Properly storing firewood is a crucial aspect of wood-burning stove maintenance. A well-built firewood shelter not only keeps your wood dry and ready for burning but also helps maintain its quality. In this guide, we’ll provide a clear and concise step-by-step approach to building an efficient firewood shelter that will protect your firewood from the elements.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
Before you start building your firewood shelter, gather the following materials and tools:
Materials:
- Pressure-treated lumber or rot-resistant posts
- Corrugated metal or shingles for the roof
- Gravel or crushed stone
- Concrete (optional)
- Concrete blocks (optional)
Tools:
- Tape measure
- Level
- Circular saw or handsaw
- Post hole digger or auger
- Shovel
- Screwdriver or drill
- Nails or screws
- Roofing nails or screws
- Roofing materials
- Hammer
Step 1: Choose the Location
Select a suitable location for your firewood shelter. It should be easily accessible from your home but not too close to prevent moisture buildup. Ensure it’s on a level surface and away from trees that might shed debris on the woodpile.
Step 2: Create a Base
Prepare the base of your firewood shelter. You have two primary options:
Gravel or Crushed Stone: This is the easiest and most common choice. Lay down a bed of gravel or crushed stone to improve drainage and prevent the wood from sitting directly on the ground.
Concrete: For a more permanent structure, you can pour a concrete slab. This offers a stable and long-lasting base but requires more effort.
Step 3: Set Posts or Build a Frame
Decide whether you want to use pressure-treated lumber for framing or simply set posts directly into the ground. Here are the steps for both options:
Setting Posts: Dig holes at least 18 inches deep and place pressure-treated lumber posts. Ensure they’re level and secure them with concrete or gravel. Space the posts appropriately for the size of your shelter.
Building a Frame: If you choose to use lumber, build a frame that matches the dimensions of your shelter. Ensure it’s level and secure it to the ground using concrete blocks or posts.
Step 4: Construct the Roof
Depending on your design preference and budget, you can use corrugated metal or shingles for the roof. Follow these steps:
Corrugated Metal Roof: Attach the metal sheets to the frame or posts using roofing screws or nails. Ensure they overlap correctly to prevent leaks.
Shingled Roof: If you opt for shingles, install them according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring proper overlap and secure fastening.
Step 5: Assemble the Shelter
Once the base and roof are in place, you can assemble the walls. You can choose to leave the sides open for better airflow or use lumber to create walls for added protection against the elements.
Step 6: Stack the Firewood
With your firewood shelter complete, start stacking your firewood inside. Stack the wood in rows, leaving space between the rows for air circulation. This allows the wood to dry properly and reduces the risk of mold or rot.
Conclusion
Building a firewood shelter is a practical and straightforward project that will preserve the quality of your firewood. By following these steps and choosing the right location, materials, and tools, you’ll ensure your firewood stays dry and ready for your wood-burning stove, enhancing its efficiency and extending its lifespan.