Storing firewood in the house is a pressing issue for all owners of stoves and fireplaces. This point needs to be carefully considered in advance, since many factors depend on it: the quality of the firebox and the combustion of wood, the preservation of heat in the room and the ease of maintaining it. The ideal option is a firewood shed located outside. In such a place, the wood remains dry and well ventilated for a long time; fungi and mold will not appear on it. But if the size of the plot does not allow organizing this storage method, there are other equally convenient solutions. There are many locations for firewood, the most important thing is to ensure sufficient dryness and air exchange.
Cage
This method of laying is suitable for long, even firewood: each top layer of logs must be laid perpendicular to the bottom, that is, crosswise. Experts believe that fuel is stored longer this way due to good air circulation.
The photo shows firewood stacked in a cage. Slate and pallets serve as pallets. The wood in the woodpile dries well, as it is located on the sunny side.
The method of laying firewood in a cage is suitable for constructing woodpiles of “wells”, which serve as reliable supports. Firewood stacked on top of each other (that is, in parallel) is unstable, and the destruction of the woodpile threatens damage to the material and wasted effort. Cross-shaped wells on the sides or inside the stacks give them stability.
By the Wall
Without a separate firewood rack, many owners of village and country houses prefer to store fuel near the wall. This method is convenient because one side has a strong support, and the rest are open for ventilation. The walls of a house or barn are often used as a base. A small woodpile can also be placed near the bathhouse in order to have fuel reserves nearby.
The photo shows a wall-mounted woodpile located under the stairs. Thanks to this solution, the firewood is protected, and the space is used as rationally as possible.
Before stacking firewood in a wall woodpile, we advise you to insulate it in any suitable way: insulation will protect the wall from insects and rodents that can move into a house made of wood material.
Rules for storing firewood
The main difficulty is to stack the logs correctly. While most are uneven and won't form a tight seal, poor pre-drying can lead to mold and mildew. As a result, the value of such fuel will decrease significantly.
After cutting the logs and splitting them, it is recommended to keep the firewood in the open air for at least several weeks - for drying and airing. If the weather was damp, the period increases. Only after this the firewood can be stacked, following the basic rules:
- Protection from rain and snow. The most reliable option is a special woodshed or at least a shed near the wall. If this is not available, cover the woodpile with sheets of slate, roofing felt or film.
Use a canopy to protect firewood from rain - Ventilation. A significant factor for the safety of fuel, take it into account when constructing a special storage facility. If using film, cover only 1 or 2 sides. Try not to stack the firewood tightly together, but leave an air gap. This will ensure the best ventilation for the wood.
Leave air gaps between the firewood for better ventilation - Safety. Do not install storage near a barbecue or fire pit, where a stray spark could cause a fire.
- A solid foundation. Storing firewood on the ground is unacceptable - moisture can collect below, and ventilation should also be from below.
- Sustainability. Make the woodpile reliable - if there is no support, lay crossbars without worrying about the beauty of the structure.
Attention! If you collect wood fuel several times a year, put it in different places or certain sections of the woodshed - this way you will know where the driest firewood is.
Near the fence
In a similar way, you can put firewood in a woodpile not far from the fence. In this case, the owner of the fence must himself determine the degree of benefit of this option and the possible risks. If the fence is unstable, a high woodpile can break the structure.
The firewood will be dry if you leave a few centimeters between it and the fence. The same rule should be followed if you need to fold the woodpile in two rows. For stability, it is worth using strong stakes on the sides, and if it was not possible to prepare them, stacking the firewood in a cage will help.
The photo shows a fence with built-in niches for firewood. The woodpile not only forms part of the fence, but also adds a decorative touch to the design.
Specifications and prices
A device for storing firewood in the form of an original stand can highlight the style of the living room, create an aura of comfort and be useful for many years; it can be described by the following parameters:
- Dimensions . The height, width and depth of the product are indicated.
- Weight . Mobile indoor models made of metal weigh 3-5 kg.
- Material . Factory products are usually made of steel.
- Preparation method . The best option is cold forging, in which the metal does not lose strength.
- Protection . Steel (or cast iron) can be painted or powder coated.
- Color . The firewood can be completely black or additionally have a bronze, copper or silver patina.
- Country of Origin . Models of domestic production, as well as from Germany and China, are common on the market.
- Equipment . Floor-standing firewood stands are complemented by shelves, while portable ones are equipped with a convenient handle.
- Equipment . Popular models include a fireplace set consisting of a poker, brush and dustpan (sometimes the set includes tongs).
With forged ornaments Source tutkamin.ru
A fireplace and a tastefully selected accessory will create an original ensemble that complements the decor of the living room. You should purchase a firewood stand from a specialized store that provides a quality guarantee for the firewood stand; You can buy a similar accessory in Moscow at the following prices (average values are indicated):
- Firewood for a summer residence . 250x600x370 mm, metal, weight 3 kg, 1400-1500 rub.
- Firewood holder . 440x350x630 mm, metal, weight 6 kg, 1950-2200 rub.
- Firewood stand (curved sheet) . 415x280x3900 mm, metal, weight 5 kg, 3000-3300 rub.
- Carrying firewood box (China) . 520x370x370 mm, steel, 1 kg, 3000-3100 rub.
- Drovnik, carrying firewood (Russia) . 550x400x300 mm, 3.5 kg, handle, 4900-5150 rub.
- Forged firewood box with set (Russia) . 640x480x400 mm, 8 kg (forged steel), included stoker, scoop, brush, 7500-7800 rub.
- Drovnitsa (Germany, openwork forging) . 4-6 kg, 16-18 thousand rubles, depending on the model.
- Firewood box (Germany, in the form of a box with handles for carrying) . 400x390x410 mm, 7.2 kg, 34-35 thousand rubles.
Firewood box with fireplace set Source pechiexpert.ru
Round
The firewood rack in the form of a circle adds sophistication to the site and fits harmoniously into any landscape design. The structure can be solid or divided by shelves on which firewood, chips and cuttings of boards are stacked. The round woodpile is well protected from moisture by its shape.
In addition to finished products, summer residents often use homemade firewood burners from metal 200-liter barrels, sawing them into three parts, painting them and placing fuel in them. The lightweight structure can be mounted on the wall, making a compact mini-woodshed: in a small area this is an excellent solution that will save space.
In the photo, a hanging firewood burner for small scraps, made by yourself.
Where to store firewood at the dacha
Unlike permanent residents, summer residents visit the site only periodically. Therefore, with regard to fuel, the main issue is safety. There may be several options:
- You live in the country permanently. During the season, firewood can be stored anywhere, just provide protection from moisture.
- You come periodically. If you have good neighbors who live in the country, you can store fuel outside.
- You are rarely at the dacha or the winter season is approaching. It is better to store all fuel under lock and key - this way you will avoid hassle due to theft and waste.
Choose the most reasonable option for your circumstances, but do not forget about the main conditions for maintaining fuel quality: good ventilation and protection from precipitation.
Little house
The round woodpile in the form of a stack has another subspecies - a house. It is distinguished by vertical walls, laid in the same pattern as in the previous paragraph, and a conical roof on top.
To ensure reliable storage of fuel, it is important to stack the firewood correctly, that is, with an overlap. The roof, like a canopy, should protect from precipitation. For beginners, it is better to start with low buildings.
How to store firewood outdoors
Storing firewood outdoors is not the best option, but even in a well-insulated shed, ventilation conditions are low. Therefore, many prefer an intermediate option - the construction of a special firewood shed on the street. It can be built:
- Made of wood. Wooden beams or slats are loosely packed onto the frame for ventilation, the roof is made with a slope, and the construction of a base is mandatory. The firewood rack is coated with a special moisture-proofing compound or painted - this way it will last a long time and will decorate the area.
Wooden firewood - Made of metal. A more durable and strong structure, although labor-intensive. Also requires protection against rust. Polycarbonate is used as a roof (can be used to build an independent canopy).
Metal woodpile - Non-standard solutions. In this case, the storage location is chosen solely on the basis of convenience: under the stairs, between trees with a canopy, a structure made from old barrels in the form of a honeycomb (concrete rings are also suitable), any natural niches.
Round firewood box
Firewood rack made of patterned metal
Firewood in the form of pyramids
Shelf firewood rack
Firewood box in the shape of a honeycomb
Woodpile under the stairs
Both a specially created firewood shed and a fuel storage in an existing recess should not spoil the overall aesthetic appearance. Make the masonry neat - in addition to beauty, this will give it stability.
Photo gallery
The listed methods of stacking firewood differ in the amount of material used, placement, and labor costs. Today, woodshedders have another interesting function - decorative. They have interesting architectural forms, laid out in the form of a spiral, balls, animals, paintings and outbuildings.
To build such compositions, you need to have a lot of experience, since decorative stacking of firewood in a woodpile requires patience and artistic taste. You can see unusual woodpile options in our photo gallery.
Summary
Try to prepare the firewood in advance to allow it to dry thoroughly. For this you will need:
- 5-6 months during winter harvesting;
- 10 months when harvesting in summer.
The type of wood also plays a role: birch and aspen dry the fastest. They burn well and for a long time, although the heat transfer is lower than that of conifers. Pine and spruce have high heat transfer, but they emit a lot of soot, which is why chimneys need to be constantly cleaned.
Appearance of firewood from: birch, pine and oak
Oak is considered an elite fuel - although it dries up to 8 months, the heat transfer is the highest. Like coniferous and fruit trees, its wood emits pleasant aromas when burned.
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