Build your firewood storage shed to stand the test of time
To do its job well, a firewood storage shed has to not only shelter your stacks of cordwood from the rain and snow coming from above and driven horizontally by strong winds, but do so in a way that allows the wood to dry out, a process known as seasoning. We haven’t covered firewood storage specifically in the magazine, but many of the lessons we have shared in other articles are directly applicable to building an outdoor structure that will stand up to the elements.
But before we dive into the materials and methods, first things first: Do NOT be tempted to season firewood in your garage or basement. The amount of moisture released as the firewood dries out can lead to serious indoor humidity and air-quality problems. For more on that, see Air Leaks: How They Rot Houses and Waste Energy and The Mold Explosion: Why Now?
Consider the materials:
Worried about weather resistance? Arm yourself with an understanding about which woods are most naturally resistant to rot, the finishes that you can use to preserve those woods that aren’t as durable, the factory-applied choices available to you, and the traits of man-made alternatives, such as wood-plastic composites, PVC, and other synthetic materials. Synthetic materials have improved enough over the years that some can even be used for the framing components.
Think about the methods:
A woodshed is a fairly lean structure, so the framework needs to be built stoutly and fastened to stay together for the long haul. Because the structural elements of a woodshed are often left visible, timberframe joinery is a popular choice. You can either use this project as a chance to bone up on and hone your timberframe skills, or you can use specialized hardware, such as T-Rex connectors, which simplify and speed up the process. Remember, if you choose to build from pressure-treated lumber, the first thing you need to understand is which fasteners are compatible, and which will corrode and fail. Or, consider a method we used to build a garden shed a few years ago: using a combination of timberframe joinery and structural screws.
Don’t forget to make it beautiful:
By the way, if you’re reading Fine Homebuilding, then you know we care about design and aesthetics just as much as we care about strength and durability, so we encourage you to also make that firewood storage shed not only built well, but built beautiful.
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A simple but beautiful firewood storage shed.
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I had one like this once. The wind-driven rain kept the wood wet, the chimney creosoted up from burning wet wood and a flue-fire ensued. All of this ventilation is great for drying the wood, but you must be able to keep it dry, too. I would urge anyone building something like this to consider covering the sides with lap siding with a spacer between each plank where they cross the studs. Your spacers can just be cut out of some scrap 1/2" plywood. That will create a wall that sheds water, but with very good cross-ventilation.
I have timber frame structure with a shed roof. Three sides are sheathed with rough boards..
If you split your wood in late winter/early spring and leave out to dry over the summer it will be seasoned enough that you wont have a problem with moisture from an opened sided structure..
I would like to see how it was built before one declares that it will stand the test of time. I'd be inclined to have at least 6" of foundation above ground level. Also, in a rainforest, a larger overhang, as any driving rain will soak the wood. Is there metal drip cap on that roof...hard to tell. A gutter on back end will limit splashing. I agree the gaps should be tighter or even consider a staggered siding (like fencing), so rain cannot hit firewood. I do like the slats in the middle...add more support to resist wind driven torque. The last stall has no floor...need airflow underneath or the bottom sticks will not dry very well.
This is a very useful article coverage of firewood storage which can help to save a lot of money on wasted firewood if not stored properly. There are many solutions out there but not all of them help in proper sheltering or self-drying of the firewood pieces. The correct method need to be used in order to salvage as many wood as possible.
Thanks for sharing this article with us. Workable and trustworthy fireword storage solutions are not aplenty that can be found from online sources, but this particular one seems credible enough. A good firewood storage is really essential if you would like to prevent wastage of wood pieces that could go bad due to mould as a result of prolonged dampness and other related problems.
That sure is a beautiful looking wood pile enclosure, but mine is used wood pile enclosure with bark and sawdust up to my knees. This, to me, looks like a staged, image to sell something.