Firewood Storage

2008-02-18 11:49:14

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Importance of Proper Firewood Storage

If you live near a wooded area, firewood is a very economical heating alternative, provided you have a well-built fireplace. Firewood is also a good substitute for natural gas or electricity as an effective way to cook food.

Since firewood comes from trees, almost half of the wood is moisture. Moisture prevents the wood from burning properly and evenly, and gives off an unpleasant mossy smell at times. Besides, the fire will go out more easily if the wood is too damp.

Many people tend to just pile up all the firewood that they have gathered and chopped, but stacking them in neat piles is not enough. If the wood pile is outdoors, it will still be subject to weather and temperature conditions which affect the wood's combustibility. Moreover, an open wood pile will be too vulnerable to catching fire either because of extremely high temperatures or even through someone's carelessness.

You want to adequately condition or season the firewood first before using it. To do this, you need a proper firewood storage area in your property.

Easy Tips for Building Firewood Storage

Before even getting materials to build your firewood storage area, you need to find the right place for it. A good spot would be a sunny dry area nearest your kitchen door or porch where air can circulate freely. It should also be close enough for you to access especially during bad or extremely cold weather.

The size of the structure depends on your preference. Generally, a 2x4 storage structure should be adequate for most homes.

You need to find the right materials to build the storage structure. You can use the same materials as for log furniture, or if you're pretty handy, a concrete or metal structure would also be ideal. You can even use decorative materials such as brick, or paint and design the storage structure especially if it's located on a visible spot near your home.

Make sure that you are following reliable instructions for building the firewood storage. You not only need the basic storage frame and lid, but also a sturdy firewood storage rack. The rack will keep the firewood blocks off the ground and enables them to get dry and seasoned faster. It also keeps insects from accessing the cut wood. You can make racks out of wood, or buy steel frames from the hardware.

Maintaining Your Firewood Storage Structure

Regularly check the storage area for any signs of damage or wear and tear. The lid should be able to close properly, and the firewood storage rack should not have any breaks. Replace any broken or rusted parts to prevent injury as you take out wood from the storage area to your hearth.

Always make sure that the wood you store is in good condition, without any diseased or moldy spots.


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