With the UK experiencing rain almost every day this year, keeping firewood dry has become more challenging than ever. Unfortunately, even the best-quality logs can quickly lose efficiency if they’re stored incorrectly.

Whether you burn logs occasionally or rely on them as a primary heat source, proper storage is essential for getting the best heat, the cleanest burn, and the most from every delivery.

So, here’s how to keep your firewood dry – even during a wet UK winter.

1. Why moisture is the enemy of efficient burning

Firewood that absorbs moisture has to burn that water off before it can produce heat. As a result, damp logs:

• Produce less usable heat
• Create more smoke and soot
• Cause faster creosote build-up in your chimney
• Burn through your supply more quickly

This is why Ready to Burn certified logs (below 20% moisture) are so important. However, just as importantly, they must be kept dry after delivery to maintain their performance.

2. Store firewood off the ground

One of the most common mistakes is stacking logs directly on soil, grass, or paving. Because ground moisture rises quickly, especially during prolonged rain, this can cause logs to reabsorb water. Therefore, we recommend the following:

• Use pallets, bearers, or a log store base
• Allow air to circulate underneath the stack
• Avoid areas where water pools or drains poorly

Ultimately, keeping logs raised is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect them.

3. Prioritise airflow over full coverage

It’s tempting to fully wrap logs in tarpaulin to keep rain out. However, this often traps moisture inside and prevents logs from drying properly.

Alternatively you can:

• Cover the top of the stack only
• Leave the sides open for ventilation
• Use breathable log stores where possible

As a result, airlfow allows moisture to escape, keeping logs dry and ready to burn.

4. Where are you storing firewood? Not just how.

Where you store your logs matters just as much as how. Therefore, you should avoid:

• Damp garages
• Sealed sheds with no airflow
• Areas tight against walls or fences

Instead, choose:

• A sheltered outdoor spot
• Good airflow
• Some protection from direct rainfall

Even kiln-dried logs can absorb moisture if stored poorly.

5. Protect your firewood once indoors

Bringing logs inside too early — especially in bulk — can introduce moisture back into your home. A better approach:

• Bring in small amounts as needed
• Store near (but not directly next to) your stove
• Allow logs time to acclimatise before burning

This way, you’ll achieve a hotter, cleaner burn every time.

In short, wet weather doesn’t have to mean inefficient fires. With the right storage setup, you can protect your firewood, maintain its quality, and get maximum heat from every log — no matter how much rain the UK throws at us.

If you’re looking for reliably dry, Ready to Burn firewood, shop online or get in touch with the Harrogate Firewood team for advice. Meanwhile, to stay up to date with all our latest tips, tricks & promotions follow us on Facebook and Instagram.