How to Store and Season Firewood the Right Way

Author: Sean Summers, NFI Master Hearth Certified Technician – WoodstovePro.com

Burning quality firewood makes a huge difference in how your fireplace or wood stove performs. Well-seasoned wood burns hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently—while wet or “green” wood produces excess smoke, low heat output, and dangerous creosote buildup inside your chimney. If you want the best results from your stove or fireplace, knowing how to properly store and season firewood is essential.

Here’s a simple guide to help you prepare the wood for your fireplace the right way, with tips on moisture content, stacking, cover placement, airflow, and drying time.

Why Seasoned Wood Matters

Seasoning is the process of drying freshly cut firewood until it reaches the right moisture content for burning.

• Seasoned wood has a moisture content of 20% or less
• Green wood often exceeds 40–60% moisture

Wood with high moisture takes more energy to burn off the water inside the log, reducing heat output and creating more smoke. Quality seasoned wood burns hotter, ignites easier, and helps your fireplace run at peak efficiency.

How Long Does Firewood Take to Season?

Most hardwoods need 6–12 months to season properly, depending on the species, climate, and how well they’re stacked.

Fastest-drying woods include:

• Ash
• Maple
• Birch

Denser hardwoods like oak and hickory may take a full year or more to reach ideal moisture content.

Tip #1: Split Your Wood Early

Whole rounds take much longer to dry. Splitting your firewood into various sizes (typically 3–6 inches in diameter) dramatically increases airflow and speeds drying. Smaller pieces ignite faster, while larger logs provide sustained heat.

Tip #2: Stack for Maximum Airflow

Airflow is critical. When stacking wood for fireplace use, try:

• Elevating the wood off the ground (pallets work great)
• Leaving space between rows
• Facing cut ends toward the wind
• Using a crisscross pattern on the ends to improve stability and airflow

Avoid sealing the wood in tight piles—air needs to circulate.

Tip #3: Cover Only the Top, Not the Sides

The biggest mistake many homeowners make is fully wrapping their wood piles.
 Correct method:

• Cover only the top to protect against rain
• Leave the sides exposed for airflow

A simple tarp, metal sheet, or wood cover works perfectly to prevent excess moisture without trapping humidity.

Tip #4: Keep Firewood Off the Ground

Ground moisture is one of the fastest ways to ruin a good stack. Elevate your pile on:

• Pallets
• Concrete blocks
• Pressure-treated runners
• A wood rack

This prevents rot, improves airflow, and helps reduce insect activity.

Tip #5: Use a Moisture Meter

The best way to confirm your firewood moisture content is with a simple moisture meter.

• Aim for 20% or less
• Test from the inside of a fresh split (not the outside surface)

This ensures you’re burning true seasoned wood and not just logs dried on the outside.

Tip #6: Store Close to the House, but Not Against It

It’s tempting to stack wood right against your exterior wall, but that can attract insects and trap moisture. Keep stacks at least a foot away from your siding and use a smaller indoor rack to store just a day or two of wood at a time.

Final Thoughts

Properly storing and seasoning firewood is one of the simplest ways to improve your fireplace experience. Dry, well-seasoned wood offers hotter burns, cleaner flames, and less creosote—keeping your home warmer and your chimney safer.

If you have questions about choosing the right wood for fireplace use or want advice on stove performance, our certified hearth experts are here to help. Contact us at 888-418-0005 or info@woodstovepro.com.