Try as you might, deciding exactly how much firewood you will need to get you through the winter – and then buying just the right amount – is more difficult than it might seem. If you have leftover firewood that you won’t need between now and next winter, you have a few options available to you. Below, you can learn more about how to properly store your firewood long-term and what to do with it if storage space is at a minimum.
Firewood Storage
If you have a great deal of firewood left, it may be possible to store it for use next winter. This is not much different from storing firewood temporarily. Firewood should be stored off the ground and in a dry place where air can circulate. If your basement is dry, this could be a good option, but most people prefer to store firewood outdoors due to its nature of attracting various insects.
You can use firewood racks that you can purchase online, and you could even build your own with a few pieces of weather-treated 4×4 that will not rot or warp when exposed to moisture. Covering the wood with a tarp or piece of plastic can further keep it dry, but it is important to keep an eye on anything draped over the wood. The sun and wind can damage it, and rain can get inside as a result.
Firewood for Camping
While you may no longer need your firewood at home for your fireplace, you may be able to use it when you and your family go camping. Be sure to read the local rules and guidelines before taking firewood into any public campground, however, as many locations are experiencing infestations of non-native species that have a negative effect on the environment. Certain beetles and fungus have been introduced into ecosystems by firewood brought in from outside, and in many places, campers are banned from bringing their own firewood. They must gather it themselves onsite or buy it from an onsite merchant.
If your family aren’t campers and you don’t want the wood to go to waste, you might also sell it on one of your area’s local Facebook sales groups. First, determine how much a cord of wood goes for in your area, then determine what percentage of a cord you have left and adjust the price accordingly. Many people are always looking for deals on firewood as it saves them time and effort for their next camping trip.
Donations
There are organizations called wood banks that will accept your leftover firewood and store it for later use. These organizations give free firewood to people in need to help them heat their homes. In most cases, you will need to deliver the firewood yourself, but some wood banks will schedule an appointment with you to pick it up. If there are no wood banks near you, contact local charities and county trustees; these individuals can often point you in the right direction. In most cases, the value of your donation is tax-deductible.
Leftover firewood can be safely stored for use again next year, but because it can attract insects when stored outdoors, you may choose another option, such as using it when you go camping, selling it online, or even donating it to a charity or wood bank near you. Each of these options is viable, but be sure to read up on any guidelines that may apply beforehand.
