Temporary Deck Enclosure Ideas for Firewood Storage (5 Pro Tips)
Let’s face it, nobody wants to spend a fortune protecting something they’re ultimately going to burn. In this article, I’ll guide you through five temporary deck enclosure ideas for firewood storage, focusing on cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation. I’ll share tips and insights I’ve picked up over the years, from budgeting for materials to understanding the nuances of firewood pricing.
The Quest for Economical Firewood Storage
Firewood storage is often an overlooked aspect of wood-burning. We meticulously select the right wood species, diligently split and stack it, but then leave it exposed to the elements. This can lead to damp wood, reduced heating efficiency, and even rot. A temporary deck enclosure offers a flexible and often affordable solution.
I remember one particularly wet winter where I’d neglected to properly cover my firewood. The result? A smoky, inefficient fire that barely warmed the house. That experience taught me the importance of proper storage and sparked my interest in finding cost-effective solutions.
Understanding the Cost Landscape: A Global Perspective
Before diving into specific enclosure ideas, it’s crucial to understand the factors that influence the cost of firewood and, consequently, the investment you’re willing to make in its storage. These factors vary wildly depending on your location and access to resources.
- Wood Species: Hardwoods like oak, maple, and beech generally cost more than softwoods like pine or fir due to their higher BTU (British Thermal Unit) content and longer burn times. For example, in North America, a cord of seasoned oak might cost $250-$400, while a cord of pine could be $150-$250. In Europe, prices are often higher due to stricter forestry regulations and higher transportation costs.
- Seasoning: Seasoned firewood (wood that has been air-dried for at least six months) commands a premium. Unseasoned or “green” wood is heavier, harder to light, and produces more smoke. Expect to pay 20-30% more for seasoned firewood.
- Quantity: Firewood is typically sold by the cord (128 cubic feet), half-cord, or rick. Purchasing in larger quantities usually results in a lower price per unit volume.
- Location: Proximity to forests and transportation costs significantly impact firewood prices. Rural areas with abundant timber resources generally have lower prices than urban centers.
- Labor: If you’re purchasing firewood that’s already split and stacked, the price will reflect the labor involved.
- Permits: In some regions, particularly in Europe, you might need permits to harvest firewood from public lands. These permits can add to the overall cost.
According to a 2023 report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average price of residential firewood in the United States ranged from $200 to $450 per cord, depending on location and wood species. However, these are averages, and local prices can vary significantly. In the UK, a similar volume of hardwood firewood can easily cost £300-£600.
Pro Tip #1: The Tarp and Pallet Fortress
This is arguably the most budget-friendly option. I’ve used this method for years, and it’s surprisingly effective.
- Materials:
- Used pallets (often free or very cheap from local businesses)
- Heavy-duty tarps (consider UV-resistant tarps for longer lifespan)
- Rope or bungee cords
- Construction:
- Arrange the pallets to create a rectangular or square enclosure.
- Drape the tarp over the top and sides, securing it to the pallets with rope or bungee cords. Ensure good overlap to prevent rain from entering.
- Leave one side partially open for easy access.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Pallets: $0 – $20 (depending on availability and whether you need to purchase them)
- Tarp: $20 – $50 (depending on size and quality)
- Rope/Bungee cords: $5 – $10
- Total Estimated Cost: $25 – $80
Value Proposition: This method is incredibly inexpensive and utilizes readily available materials. Pallets provide excellent airflow, preventing moisture buildup. The tarp offers protection from rain and snow.
Cost Optimization: Look for free pallets at local businesses like grocery stores, hardware stores, or construction sites. Shop around for the best deals on tarps. Consider using recycled tarps or canvas if available.
Pro Tip #2: The Repurposed Shipping Container Cover
If you have access to a shipping container, or even a large metal shed, you can create a very effective temporary enclosure using tarps and some clever anchoring.
- Materials:
- Heavy-duty tarps (consider UV-resistant tarps for longer lifespan)
- Bungee cords or rope
- Optional: Eye bolts and hardware if you want a more secure, semi-permanent attachment.
- Construction:
- If the shipping container or shed has an overhanging roof, simply drape the tarps down the sides, securing them with bungee cords or rope to the container’s walls or floor.
- If there’s no overhang, you might need to install eye bolts to create anchor points for the tarps.
- Ensure the tarp covers the firewood stack completely, leaving some space for ventilation at the bottom.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Tarps: $20 – $50 (depending on size and quality)
- Bungee cords/rope: $5 – $10
- Eye bolts and hardware (optional): $10 – $20
- Total Estimated Cost: $25 – $80 (without eye bolts), $35 – $100 (with eye bolts)
Value Proposition: This method leverages existing structures to create a protective enclosure. It’s relatively quick to set up and provides excellent protection from the elements.
Cost Optimization: As with the pallet method, shop around for the best deals on tarps. Consider using recycled materials for anchoring.
Pro Tip #3: The Lean-To with Salvaged Lumber
This option requires a bit more construction skill, but it can be a very sturdy and attractive solution. I once built a lean-to against my garage using reclaimed lumber from an old barn. It not only provided excellent firewood storage but also added a rustic charm to my property.
- Materials:
- Salvaged lumber (old fence posts, plywood, etc.)
- Fasteners (screws, nails)
- Heavy-duty tarp (optional, for added weather protection)
- Construction:
- Build a simple frame using the salvaged lumber, leaning it against an existing structure like a house or shed.
- Sheathe the frame with plywood or other salvaged materials to create a solid back and sides.
- Add a roof to protect the firewood from rain and snow. A slight slope will help with water runoff.
- Consider adding a tarp over the roof for extra protection.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Salvaged lumber: $0 – $50 (depending on availability and what you can salvage)
- Fasteners: $10 – $20
- Tarp (optional): $20 – $50
- Total Estimated Cost: $30 – $120
Value Proposition: This method is environmentally friendly, utilizing recycled materials. It can be customized to fit your specific needs and space. The lean-to provides excellent protection from the elements and can last for several years with proper maintenance.
Cost Optimization: Scour local classifieds, online marketplaces, and construction sites for free or cheap salvaged lumber. Be creative with your design and use materials efficiently.
Pro Tip #4: The Portable Greenhouse Frame Cover
This is a clever solution that repurposes existing greenhouse structures, or components, into firewood storage. These are often designed to withstand the elements and provide good ventilation.
- Materials:
- Existing greenhouse frame (or purchase a small, inexpensive portable greenhouse)
- Heavy-duty tarp or greenhouse plastic (if the original covering is damaged)
- Fasteners (if needed to secure the tarp/plastic)
- Construction:
- If you have an existing greenhouse frame, ensure it’s sturdy and in good condition.
- Repair or replace any damaged sections of the frame.
- Cover the frame with a heavy-duty tarp or greenhouse plastic, securing it tightly to the frame.
- Ensure there’s adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Portable Greenhouse (New): $80 – $200
- Used Greenhouse Frame (Variable): $30-$80
- Tarp/Greenhouse Plastic: $20 – $50
- Fasteners: $5 – $10
- Total Estimated Cost: $25 – $250
Value Proposition: This method provides excellent protection from the elements and good ventilation. It’s relatively easy to set up and can be moved if needed.
Cost Optimization: Look for used greenhouse frames or discounted portable greenhouses. Shop around for the best deals on tarps or greenhouse plastic.
Pro Tip #5: The Elevated Platform with Canopy
This method focuses on keeping the firewood off the ground and providing overhead protection. Elevation is key to preventing moisture wicking from the ground.
- Materials:
- Wooden pallets or cinder blocks (for elevation)
- Lumber for creating a frame for a canopy
- Tarp or waterproof canvas for the canopy
- Fasteners (screws, nails)
- Construction:
- Create a platform using pallets or cinder blocks. Ensure the platform is level and stable.
- Build a simple frame over the platform using lumber. This frame will support the canopy.
- Attach the tarp or waterproof canvas to the frame, creating a canopy over the firewood.
- Secure the canopy to the frame with fasteners.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Pallets/Cinder blocks: $0 – $20
- Lumber: $20 – $50
- Tarp/Waterproof Canvas: $30 – $60
- Fasteners: $10 – $20
- Total Estimated Cost: $60 – $150
Value Proposition: This method keeps the firewood off the ground, preventing moisture absorption. The canopy provides excellent overhead protection from rain and snow.
Cost Optimization: As with the other methods, look for free or cheap pallets. Consider using salvaged lumber for the frame. Shop around for the best deals on tarps or waterproof canvas.
Understanding Firewood Volume and Drying Time
Regardless of which storage method you choose, it’s essential to understand how to estimate firewood volume and drying time.
- Volume: Firewood is typically measured in cords. A standard cord is 128 cubic feet, usually stacked as a pile 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long. A face cord (also called a rick or stove cord) is typically 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but the width varies. Be sure to clarify the dimensions when purchasing firewood.
- Drying Time: The time it takes for firewood to season depends on the wood species, climate, and stacking method. As a general rule, hardwoods like oak and maple require at least 6 months to season, while softwoods like pine can dry in as little as 3 months. Ideally, the moisture content should be below 20% for optimal burning. You can use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of your firewood.
Formula for Estimating Firewood Volume:
- Volume (cubic feet) = Height (feet) x Width (feet) x Length (feet)
- To convert cubic feet to cords, divide the volume by 128.
Example: A pile of firewood that is 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 6 feet long has a volume of 96 cubic feet. This is equivalent to 0.75 cords (96 / 128 = 0.75).
Budgeting for Firewood and Storage: A Case Study
Let’s consider a hypothetical scenario: You live in the Northeastern United States and burn approximately 3 cords of firewood per winter. You’ve decided to build a lean-to against your garage for storage.
- Firewood Costs:
- 3 cords of seasoned oak @ $350 per cord = $1050
- Storage Costs (Lean-To):
- Salvaged lumber: $30
- Fasteners: $15
- Tarp: $40
- Total Storage Cost: $85
- Total Firewood and Storage Costs: $1135
This case study illustrates the importance of considering both the cost of firewood and the cost of storage when budgeting for winter heating. While the storage costs are relatively low compared to the firewood costs, they are still a significant factor to consider.
Global Considerations and Challenges
Small-scale loggers, firewood suppliers, and independent wood processors worldwide face unique challenges. In some regions, access to timber resources is limited, driving up prices. In other regions, strict environmental regulations can make it difficult to harvest firewood sustainably. Additionally, fluctuating fuel prices can impact transportation costs, further affecting firewood prices.
For example, in some parts of Africa, deforestation is a major problem, leading to scarcity of firewood and increased reliance on alternative fuels. In Europe, stricter forestry regulations and higher labor costs contribute to higher firewood prices.
Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps
- Assess your needs: Determine how much firewood you’ll need for the winter and choose a storage solution that fits your budget and space.
- Shop around: Compare prices for firewood and storage materials from different suppliers.
- Be creative: Look for opportunities to utilize recycled materials and salvage lumber.
- Plan ahead: Start sourcing firewood and building your storage solution well before the winter season.
- Maintain your storage: Regularly inspect your storage solution for damage and make repairs as needed.
Conclusion: A Warm Hearth, Without Burning a Hole in Your Pocket
Finding the right temporary deck enclosure for firewood storage is a balancing act. It’s about protecting your investment in firewood while keeping costs manageable. By considering the factors outlined above and implementing the pro tips I’ve shared, you can create a cost-effective and functional storage solution that will keep your firewood dry, seasoned, and ready to warm your home throughout the winter. Remember, a little planning and ingenuity can go a long way in achieving a warm hearth without burning a hole in your pocket. It’s a rewarding endeavor, and there’s a unique satisfaction in knowing you’ve prepared your own fuel for a cozy winter season.
