In this blog, we’ll talk about the best ways to store firewood outdoors, common mistakes to avoid and why investing in durable, weather-resistant storage can make all the difference. Whether you rely on firewood for heating or just love a crackling firepit on the weekends, these tips will help you keep your wood in top condition year-round.

Why Proper Firewood Storage Matters

So, why does proper firewood storage matter so much? We talked about it a little bit above, but to put it simply, quality wood makes for better fires! If your firewood is damp, moldy or even crawling with bugs, it’s not just frustrating–it also makes it hard to use, if not impossible. Why? Well, wet firewood takes longer to ignite, burns at a lower temperature and it actually produces more smoke. This means you're not going to get the amazingly cozy, crackling fire you hoped for. Plus, badly stored wood can attract unwanted pests like bugs and rodents. Gross!

The good news, though? Keeping your firewood in good condition isn’t terribly complicated. It really comes down to proper storage. Whether you're burning wood daily to heat your home or you're simply just enjoying the occasional bonfire, smart storage is key. Proper firewood storage allows you to have more hassle-free fires all season long. Let’s talk more about how to do that, though!

Best Practices for Firewood Storage

Alright, so how do you get started on properly storing firewood? Can’t you just leave firewood on the ground outside? Not exactly. While it might seem tempting and even easy to just toss your firewood in a pile and call it a day, you can't. By doing that, you'll most likely end up with damp, moldy logs that won’t burn well. Proper firewood storage is all about keeping it dry, pest-free and ready to use when you need it.

Pick the Right Spot

First things first, location truly matters. Firewood should be stored in a dry, elevated area with plenty of airflow. Stacking it directly on the ground traps moisture, which can lead to rot and attract bugs. Instead, use a firewood rack, pallets or even bricks to lift the wood off the ground. It’s also a good idea to keep your firewood pile a few feet away from your house or garage to avoid unwanted pests sneaking inside.

Stack Smart

How you stack your firewood makes a huge difference, too. You want to maximize airflow so the wood stays dry. First of all, you need to make sure that your logs are cut to a uniform size and avoid stacking them too tightly. This will keep them from falling over as easily since they’ll be more stable. There are a variety of ways to stack firewood, but the big thing is to make sure the pile is stable so it doesn’t hurt anyone and it is spaced properly. Air needs to flow through the pile to wick away moisture.

Cover, But Don’t Smother

While keeping your firewood dry should be the big goal, completely sealing it up can do a lot of harm too. A common mistake is covering firewood with a plastic tarp, which can trap moisture and lead to mold. Instead, opt for a roofed structure, firewood shed or a well-ventilated cover that protects the top while allowing airflow around the sides. This keeps rain and snow off your firewood while still letting the wood breathe.

By following these firewood storage tips, you’ll have dry, ready-to-burn firewood all season long. 

Outdoor Firewood Storage Solutions

When it comes to storing firewood outside, you’ve got a few options. Some are easier than others. The goal, though, is to keep your firewood dry, off the ground and protected from the elements while still allowing airflow. So, what’s the best way to do that? Let’s break down a few common firewood storage solutions.

1. Traditional Firewood Racks: A firewood rack is a simple option that keeps your wood neatly stacked and off the ground. These racks usually have an open design, which is great for airflow and helps the wood dry out properly. The downside? They don’t offer much protection from rain or snow, so you’ll need to place them under an overhang or use a cover that allows for ventilation. This can be a hassle.
2. DIY Firewood Sheds: If you’re an experienced builder, creating your own firewood shed might sound appealing. A DIY firewood shed would give you full control over size and design, allowing you to customize it to your taste. However, the building process takes a lot of time and effort. Even if you do it correctly, wooden sheds come with a lot of maintenance. If you go this route, make sure the shed has a solid roof, open sides for ventilation and a raised floor to keep wood off the ground.
3. Weather-Resistant Storage Sheds: The best option is a resin storage shed. It’s a low-maintenance, long-term solution that’s weather-resistant, ventilated, and even has an included shed floor. Unlike racks or DIY sheds, the durable resin firewood shed kits provide full protection from rain, snow and pests. Plus, they offer extra storage for tools, kindling and anything else you might want to keep dry. If you want a hassle-free way to store your firewood year-round, a high-quality resin storage shed is the way to go.

No matter which option you choose, the important part is making sure your firewood stays dry and ready to burn. Because let’s be honest, no one wants to fight with wet, smoky logs.

Why a Resin Keter Storage Shed Is the Best Choice

As we mentioned, a resin storage shed is the best firewood shed out there. Why do we think so? Well, for a number of reasons. The first is that resin sheds, like ours from Keter, come in kits that only require easy assembly with basic tools. You can have a structurally sound shed built in no time. So, there’s no planning or running back and forth from the home improvement store to get more and more materials–driving the price tag up. Get a Keter firewood shed kit that can be easily assembled in a day or two. 

Resin sheds are also weather-resistant. So, they stand up to the elements and will not be damaged. This also means low to no maintenance. Just hose it off every once in a while. You won’t get that with wood or metal sheds. Keter sheds are also extremely durable and come in three sizes: small, medium and large. Many of our sheds also have built-in ventilation, and some even feature skylights or windows, like the Newton Plus 7.5x11 storage shed. Our sheds also come with floors, which could help keep firewood out of the dirt and moisture.

There are so many reasons why a Keter resin shed is the perfect firewood storage solution. 

Proper firewood storage is so important when it comes to having a cozy fire that’s pest-free! The best solution in our book is getting a Keter storage shed. Our sheds would make great firewood storage sheds for the many reasons we’ve mentioned above.

Shop all of our sheds on Keter.com!