Here is an excerpt from the Secrets of Shed Building web site…
A Firewood Storage Shed Must Keep The Wood Dry And Be Conveniently Located.
Firewood storage sheds are designed specifically to keep firewood dry during a long, wet winter. For firewood to burn properly, it must first be seasoned and then remain dry. It is ideal to let the wood dry out before stacking, however, if that is not an option, you can construct a firewood shed that allows the wood to dry while stacked.
Convenience is a Must
A firewood storage shed needs to be located in an area convenient to the house. You will build far fewer fires if you have to tramp through mud and snow to the bottom of your garden for firewood. For ease of access, the shed needs to be located near the door. Adding a firewood shed to the garden increases convenience, because it keeps the wood clean, dry, and ready to burn.
Additions for Airflow
An important aspect of firewood sheds are spaces for airflow. Wood stacked properly allows for airflow. A flow of air keeps the wood dry, and stops it from decaying into a giant compost heap before it can be used! To ensure that air can flow around all sides of the stacked wood and that the bottom layer does not absorb moisture from the damp ground a raised floor should be incorporated if possible. The raised floor can simply be a recycled wood pallet or it could be a purpose made feature with slats.
Protection from the Elements
In addition to airflow, firewood sheds need to keep water, dew and snow off the wood pile. The roof of the firewood shed should be slanted, so that water flows off the roof and does not leak onto the firewood below. Additionally, the ground around a firewood shed should slope slightly away from the shed so that water does not collect around the shed base after heavy rain. Protection from outdoor elements should not come at a cost to airflow availability however. A balance between the two makes the most successful firewood shed.
The Lean-to Look
Firewood sheds generally have three closed sides and one open side. This encourages airflow and keeps the wood dry. When orienting your firewood shed in you garden, it is important to keep the open side of the shed facing away from prevailing weather, to protect against wind-driven rain. Additionally, the roof should slope toward the back (closed end) of the firewood storage shed. Wood dries out through the cut end-grain, so stack the wood with the ends facing out. A shed with good protection from the weather and proper airflow will ensure easy fire building during the winter months.
My final suggestion……
Make room in your firewood storage shed for a small hand-cart made especially for transporting firewood. Unlike traditional hand carts, these carts have a u-shaped frame for stacking the logs within. The best carts have two wheels and two legs, and are tipped toward the body when rolling the cart. If you burn a lot of firewood, a special firewood cart makes having that real log fire much more convenient.
Link to Secrets of Shed Building
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