Fireplace Log Rack

Make that fireplace work much better with proper firewood storage. 


Be it the time or money spent to acquire it, firewood is a valuable investment that must be protected. For this reason, good firewood storage is critical. With the proper storage, firewood produces more heat, less smoke and even sounds better when burning. 
 
Reasons for firewood storage
Creating good firewood is a lot more than just cutting up some trees and throwing them on the fire. Firewood first needs to be seasoned (see firewood essentials for more info). It also needs to be stored in the right way both to help it properly season as well as keep it from spoiling and ready to burn when needed. Failing to take proper care of wood can prevent it from producing a good heat at best and ruin it at worst.

Poorly stored firewood
Wood has to have the right moisture content to produce the ideal fire. Properly storing firewood allows for good seasoning and keeps new moisture from seeping in. When proper moisture content is not maintained, fungi can grow and wood may rot. Apart from wasting a good resource and preventing one from properly enjoying their fireplace, this can also potentially pose a health hazard.

Furthermore, firewood that has not been stored properly can become dirty and infested with insects. This will bring undesired things into the home with the firewood.

Properly storing firewood
Ideally, firewood should be kept in a firewood storage shed after it first has been seasoned. However, firewood storage sheds constructed to allow proper airflow can be used to season green wood too if it is given more time. Basically, the storage shed will keep the wood away from the ground and the rain off while allowing air flow. Sheds will also aid in proper stacking. Being relatively simple structures, they can be put up without breaking the bank and free instructions for the DIY crowd can be found online.

Outdoor firewood racks
While a log rack is not as complete as having a roof over the wood, they still can serve very useful functions. By keeping the wood off the ground and properly stacked, the proper rack will carry out many of the same functions as a shed. For added protection, firewood covers can be used as needed.

Some general points when storing firewood:

Find a good location
Ideally, firewood should be stored in a place which is conveniently close to the house but not so near that the pests and critters that sometimes make their homes in firewood might cause problems. Dead wood is naturally attractive to insects, funguses and other things people do not like to get close to. Find the best balance possible and try to avoid stacking it against the house.  

Do not just pile and cover
Many people make the mistake of just piling up firewood and covering it with some kind of a tarp. When this is done, moisture from the wood and ground can become trapped. The environment under the cover can then become almost like a sauna. Wood kept like this will not dry properly and may even rot.

Remember air circulation
Firewood should always be stacked properly to allow air circulation both to season it and keep it dry. Green wood, in particular, should be kept in a way that allows both air circulation and exposure to the sun. Only cover wood after it has dried.

Keep it off the ground
Firewood that is not kept off the ground can rot, pick up insects, get dirty and of course will not dry or burn nicely.