When you buy firewood for your outdoor firepit this summer, you will inevitably be faced with an important question: Where should you store the firewood? Your natural inclination may be to just stack it up next to the firepit, the way you would if you were on a camping trip. However, that may not actually be the best approach when it comes to storing firewood for your backyard get-togethers. Both outdoor and indoor storage are appropriate for kiln-dried firewood storage, but there are still certain things you should keep in mind as you consider the different storage approaches. Read on to learn more about storing the firewood for your firepit this summer.
Outdoor Storage: Keeping Your Kiln-Dried Firewood in Good Shape
Outdoor storage is the more intuitive (and sometimes the more convenient) option for kiln-dried firewood storage, but there are a few things you have to do to keep your firewood in good shape. Kiln-dried firewood from Cutting Edge Firewood is guaranteed mold-free and pest-free when you pick it up (or when it is delivered to your door), but it will not necessarily stay that way if you do not take the right steps to store it properly.
When it comes to storing firewood outdoors, the most important thing to remember is that you need to keep it off the ground. Even when you buy the highest quality kiln-dried firewood, things can quickly go wrong if you just dump it on the grass or soil next to your firepit. Exposure to the ground and to the elements (namely, rain and humidity) causes moisture to accumulate in the wood, which can attract insects and support mold growth. Moreover, as time starts to pass, the moisture itself will start to take a toll on the integrity of your firewood: eventually, it will start to rot.
Nevertheless, if you simply don’t have room in your house for a pile of firewood, there are still ways to maintain the quality of your firewood: namely, storing it on a firewood rack and keeping it covered. With a firewood rack, you can ensure that your firewood will not be affected by the moisture in the soil, and with a waterproof cover like a tarp, you can protect it from the rain and the muggy Atlanta-area air, even on the most humid days.
Indoor Firewood Storage: A Surprisingly Sensible Option
You may find that storing firewood in the house is more convenient, even if it means you have to carry it out when you’re ready to light your fire. That’s especially true if you get your kiln-dried firewood delivered right to your door by Cutting Edge Firewood, since you can just carry it straight into your house. Two of the most common locations for firewood storage are the garage and the basement. Again, as with outdoor firewood storage, you do have to be careful to ensure that your kiln-dried firewood will not be exposed to moisture when you store it in the house.
If you’re worried that your firewood will bring pests your mold into your home, rest assured that you don’t need to be--as long as you choose kiln-dried firewood. The lack of moisture in this firewood option ensures that mold spores can’t survive, and Cutting Edge Firewood guarantees that your firewood will not be infested with insects and pests before you even get it into your home. The same cannot be said for standard store-bought firewood, so if you’re going to store your firewood indoors, kiln-dried firewood is the way to go. Otherwise, there’s a risk that unwanted pests or mold could spread from your garage or your basement into your main living area, which can become a major hassle for you and your family.
Displaying Your Firewood Indoors or Outdoors
Kiln-dried firewood isn’t just clean and pest-free: it’s also beautiful. As a result, you may want to think about displaying it in your home or your yard. When displayed inside, kiln-dried firewood options like oak and hickory can give you home a more rustic feel, and they are a great conversation starter for house guests. Similarly, a firewood display can improve the aesthetic of your hard. However, you do have to be careful, since leaving your firewood open to the elements can lead to damage, as we discussed above. Instead, choose a custom firewood rack, which can simultaneously protect your firewood and impress anyone who sees it in your yard.
If you decide to put your kiln-dried firewood on display this summer, don’t forget to take a photo and tag Cutting Edge Firewood on Instagram to show it off! We also love to see pictures of you and your family enjoying summer evenings around the firepit--regardless of your preference for indoor or outdoor storage. For more information about the high-quality kiln-dried firewood and beautiful custom racks we offer, contact us today!
