If you live in place where it gets cold during the nights or winter, stockpiling firewood is an extremely important task.
The location where you should store it, is important as well.
In this regard, Can You Store Firewood In The Basement?
Yes, it is entirely possible to store firewood in the basement. However, you need to be smart about it and proceed with caution because the wood’s moist nature tends to attract all kinds of unwanted bugs and critters. As long as your basement is dry and well ventilated, storing firewood in it is an easy way to keep it dry and provides you with the convenience of having firewood on tap.
If you are considering keeping your already seasoned firewood in the basement, this article will explore storing firewood properly in the basement and the benefits of doing it.
Storing Firewood In The Basement: Is It Safe?
Storing firewood in the basement provides an easy way to protect it from rain and outside elements.
It also eliminates the need to go outside in the snow to get more.
Even so, experienced firekeepers and professional exterminators usually discourage storing firewood in the basement, especially if you are new to seasoning and storing firewood.
The moisture in wood can attract pesky bugs.
So, What About Pest Infestation?
Well, you can safely store firewood in the basement, but first, it needs to be dry.
Seasoned dry wood with no bark and no moisture won’t attract bugs or result in mold build-up.
This means it will not be a threat when stored inside.
However, before bringing your wood and branches inside, it is worth considering every other aspect of storing firewood.
For instance, besides the wood’s moist nature, which can be addressed by seasoning, there are often unseen moisture issues in the basement, mainly because of poor ventilation.
Poor ventilation and often moisture issues associated with cement can be ruinous to even seasoned wood.
Overall, while storing firewood in your basement is convenient, it requires careful planning to reduce the risk of pests and molding.
How To Store Firewood Safely In The Basement: Four Tips
Storing firewood in the basement next to the fireplace is a sure way to keep them within reach for easy burning.
Thankfully, it is possible to bring the firewood inside and leave the unwanted critters outside.
1. Ensure It’s Seasoned
Before bringing firewood into your basement, you want to make sure that it is adequately seasoned (air dried).
Whether you cut and season your own firewood or buy already seasoned firewood, it is imperative to confirm if the wood is dry with a moisture meter.
Typically, wood is ready to go to your basement if its moisture content is at most 20%.
There are also some tell-tale signs of dry wood that you can check.
- Dry wood will appear faded and have some cracks.
- The bark should also be loose and feel dry to touch. You can also test for dryness by knocking the wood —dry firewood is light and sounds hollow.
2. How Will It Be Stored?
Upon confirming that you’ve dry wood, you can start bringing it indoors.
Every homeowner is likely to have an idea of storing their firewood in the basement.
Even so, stacking firewood in a horizontal line or pyramid shape is the most widely accepted way of organizing firewood in the basement.
If your basement gets really damp, it is best to invest in metal racks with multiple shelves as the wood can ruin when kept on a damp floor.
Bags of silica gel or similar products can also help keep your firewood dry by diverting moisture.
3. Basement Should Be Ventilated
When bringing firewood indoors, remember that proper ventilation is needed to keep the wood dry and good for burning.
4. No Insecticides
Always remember to check the logs as insects might be hiding among the logs.
Should you find some bugs within logs, NEVER use insecticides to kill the bugs; instead, use more natural approaches.
Chemicals induced to firewood will end up in the air after burning, which can be hazardous.
Overall, the trick to keeping firewood safely in the basement is ensuring it is dry.
What Are The Benefits Of Storing Firewood In The Basement?
There are a lot of creative ways to bring firewood indoors.
As long as you can prevent pest infestations and possible rotting, you can enjoy all the benefits of having firewood within reach.
Here are some practical reasons why you may want to keep firewood in the basement.
- Basement keep your firewood dry and ready for use when needed the most
- Storing firewood in the basement is convenient
- Basements provide an excellent storage alternative where cold winter would cause dampness on firewood stored outside.
- A dry, ventilated, and protected basement protects your firewood from snow, rain, and outside elements while allowing for easy access during the cold months.
Concerns About Storing Firewood In A Basement
Experienced firekeepers can safely store firewood in their basement. However, there are some risks and concerns that come with the practice.
1. Moisture
The main concern with storing wood in basements is moisture, as basements are often not always ventilated enough to remain dry.
If you live near a massive water body or your basement remains damp for the most part of the year, storing firewood in the basement can cause mold to build up, which is a serious health hazard.
2. Fire Hazard
Basement fires are also another major concern.
With only dry firewood going to your basement, this exposes the floor to fire risk. This can be prevented by keeping the basement free from things that may ignite or trigger a fire.
When bringing firewood indoors, keep in mind that wood can release methane gas to the environment when stored in a confined, poorly ventilated space.
3. Pests
Also, firewood, green or dry, creates spots where critters like mice and rats can hide. Dry firewood can potentially invite termites and bugs into your basement.
Before you decide on whether or not to keep firewood in your basement, it is important to understand all these risks and concerns, then work to prevent them.
Thankfully, most of the concerns can be addressed upfront. Generally, storing firewood in a basement with relative humidity below 65% is fine.
If you live near a lake or in an area where moisture is a serious threat, it is a good idea to occasionally check the level of relative humidity as you don’t want your wood to ruin due to less than ideal conditions.
Where Should You Put The Firewood In The Basement?
There is no right or wrong approach when it comes to storing firewood in your basement. However, it makes perfect sense to designate a spot for your firewood.
Where you choose to put your firewood should be well ventilated. Even the driest firewood needs adequate air circulation to remain dry and ready for burning.
Conclusion
Your basement is a good place to store firewood if you want to keep them dry and easy to access.
However, because wood can play host to all kinds of bugs and critters, it is imperative to proceed with caution.
You also want to consider other typical basement issues that may ruin your firewood and address them beforehand.
Hopefully, this post helps you understand every aspect of storing firewood in your basement.