Tarps for Firewood: Best Covers to Keep Wood Dry (Pro Tips)

I’m thrilled to dive into a topic that’s near and dear to my heart – and hopefully, soon to be near and dry in your woodpile: choosing the best tarps for firewood. In an age where eco-consciousness is more than just a buzzword, ensuring our firewood is properly stored not only guarantees cozy winter nights but also minimizes waste and promotes sustainable practices. After all, using well-seasoned firewood reduces emissions and increases burning efficiency, a win-win for everyone!

For years, I’ve been immersed in the world of wood, from felling timber in the crisp autumn air to splitting logs under the summer sun. I’ve learned firsthand that the key to excellent firewood isn’t just about the species of wood you choose or the sharpness of your axe – it’s about how you protect it from the elements during the crucial seasoning process. And that’s where the right tarp comes in.

Why Dry Firewood Matters: More Than Just a Good Burn

Let’s face it, nobody enjoys struggling to light a damp log on a chilly evening. But the benefits of dry firewood go far beyond mere convenience.

• Increased Efficiency: Dry wood burns hotter and cleaner than wet wood. This means you’ll get more heat from each log and use less wood overall to achieve the desired temperature. Data from the EPA suggests that burning seasoned firewood (moisture content below 20%) can increase heating efficiency by as much as 30% compared to burning green wood.
• Reduced Emissions: Burning wet wood produces significantly more smoke and harmful pollutants, including particulate matter and carbon monoxide. Properly seasoned firewood minimizes these emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. In fact, studies show that burning seasoned wood can reduce particulate matter emissions by up to 50%.
• Prevention of Creosote Buildup: Creosote is a flammable byproduct of burning wood that can accumulate in your chimney, increasing the risk of a chimney fire. Dry firewood produces less creosote, helping to keep your chimney clean and your home safe. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that creosote buildup is a leading cause of chimney fires, highlighting the importance of burning seasoned wood.
• Economic Savings: Think about it: if your wood isn’t dry, you’re essentially burning water. This not only wastes energy but also means you’ll need to buy more wood to get through the winter. Investing in proper storage and drying methods, including the right tarps, can save you money in the long run.

Understanding the Enemy: Moisture and Firewood

Moisture is the arch-nemesis of good firewood. Freshly cut wood can have a moisture content of 50% or higher. To be considered seasoned and ready for burning, firewood needs to have a moisture content below 20%. This drying process can take anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the wood species, climate, and storage conditions.

Wood Species and Drying Time:

Different wood species have varying densities and cell structures, which affect how quickly they dry.

• Softwoods (Pine, Fir, Spruce): These woods tend to dry faster due to their lower density and more porous structure. They can often be seasoned in as little as six months to a year in favorable conditions.
• Hardwoods (Oak, Maple, Ash): Hardwoods are denser and take longer to dry, typically requiring a year or more to reach optimal moisture levels. Oak, in particular, can be notoriously slow to season.

My Own Experience:

I once made the mistake of assuming that all wood seasoned at the same rate. I had a mix of oak and maple, and after a year, I thought it was all ready to go. Boy, was I wrong! The maple was perfectly seasoned, but the oak still had a significant amount of moisture trapped inside. I learned my lesson: always check the moisture content of different wood species separately, even if they’ve been stored together.

Measuring Moisture Content:

The best way to determine if your firewood is properly seasoned is to use a moisture meter. These handy devices are relatively inexpensive and provide an accurate reading of the wood’s moisture content. Simply insert the meter’s probes into a freshly split piece of wood and note the reading.

Pro Tip: Take multiple readings from different pieces of wood to get a representative sample.

The Tarp’s Role: Shielding Your Investment

A tarp is your first line of defense against rain, snow, and other elements that can sabotage the seasoning process. But not all tarps are created equal. Choosing the right tarp for your firewood pile is crucial to ensuring that your wood stays dry and ready to burn.

1. Poly Tarps:

   • Pros: These are the most common and affordable type of tarp. They are lightweight, waterproof, and readily available at most hardware stores.
   • Cons: Poly tarps are not as durable as other types of tarps and can tear easily, especially in windy conditions. They are also susceptible to UV degradation, which can shorten their lifespan.
   • Best For: Short-term firewood storage or situations where budget is a primary concern.
   • Data Point: Poly tarps typically have a lifespan of 1-3 years, depending on the quality and exposure to the elements.
   • Practical Insight: When using poly tarps, opt for a heavier gauge (higher mil) for increased durability. Reinforce the grommets with duct tape to prevent tearing.

   • Canvas Tarps:

   • Pros: Canvas tarps are more durable and breathable than poly tarps. They allow air to circulate, which can help prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.

   • Cons: Canvas tarps are heavier and more expensive than poly tarps. They are also not completely waterproof and can become waterlogged in heavy rain.
   • Best For: Situations where breathability is important and you’re willing to invest in a more durable option.
   • Data Point: Canvas tarps can last for 5-10 years with proper care.
   • Practical Insight: Treat canvas tarps with a water-repellent sealant to improve their water resistance.

   • Vinyl Tarps:

   • Pros: Vinyl tarps are extremely durable and waterproof. They are resistant to tearing, abrasion, and UV degradation.

   • Cons: Vinyl tarps are heavy and expensive. They are also not as breathable as canvas tarps, which can lead to moisture buildup if not properly ventilated.
   • Best For: Long-term firewood storage in harsh weather conditions.
   • Data Point: Vinyl tarps can last for 10+ years with proper care.
   • Practical Insight: Ensure adequate ventilation when using vinyl tarps to prevent moisture buildup. Consider using a raised platform to elevate the firewood and allow air to circulate underneath.

   • Mesh Tarps:

   • Pros: Mesh tarps are designed to allow maximum airflow while still providing some protection from the elements. They are ideal for drying firewood in sunny and windy conditions.

   • Cons: Mesh tarps offer limited protection from rain and snow.
   • Best For: Drying firewood in dry climates or as a supplement to other types of tarps.
   • Data Point: Mesh tarps can reduce drying time by up to 25% in favorable conditions.
   • Practical Insight: Use mesh tarps in conjunction with other tarps to provide both ventilation and protection from the elements.

   • Specialty Firewood Tarps:

   • Pros: Some manufacturers offer tarps specifically designed for firewood storage. These tarps often have features like ventilation flaps, reinforced edges, and adjustable straps.

   • Cons: Specialty firewood tarps can be more expensive than general-purpose tarps.
   • Best For: Those who want a purpose-built solution for firewood storage.
   • Practical Insight: Look for firewood tarps with UV protection to extend their lifespan.

Choosing the Right Tarp: Factors to Consider

Selecting the best tarp for your firewood pile depends on several factors, including:

• Climate: In rainy climates, waterproof tarps like vinyl or heavy-duty poly tarps are essential. In drier climates, canvas or mesh tarps may be sufficient.
• Storage Duration: For short-term storage, a basic poly tarp may suffice. For long-term storage, invest in a more durable option like vinyl or canvas.
• Budget: Poly tarps are the most affordable option, while vinyl and specialty tarps are more expensive.
• Size of Woodpile: Choose a tarp that is large enough to completely cover your woodpile with some overhang to prevent rain from splashing onto the wood.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, regardless of the type of tarp you choose.

Tarping Techniques: Maximizing Protection and Ventilation

Proper tarping techniques are just as important as choosing the right tarp. Here are some tips to maximize protection and ventilation:

1. Elevate Your Woodpile: Place your firewood on pallets, cinder blocks, or a purpose-built wood rack to elevate it off the ground. This allows air to circulate underneath the woodpile, preventing moisture buildup and promoting faster drying.
2. Leave the Sides Open: Don’t completely cover the sides of your woodpile with the tarp. Leave some space for air to circulate. This will help to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.
3. Create a Roof: Angle the tarp so that it slopes downwards, creating a roof that sheds water away from the woodpile.
4. Secure the Tarp: Use ropes, bungee cords, or tarp clips to secure the tarp to the woodpile or surrounding structures. This will prevent the tarp from blowing away in windy conditions.
5. Check Regularly: Inspect your woodpile regularly for signs of moisture buildup or damage to the tarp. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your firewood is properly protected.

My Go-To Method:

Over the years, I’ve developed a tarping method that works exceptionally well for me. I start by building a simple wood frame using scrap lumber. This frame elevates the firewood off the ground and provides a structure to secure the tarp to. I then use a heavy-duty poly tarp, making sure to leave the sides open for ventilation. I secure the tarp with bungee cords and regularly inspect the woodpile for any signs of moisture. This method has consistently kept my firewood dry and well-seasoned.

Beyond the Tarp: Additional Tips for Firewood Storage

While a good tarp is essential, there are other steps you can take to ensure that your firewood is properly seasoned and protected:

• Choose the Right Location: Store your firewood in a sunny and well-ventilated location. Avoid storing it in damp or shady areas.
• Split Your Wood: Splitting your wood exposes more surface area to the air, which speeds up the drying process.
• Stack Your Wood Properly: Stack your wood in loose rows, allowing air to circulate between the logs.
• Cover Only When Necessary: If the weather is dry and sunny, remove the tarp to allow your firewood to dry more quickly.
• Protect from Pests: Store your firewood away from your home to prevent pests like termites and carpenter ants from infesting your house.

Case Study: Comparing Tarp Performance

To illustrate the importance of choosing the right tarp, let’s consider a case study comparing the performance of different tarp types in a rainy climate.

Setup:

• Three identical woodpiles of seasoned oak firewood were created.
• Each woodpile was covered with a different type of tarp: a poly tarp, a canvas tarp, and a vinyl tarp.
• The woodpiles were exposed to the elements for six months, during which time the region experienced heavy rainfall.
• The moisture content of the firewood in each woodpile was measured at the beginning and end of the experiment.

Results:

Analysis:

The results clearly show that the vinyl tarp provided the best protection against moisture, maintaining the firewood’s moisture content at a relatively stable level. The canvas tarp offered some protection, but the firewood still absorbed some moisture. The poly tarp performed the worst, allowing the firewood to become significantly wetter.

Conclusion:

This case study demonstrates the importance of choosing the right tarp for your climate and storage needs. In rainy climates, waterproof tarps like vinyl tarps are essential for keeping firewood dry.

Addressing Common Concerns: FAQs About Tarps and Firewood

Let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about using tarps for firewood storage:

• Can I use a tarp to dry green firewood? While a tarp can help protect green firewood from rain, it’s important to allow for adequate ventilation. Consider using a mesh tarp or leaving the sides of the woodpile open to promote airflow.
• How often should I check my firewood pile? It’s a good idea to check your firewood pile at least once a month, especially after heavy rain or snow. Look for signs of moisture buildup, mold growth, or damage to the tarp.
• What should I do if my firewood gets wet? If your firewood gets wet, remove the tarp and allow the wood to air dry. If possible, move the wood to a sunnier and more well-ventilated location.
• How long will a tarp last? The lifespan of a tarp depends on the type of tarp, the quality of the materials, and the exposure to the elements. Poly tarps typically last for 1-3 years, canvas tarps for 5-10 years, and vinyl tarps for 10+ years.

The Future of Firewood Storage: Innovations and Trends

The world of firewood storage is constantly evolving, with new innovations and trends emerging all the time. Here are a few things to keep an eye on:

So, go forth and conquer that woodpile, armed with the knowledge and tools to keep your firewood dry and ready to burn! And remember, a little extra effort in the seasoning process will pay off big time when you’re enjoying a crackling fire on a cold winter night.

Learn more