Can You Store Firewood In The Garage? (Find Out Now!)
Whether you have a fireplace or a firepit, there’s one thing you’ll need: firewood, and lots of it. Since you’ll need a lot of wood to build a fire, suffice to say you’ll also need a place to store it. There are plenty of places you can store your wood, but is your garage one of them?
Yes, your garage is a great place to store your firewood. It will keep it safe from snow and rain, so it stays dry and ready for whenever you need it. However, your garage will not receive much airflow, so it’s important to make sure your wood is dry enough before placing it in the garage.
Here’s everything you need to know about properly storing your firewood in your garage and in other places, too.
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How to Properly Store Firewood in Your Garage…
…If the Wood is Dry
Regardless of the state of your firewood, it’s important that you keep it off the ground for the best ventilation. You also need to properly stack the wood a bit away from the wall. This way, whatever airflow does exist can pass over it properly.
…If the Wood is Wet
Stacking wet wood in a place without a proper airflow will keep the wood wet, which will make it really hard to light when you want to use it. Before you put it in the garage, dry it out outside. If that’s not an option due to the weather, loosely stack the wood in your garage with a fan point directly at it.
Alternative Firewood Storage Options
There are countless ways you can store your firewood, some better than others. The key is being able to keep your wood ventilated while still providing coverage to keep it dry. We’ve gathered a few of our favorite options, so you can get creative if you don’t feel like simply stacking your firewood in the garage.
Pallet Storage Rack
Wood pallets are affordable and easy to construct. This rack will keep your wood off the ground and provide great airflow due to the open shafts of the pallet itself. However, it does have an open top, so if you plan to leave it outside, consider getting a tarp or cover for just the top layer of wood. It’s important to leave the sides open for maximum breathability. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Three Wood Pallets
- Four Wooden Planks
- A Drill & Some Screws
Outdoor Storage Bench
An outdoor storage bench is a perfect solution for any home, especially if you don’t have a lot of space in your yard. As the name says, this is a bench that will serve as outdoor seating for you and your guests. The catch is there is also a cubby hole underneath to store your firewood.
Window Well Holder
Another creative solution is to make a storage container out of window wells and a few boards. These containers feature a covered top but is open on the side, so your wood will receive proper ventilation. To top it off, you can split the circular holder into two sections, so you can separate out your kindling and the actual wood.
Seasoning Shed
If you have the space on your property, consider building a wood storage shed. Not only will you be able to organize your wood in a spot that is made exclusively for it, but it will also keep it dry during rainy seasons and the winter months.
Plus, seasoning sheds are designed to help dry out wood even faster than if they were left outside. This is because they still offer maximum airflow and natural light as well as a protective cover.
Indoor Log Holders and Racks
There are countless indoor firewood storage options from which you can choose to match your home’s aesthetic. These include metal and concrete log holders that keep your wood elevated on the floor and wood and copper racks to hang on the wall. The right choice for you will depend on your personal preference.
How You Should Not Store Your Wet Firewood
Depending on where you buy your firewood, it may already be damp. Even if you buy it dry, moisture in the air, storms, and snow can quickly change that. Wet firewood is not going to be very effective when you go to try and light it.
Even if you do eventually get it to ignite, it will be incredibly smoky and won’t burn as hot or as long as properly dried out wood.
You definitely don’t want this in an indoor space as that smoke can then cause breathing problems and ruin the walls, carpet, and furnishings in the room. Even for an outdoor fire, this excess smoke is not ideal. Mostly because it can be annoying for you and anyone sitting around it.
- Against the side of the house: This isn’t the worst option, but it’s still not great. Stacking firewood directly against the side of your house will restrict airflow, which can lead to mold and mildew. This also leaves the wood exposed to the elements like dew, rain, and snow.
- Completely covered: Covering the wood with a tarp with the sides covered is not a great idea if it’s wet. Again, it will completely block any air from getting to the wood, making it very difficult to dry out over time. However, draping a tarp over the top is not a bad idea.
- In an enclosed area: Storing wet wood in a completely enclosed area is one of the worst things you can do since there will be virtually no way for the wood to dry out. You can set up a fan, but it’s still not the best option.Â
Related Questions
What is the difference between green wood and seasoned wood?
Green wood comes directly from a living tree that still has moisture and sap. It is extremely new and has not had the time to season. Seasoned wood goes through a drying cycle, so it no longer has that naturally occurring moisture.
Should your wood be completely dry?
Actually, a little bit of moisture is good for your wood. The moisture will make the fire even hotter as it burns off. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to have about 15-20% moisture in your wood.
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Final Thoughts on Storing Firewood in Your Garage
When storing firewood in your garage, you can’t simply stack it just anywhere on the floor. After making sure it’s dry, stack the wood on an elevated platform and make sure not to push it all the way against the wall for the best ventilation.
Some garages also can get damp over time depending on the weather and levels of insulation. You should periodically check on it to make sure your wood stays dry when in storage. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself with a prepped firepit or place and no wood to burn.
I am a copywriter and editor based in the Las Vegas area with nearly a decade of experience under my belt writing landing pages, cost guides, blog posts, newsletters, case studies, and social media content. I have a degree in Strategic Communication and experience working in both the account and creative spheres. My goal is to always be discovering new interests and bettering myself as a writer and editor along the way.
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