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Firewood storage strategy should change with the seasons. During summer months, your covering approach significantly affects how well your wood seasons and maintains quality for next winter. The answer depends on whether your wood is still seasoning or already fully dry.
If your firewood is still seasoning (cut within the past year and not yet dry), leave it mostly uncovered during summer. This is prime seasoning time when warm temperatures, low humidity, and good sun exposure can dramatically accelerate drying. Covering wood that needs to season traps moisture underneath and prevents proper air circulation, potentially adding months to the seasoning process.
For seasoning wood, consider leaving it completely uncovered or covering only the very top to shed rain while leaving all sides open. Summer rain won’t significantly harm wood that’s actively drying—the sun and wind between storms will evaporate surface moisture quickly. The benefits of maximum air exposure outweigh concerns about occasional rain.
Already-seasoned firewood destined for burning next winter should be covered on top to prevent rain from re-wetting it. However, still leave the sides open for continued airflow. Completely wrapping or enclosing seasoned wood in summer creates a humid microclimate that can encourage mold growth and moisture reabsorption.
Regional climate affects strategy too. In very humid areas, some top covering even for seasoning wood might be warranted during particularly rainy periods. In arid climates, covering may be less critical overall. In areas with intense summer sun, some shading can prevent excessive wood cracking, though this is usually a minor concern.
The key principle: prioritize airflow over complete weather protection during summer. Wood seasons best with good air circulation and sun exposure. Save the more protective covering for fall and winter when your seasoned wood needs to stay dry for burning.