Storing firewood properly is just as important as choosing the right logs. One of the key factors in keeping firewood in top condition is airflow. Without good ventilation, even the best kiln-dried logs can deteriorate over time. Here’s why airflow matters and how to make sure your firewood stays dry, efficient, and Ready to Burn.

The Role of Airflow in Firewood Storage

Wood naturally absorbs and releases moisture depending on its surroundings. If logs are stacked in a damp, enclosed space with no airflow:

  • Moisture builds up inside the wood.
  • Logs become damp again, even if they were kiln-dried.
  • Mould, fungi, and rot can develop.

Airflow allows moisture to escape from the wood and the surrounding space, keeping logs dry and burn-ready for longer.

Benefits of Good Airflow

  1. Prevents Dampness
    • Circulating air stops condensation and keeps moisture levels low.
  2. Reduces Mould and Rot
    • Proper ventilation discourages mould spores and prevents wood from decaying.
  3. Maintains Ready to Burn Standard
    • Logs must remain at 20% moisture content or below. Airflow helps maintain this certification level.
  4. Improves Burning Quality
    • Well-ventilated, dry wood produces a hotter, cleaner, and more efficient fire.

How to Ensure Good Airflow in Your Log Storage

  • Elevate the Logs
    • Store wood off the ground using pallets or a raised log rack. This prevents damp rising and allows air to circulate underneath.
  • Leave Space Around the Stack
    • Don’t push logs tightly against walls. A few inches of space behind and to the sides improves ventilation.
  • Cover the Top, Not the Sides
    • Use a waterproof cover, roof, or tarp to shield from rain, but leave the sides open for airflow.
  • Choose the Right Location
    • Place your log store in a spot that gets natural breeze and some sunlight, avoiding shaded, damp corners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Wrapping logs in plastic or tarps completely – this traps moisture and encourages rot.
  • Stacking directly on soil or grass – ground dampness will seep into the wood.
  • Overfilling log stores – airflow is reduced if logs are packed too tightly.

Key Takeaway

Airflow is the secret to long-lasting, high-quality firewood. By storing your logs off the ground, with space for air to circulate, you’ll protect your fuel from dampness and keep it burning hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently.

👉 All of our kiln-dried logs are Ready to Burn certified, and with the right storage, they’ll stay that way season after season.

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