Storing wood in your house effectively means prioritizing safety, cleanliness, and the quality of the wood itself. The best practice is to bring inside only the amount of seasoned firewood you need for about the next two days, ensuring it is aged or dried to have less than 20% moisture content, and store it off the floor, preferably in a dedicated firewood rack.
Why Limit Indoor Firewood Storage?
While a stack of wood can be aesthetically pleasing, limiting the quantity stored indoors is crucial for several reasons:
- Pest Control: Firewood can harbor insects like spiders, carpenter ants, and even termites. Bringing large quantities inside increases the risk of these pests establishing themselves in your home.
- Dust and Debris: Firewood naturally carries dirt, bark, and small wood fragments, which can create a mess and contribute to indoor dust.
- Safety: Large, unstable stacks can pose a tipping hazard, especially in active households. Storing only a manageable amount minimizes this risk.
- Moisture Content: Even seasoned wood can absorb ambient moisture if left indoors for too long, potentially reducing its burning efficiency.
The Importance of Seasoned Wood
Before bringing any wood indoors, it's vital to ensure it is well-seasoned. Seasoned wood has been dried for 6-12 months (or even longer for hardwoods) and has a moisture content below 20%.
How to Identify Seasoned Firewood:
- Appearance: Darker in color, often with cracks or checks at the ends.
- Weight: Lighter than green wood of the same size.
- Sound: Produces a hollow sound when two pieces are clapped together.
- Smell: Has a faint, woody aroma, not a strong, sappy scent.
- Moisture Meter: For precision, use a firewood moisture meter to confirm the moisture content is below 20%.
Using seasoned wood is critical for efficient burning, reducing creosote buildup in your chimney, and preventing excessive smoke. Ensure your main outdoor firewood stack is kept dry and receives sunlight to aid in the seasoning process.
Ideal Indoor Storage Solutions
Once you have your two-day supply of dry, seasoned wood, the next step is proper storage. The key is to keep it off the floor and contained.
Recommended Indoor Storage Options:
- Firewood Racks: These are purpose-built structures, often made of metal or decorative wood, designed to hold logs neatly. They keep wood elevated, promoting airflow and preventing moisture transfer from the floor.
- Benefits: Sturdy, organized, available in various styles to match decor.
- Considerations: Can be bulky, ensure stability.
- Decorative Baskets or Bins: Woven baskets, metal bins, or sturdy canvas carriers can hold smaller quantities of wood.
- Benefits: Aesthetically pleasing, portable, good for smaller homes or less frequent fires.
- Considerations: Must be strong enough to bear weight, some may not keep wood completely off the floor without an insert.
- Built-in Niches or Alcoves: If your home has a fireplace or wood stove, you might have a dedicated recessed area for firewood storage.
- Benefits: Seamless integration with home design, saves floor space.
- Considerations: Ensure adequate ventilation and cleanliness, may require a liner to protect the interior finish.
Storage Product Comparison
| Storage Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Rack | Durable, excellent airflow, various designs | Can be heavy, may scratch floors if not padded | Modern homes, frequent fires, larger quantities |
| Decorative Basket | Stylish, portable, hides wood | Less airflow, may not lift wood high enough, limits quantity | Occasional fires, cozy aesthetics, smaller spaces |
| Built-in Niche | Integrated design, space-saving, custom look | Permanent, requires good cleaning, potential for dust accumulation | Custom homes, dedicated fireplace areas |
| Log Holder/Carrier | Small capacity, easy to transport wood from outside | Limited storage, primarily for transport, not long-term storage | Bringing small batches in, next to stove |
Placement and Maintenance Tips
- Location: Place your indoor firewood storage near your fireplace or wood stove for convenience, but not too close to avoid any fire hazards. A distance of at least 18 inches (45 cm) is generally recommended, but always check your stove or fireplace manufacturer's guidelines.
- Airflow: Ensure there's some airflow around the wood to prevent any potential moisture buildup.
- Cleanliness: Regularly sweep or vacuum around your indoor wood storage to remove bark, dust, and any stray insect activity. This keeps your living space tidy and discourages pests.
- Pest Check: Before bringing wood inside, give each piece a quick visual inspection for any signs of insects. A gentle tap on a hard surface can dislodge any loose critters.
By following these guidelines, you can safely and conveniently store a small supply of firewood indoors, ready for a warm and cozy fire.
