Homeowner Guides
How to Store Firewood Through a Colorado Winter
Colorado’s relatively dry climate can help firewood season, but snow, poor stacking and full plastic wrapping can still leave a pile wet where it matters.
The goal is not to make the wood look protected. The goal is to let moisture escape while keeping new precipitation from soaking the stack.
Split before long-term storage
Split wood exposes more surface area and dries faster than full rounds. Smaller pieces also make it easier to build a hot, controlled fire.
Keep the pile off the ground
Ground contact introduces moisture and reduces airflow. Use a rack or stable supports that keep the bottom course raised.
Cover the top, not every side
A roof, shed or top cover protects against rain and snow. Completely wrapping the stack in plastic can trap moisture and slow drying.
EPA guidance recommends covering the top while allowing airflow around the sides.
Face the stack for air and sun when practical
A location with good air movement and reasonable sun exposure can help. Avoid placing the stack where roof runoff dumps onto it or sprinklers repeatedly wet it.
Rotate your supply
Use older, drier wood first. If new green wood is mixed into the same pile, it becomes harder to know which pieces are ready.
Bring in only what you need
Large indoor wood piles can bring insects, debris and moisture into the house. Bring in a manageable amount shortly before use rather than storing an entire season’s supply inside living space.
Test instead of guessing
Colorado sun can make the outside of a log feel dry while the center is still wet. Split a sample and use a moisture meter. Around 20% moisture or less is a useful target based on EPA guidance.
Store responsibly in wildfire-prone areas
In foothill and wildfire-exposed communities, wood-pile placement can also be part of defensible-space planning. Follow current local and Colorado wildfire guidance for separation from structures and vegetation; recommendations may vary by property and jurisdiction.
Keaton Chimney Solutions provides chimney cleaning and inspection throughout Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and surrounding communities. Call 720-734-5373.
Should I cover firewood with a tarp?
Cover the top while preserving airflow around the sides rather than tightly wrapping the entire pile.
Can Colorado firewood dry in one summer?
Sometimes, depending on species, split size and storage, but use a moisture meter rather than relying only on time.
Is snow on the top of the pile a problem?
Repeated wetting can slow seasoning. A top cover helps while airflow remains important.
Need help with a chimney or fireplace in Colorado? Keaton Chimney Solutions serves Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and surrounding communities. Call 720-734-5373.