Store Your Firewood to Keep It Dry
So, you’ve bought your logs early (smart move!) and stocked up for winter. Well done! But now comes the tricky bit: storing them so they actually stay dry. Nothing’s worse than prepping for cosy nights in Sunderland, Durham, Seaham, or Easington, only to find soggy logs that refuse to light.
At DIY Supplies North East, we see this all the time – customers buy top-quality firewood, then make a few simple mistakes in storage that ruin it. Follow these tips and you’ll have perfect logs all season long.
1. Pick the Right Spot
The first rule of storing firewood is: location matters.
- Sheltered, but ventilated: Avoid damp sheds or garages where air can’t circulate. A lean-to, carport or a simple log store works best.
- Off the ground: Place logs on wooden pallets, concrete blocks or planks. If you leave them on bare soil, they’ll start absorbing moisture from the ground.
- Sun exposure: If possible, face the open side of your log stack south or east. Morning sun and wind help keep logs dry. Avoid north-facing spots that rarely get sunlight.
For homes in smaller towns like Murton or Shotton Colliery, even a vertical log stack against a wall can do the job. The key is keeping airflow moving through the logs while shielding them from rain.
2. Stack Smartly
How you stack logs affects how well they dry:
- Loosely, but steady: Don’t pack logs too tight. Leave small gaps so air can circulate.
- Organise by age: Place older, already-seasoned logs at the front, newer logs at the back. This “first in, first out” system ensures you’re burning properly dried wood first.
- Height matters: Stack no higher than you can safely reach – around 1.5 metres is sensible. Too high and the stack becomes unstable.
Some of our customers from Easington and Seaham even make DIY A-frame log stores using scrap wood or pallets – simple, cheap, and effective.
3. Cover, But Don’t Seal
It’s tempting to throw a tarpaulin over your logs and tie it tight. Don’t. Fully sealing the stack traps moisture, leading to mould or rot. Instead:
- Use a waterproof cover on the top only.
- Leave the sides open for air circulation.
- If it’s windy, secure the top to prevent it blowing away, but still allow air movement.
Remember, logs dry better with airflow, not without.
4. Check Moisture Regularly
Even seasoned logs can absorb moisture if stored incorrectly. A simple moisture meter works wonders. Ideally, firewood should be below 20% moisture content.
No meter? A few old-school tricks work too:
- Knock two logs together – a dry log sounds sharp, a wet log thuds.
- Check the ends of the logs for cracking – dry wood tends to split slightly.
Customers in Sunderland and Durham who check their logs monthly rarely have lighting problems all winter. Trust us, it’s worth the extra minute.
5. Keep Kindling Separate
Stacking your logs is important, but don’t forget the smaller pieces of wood and firelighters. Store them in a dry box or small shed so they’re ready for lighting the fire. Damp kindling can make starting a fire frustrating, even if your main logs are perfectly dry.
6. Avoid Common Mistakes
Here are a few errors we often see in North East homes:
- Piling directly on soil – moisture wicks up from the ground.
- Wrapping tightly in plastic – suffocates the wood and causes mould.
- Storing in full shade – no sun, slower drying.
- Stacking too close to walls – limits airflow, especially in garages or sheds.
If you live near the coast, like in Seaham or Easington, the damp air can be a real problem. Extra ventilation or a double-layer cover is sometimes needed to keep your logs dry.
7. Seasonal Rotation
Even if you buy early (April to June), it’s wise to rotate your wood during the summer and autumn. Move the older logs forward and the newly seasoned ones behind. This keeps the firewood ready-to-burn and reduces the risk of mould forming in the middle of the stack.
We’ve seen clever DIYers in Murton and Peterlee mark their logs with chalk or paint to track which ones are seasoned – simple, but effective.
8. Indoor Storage Tips
If you have a wood-burning stove in your kitchen or living room:
- Keep only a small amount inside at a time – enough for a few days.
- Store it on a tray or container to catch falling bark or dust.
- Never bring in logs that are damp; they’ll create smoke and soot inside.
This is particularly important in older homes in Durham or Sunderland where ventilation might be limited.
9. Local Weather Considerations
The North East’s weather can be unpredictable. A few weeks of heavy rain in October can leave outdoor logs damp if not covered properly. That’s why early storage and checking moisture is essential.
Customers in smaller towns like Shotton Colliery, Wingate, or Castle Eden often find a simple raised, covered stack plus occasional rotation is all they need to keep wood dry, even in wet winters.
10. Using DG Supplies North East for Advice
At DG Supplies North East, we’re not just about selling logs – we love helping locals store and use them properly. Whether you’re in Seaham, Durham, Sunderland, or a smaller village like Horden, we can give tips on storage, kiln-dried vs seasoned logs, and even how to build simple DIY log stores.
We’ve been serving the North East for years, so we understand the quirks of local weather, space constraints, and practical storage solutions. Our team is always happy to chat if you’re unsure where to start.