How to Store Firewood Outside in Winter

If you rely on a wood-burning stove, log burner, or open fire, keeping your firewood in good condition through winter is essential, as damp, frozen, or mouldy logs not only burn poorly, but they could even damage your stove or release excess smoke. The way you store your logs makes a huge difference to how well they dry, how long they last, and how easily you can access them when the weather turns cold.

In this guide from Tarpaflex, we look at the best ways to store firewood outside in winter, what materials you can use to protect your wood, and answer some common questions about outdoor log storage in the UK.

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Can You Store Firewood Outside in Winter?

Generally speaking, you can safely store your firewood outside all year round, provided certain precautions are taken when the weather takes a turn for the worst. Most households don’t have the indoor space to keep large amounts of wood, so outdoor storage is the most practical choice - the key, however, is to ensure that your logs are kept dry and properly ventilated.

Logs that are left exposed to the elements quickly absorb rain and frost, making them difficult to light and inefficient to burn. Worse still, prolonged damp conditions can lead to rot, mould growth, or even insect infestations. To avoid this, you will need a combination of a good storage location, airflow, and the right cover.

How to Store Firewood Outside in the UK

British winters can be particularly challenging for outdoor storage thanks to our mix of rain, frost, and occasional snow. The best solution is to raise your firewood off the ground and keep it loosely stacked with air gaps between the logs, which can prevent moisture from the soil seeping into the bottom of your pile, and allow air to circulate - which is essential for keeping wood dry.

Many people use a simple covered wooden pallet, but you can also invest in a log store with slatted sides. The slats of a pallet allow air to flow through while still keeping your logs stacked securely - make sure to position the pile in a sheltered spot, ideally with a wall or fence to provide wind protection if it is not covered.

Covering the top of your firewood stack is incredibly important. Tarpaulins or purpose made pallet covers are a cost-effective option, as they create a waterproof barrier that shields your logs from rain and snow. If you choose to cover your logs with tarpaulin, it is best practice to ensure you leave the sides slightly open, which helps to avoid trapping moisture underneath the cover, and potentially prevents the logs from seasoning and encourages mould growth. A heavy duty tarpaulin from Tarpaflex is perfect for this, as they are durable enough to withstand strong winds and repeated use throughout the season.

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Need help protecting your plants or garden? Read our blog on How to Protect Your Plants in Winter

How to Properly Store Firewood Outside

Proper storage comes down to 3 key principles: Ventilation, elevation, and protection. Your logs need to be raised above ground, protected from direct rain or snow, and exposed enough to allow airflow and prevent dampness. If you are stacking your firewood against a wall, leave a small gap at the back so air can circulate.

When storing large amounts of wood, consider dividing your stack into smaller sections, which not only makes it easier to access, but also helps airflow reach more of the logs. Rotating your supply is also a good habit - use the oldest, driest logs first, then stack newer ones separately to allow them to season fully before use.

For extra protection in particularly harsh winters, you can choose to use hessian sheets as breathable covers which, unlike plastic, allow some airflow white still shielding the logs from frost. 

If you would like a natural, eco-friendly option for covering woodpiles, try Tarpaflex’s hessian rolls.

How Long Can Firewood Be Stored Outside?

The length of time firewood can be stored outside depends on whether it is already seasoned. Properly seasoned logs, which have been dried for around 12-24 months, can be stored outside for years as long as they’re kept off ground and covered on the top. Unseasoned logs will need a longer period to dry out, and leaving them exposed to the elements during winter can slow down the process significantly.

In general, if your storage setup is good, you should have no problem keeping firewood outside for multiple winters. Just keep an eye on the condition of your logs and rotate them regularly so older stock doesn’t sit unused at the bottom of the pile.

Final Thoughts

Storing firewood outside in winter doesn’t need to be complicated, but the right protection makes all the difference. By keeping your logs off the ground, allowing good airflow, and shielding them from rain and frost, you’ll have dry, ready-to-burn wood whenever you need it.

At Tarpaflex, we stock a range of practical solutions to help you protect your firewood all year round. Our tarpaulins provide a tough waterproof cover to keep rain and snow at bay, while hessian sheets offer a breathable alternative that prevents frost without trapping moisture. For tying down covers securely, our rope is a simple and durable option.

If you’re preparing your garden or woodpile for the colder months, browse Tarpaflex’s range of tarpaulins and hessian rolls today and make sure your firewood stays in perfect condition throughout the winter.