do you need to cover firewood to season

Must You Cover Firewood to Season Perfectly?

By Laura JonesMarch 25, 2026

Seasoning firewood is a crucial process that improves its burn efficiency and reduces the smoke and creosote it produces. But as a wood burner, you might be wondering, 'Do I need to cover firewood to season?' The short answer is: it depends. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of seasoning firewood and explore whether covering it is necessary.

Seasoning is essentially drying out the firewood by exposing it to the elements, which helps to reduce its moisture content. Freshly cut wood usually has a moisture content of 45-60%, but for optimal burning, this should be reduced to around 20%. This drying process can take anywhere from six months to a year, depending on the species of wood and your climate.

The Benefits of Covering Firewood

While sun and wind are the best natural dryers, covering firewood has its advantages. It can protect the wood from excessive rain, snow, or heat, preserving its quality and preventing mold or decay. So, in areas with harsh weather conditions, covering firewood can indeed be beneficial.

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Covering can also help maintain the wood's bark, which can otherwise peel off due to sun and wind exposure. The bark plays a protective role, preventing the inner wood from absorbing moisture.

When and How to Cover Firewood

If you decide to cover your firewood, it's crucial to do so correctly. A proper covering should allow for plenty of air circulation, preventing the wood from staying damp. Here's how to do it:

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Best - How to Build a Simple Firewood Shed That Keeps Wood Dry All Year A well-built firewood shed is one of the best investments for anyone who heats with wood or enjoys outdoor fire pits. By protecting firewood from rain while allowing plenty of airflow, you can keep your wood dry, organized, and ready to burn whenever you need it. Why Store Firewood Properly? Proper storage helps wood season faster and burn more efficiently. Benefits include: Drier firewood. Easier lighting. Less smoke. Higher heat output. Reduced mold and rot. Keeping wood off the ground also discourages insects and moisture damage. Choose the Right Location Place your woodshed where it receives good airflow and plenty of sunlight. A good location should: Be on well-drained ground. Stay away from standing water. Be easy to access year-round. Sit a few feet from your home for safety. Allow wind to circulate through the stack. Good ventilation is just as important as keeping rain off the wood. Build a Strong Foundation Never stack firewood directly on bare soil. Instead, use: Gravel for drainage. Concrete blocks. Pressure-treated runners. Wooden pallets. Raised timber beams. Keeping the bottom layer elevated prevents moisture from wicking into the wood. Install a Durable Roof The roof is the most important part of the structure because it protects the wood from rain and snow. Popular roofing materials include: Corrugated metal panels. Asphalt shingles. Polycarbonate sheets. Treated plywood with roofing felt. A sloped roof helps water run off quickly. Leave the Sides Open Unlike a fully enclosed shed, a woodshed should allow air to move freely. Good airflow helps: Speed up seasoning. Reduce mold growth. Prevent trapped moisture. Keep wood dry throughout the year. Partial side panels are fine, but avoid sealing the structure completely. Stack Firewood Correctly Neat stacking improves stability and ventilation. Helpful tips: Stack bark-side up when exposed to rain. Keep rows straight. Leave small gaps for airflow. Separate freshly cut wood from seasoned wood. Avoid stacking higher than is safely stable. Rotating your oldest firewood to the front ensures it gets used first. Maintain Your Woodshed A quick inspection every season keeps the shed in excellent condition. Check for: Loose roofing. Rotten boards. Insect damage. Drainage problems. Leaning wood stacks. Simple maintenance will extend the life of both the shed and your firewood. Final Thoughts A simple firewood shed doesn't need to be expensive to be effective. With a solid raised base, a weatherproof roof, and plenty of ventilation, you can keep your firewood dry, organized, and ready for cozy fires throughout the year while protecting it from the elements. | Facebook

Use a tarp or a shelter that allows ventilation. Waterproof tarps are suitable for preventing rain, but they can trap moisture, causing the wood to rot. It's best to use a tarp that allows some airflow or a shelter with openings. Additionally, ensure the wood is off the ground to prevent moisture from seeping up.

When Not to Cover Firewood

In some cases, covering firewood may not be necessary or even beneficial. If you live in a dry, sunny climate, the sun can dry the wood effectively. Moreover, excessive covering can trap heat and humidity, which can accelerate decay or attract pests.

Also, covering firewood doesn't speed up the drying process. Even under the best conditions, seasoning takes time, and excessive covering might only impede this natural process.

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The Importance of Stacking Firewood Correctly

Regardless of whether you choose to cover your firewood, correct stacking is essential for adequate seasoning. Properly stacked wood allows for air to flow freely around each piece, facilitating the drying process.

Here's how to stack firewood correctly:

Keep wood off the ground to prevent moisture from being absorbed.
Stack in rows, with each row slightly shorter than the one before it, to create a 'stair-step' effect that allows for better air circulation.
Avoid over-stacking, as this can trap heat and moisture, hindering the drying process.

Monitoring the Moisture Content

Regardless of whether you decide to cover or uncover your firewood, it's essential to monitor its moisture content. This can be done using a moisture meter, which is a simple, inexpensive tool that provides an accurate reading of the wood's moisture level.

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Once the moisture content is below 20%, your firewood is ready for use. However, if the moisture content is still high, you might need to rethink your seasoning strategy, adjusting the covering or stacking accordingly.

The decision to cover firewood is not a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends largely on your climate and wood species. But regardless of whether you choose to cover your firewood or not, remember that seasoning is a critical process that ensures you have efficient, clean, and safe fires.