on the surface you’re working with.
- Soft Ground: Use tent stakes or ground anchors.
- Hard Ground: Use concrete anchors or weights.
- Paved Surfaces: Use sandbags or water weights.
- Tighten the Tarp Properly: Ensure the tarp is taut and wrinkle-free. Loose tarps are more likely to flap in the wind and tear.
- Check Regularly: Inspect the tarp and its securing mechanisms regularly, especially after strong winds or heavy snowfall.

Technical Details:

Rope Tensile Strength: Choose ropes with a tensile strength of at least 100 lbs.
Stake Length: Use stakes that are at least 12 inches long for soft ground.
Anchor Weight: Use weights that are at least 25 lbs for paved surfaces.

A Case Study:

I once witnessed a neighbor’s tarp being ripped to shreds during a severe windstorm. He had used thin, worn-out ropes to secure the tarp, and the grommets were weak and corroded. The wind quickly tore the ropes and ripped the grommets out of the tarp, leaving his woodpile completely exposed. This incident highlighted the importance of using high-quality materials and securing the tarp properly.

Data Points to Consider:

Minimum Rope Tensile Strength: 100 lbs
Minimum Stake Length: 12 inches
Minimum Anchor Weight: 25 lbs

Pro Tip #4: Ventilation Strategies to Prevent Moisture Buildup

While it’s essential to protect your firewood from rain and snow, it’s equally important to allow for adequate ventilation. Trapped moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and rot, rendering your firewood unusable.

Ventilation Strategies:

Leave Gaps at the Bottom: Leave a gap of several inches between the bottom of the tarp and the ground to allow for airflow.
Vent the Sides: Leave the sides of the woodpile partially exposed to allow for ventilation.
Use Breathable Materials: Consider using a canvas tarp or a combination of a waterproof tarp and a mesh tarp to promote airflow.
Monitor Moisture Levels: Regularly check the moisture content of the wood using a moisture meter. Aim for a moisture content of below 20%.

Technical Details:

Target Moisture Content: Below 20%
Moisture Meter Accuracy: Choose a moisture meter with an accuracy of +/- 1%.
Airflow Rate: Aim for an airflow rate of at least 1 cubic foot per minute (CFM) per square foot of woodpile surface area.

My Experience with Ventilation:

I’ve found that using a combination of a waterproof tarp and a mesh tarp is the most effective way to protect my firewood while allowing for adequate ventilation. I cover the top of the woodpile with a waterproof tarp to protect it from rain and snow, and I use a mesh tarp to cover the sides. This allows for excellent airflow while still providing protection from the elements.

Data Points to Consider:

Target Moisture Content: Below 20%
Moisture Meter Accuracy: +/- 1%
Airflow Rate: 1 CFM per square foot of woodpile surface area

Pro Tip #5: Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Protecting your firewood is not a one-time task. Regular maintenance and inspection are essential to ensure that your tarp remains in good condition and your firewood stays dry.

Maintenance and Inspection Checklist:

Inspect the Tarp Regularly: Check for tears, holes, and worn grommets. Repair any damage immediately.
Tighten the Ropes and Anchors: Ensure the ropes and anchors are tight and secure.
Remove Snow and Debris: Remove any snow, leaves, or debris that accumulate on the tarp.
Check for Moisture Buildup: Inspect the woodpile for signs of moisture buildup, such as mold, mildew, or rot.
Reapply Waterproofing Treatment: If using a canvas tarp, reapply the waterproofing treatment as needed.

Technical Details:

Inspection Frequency: Inspect the tarp at least once a month, or more frequently during periods of heavy rain or snowfall.
Waterproofing Treatment Frequency: Reapply waterproofing treatment every 6-12 months, depending on the product and the weather conditions.
Repair Materials: Keep a supply of tarp repair tape, grommet repair kits, and extra ropes on hand for quick repairs.

A Final Thought:

By following these five pro tips, you can ensure that your firewood stays dry, seasoned, and ready to burn. A little bit of effort and attention to detail can make a big difference in the quality of your firewood and the comfort of your home. Remember, a dry woodpile is a happy woodpile, and a happy woodpile means a warm and cozy winter.

Data Points to Consider:

Inspection Frequency: Monthly
Waterproofing Treatment Frequency: Every 6-12 months
Essential Repair Materials: Tarp repair tape, grommet repair kits, extra ropes

Tarp for Firewood: Best Choices for Dry Storage (5 Pro Tips)