Firewood Box

A firewood box is used to store firewood near your heat source so you can easily stoke the fire without running to get wood all the time.

The concept of a storage box is pretty simple; it's a box used to store firewood.

They're commonly used inside the home, but they can also be used outside if they're built to withstand the weather.

If you burn firewood as your main heat source, you're going to go through quite a bit of wood since you're keeping a constant fire going 24 hours a day.

If there's one general rule to burning firewood, it's making the process as easy as possible, and a good quality box definitely helps.

The Advantages of a Firewood Box

What are the advantages of having a box to store your firewood?  

Here are a few things to consider when placing your firewood in a box, rather than just piling it up on the floor.

Convenience Of Storing Firewood In A Box

Having a days worth of firewood stored within arms reach of your wood stove or fireplace can be really convenient, especially in the middle of the night when the fire needs to be tended.

Just think of the hassle it can be to get up in the middle of the night, go outside in the snow (depending on where you live) and grabbing an arm full of firewood for the fire.

Not exactly what most people would consider fun.

Having a box near the heat source will eliminate the need for several unnecessary trips.

Keeping It Clean

A storage box will keep the wood debris and dirt in one place......inside the box and not on your floor.

Using a storage box will help prevent bugs and dirt from falling everywhere.

Let's face it; firewood can be messy.

Having wood chips and dirt spread out around the fireplace or wood stove can be frustrating.

Store your wood in a storage box to help keep things clean.

Eye Appeal

A storage box also looks nice.

A homemade storage box can be built to match the homes decor, making it look much more appealing than a pile of wood.

A decorative box can help hide your firewood and add a little character to your home in the process!

Disadvantages of a Firewood Box

Pest and insects can be transferred into the house; the same way you are advised not to store wood near your home.

Storing large amounts is discouraged.

Instead, a wood rack would be more convenient as it holds only a day's supply.

Firewood boxes can provide a good hiding place for animals such as mice and snakes looking for a warm place to hide for the winter.

Build Your Own Firewood Box

You can either build your own box or buy one from a local store. 

If you are fairly handy with tools and construction, building your own firewood box can be pretty simple. 

It's up to you how involved or decorative you want the box to be.

Most homemade storage boxes are made out of plywood, but you can use anything lying around your shop.

Old barn wood.....deck boards.....rough sawn lumber?

Make it as creative or simple as you like!

Splitting Dry Firewood to Store Inside Your Firewood Box

The exercise of firewood splitting does not have to be tiresome.

Starting with the right tool makes a huge difference, followed by the right technique.

A fire inside a fireplace or wood stove is not only memorable, it's also vital for keeping your home heating bills under control.

To keep such moments uninterrupted, having enough firewood close to the fireplace or wood burning stove is essential.

This makes it important to learn the best wood splitting techniques, so the firewood sits properly inside the box.

A standard axe, which may seem suitable for log splitting, is not the best tool of choice. 

However, it is good for tree cutting and small wood chopping because the head of the axe is designed to chop the wood fibers as opposed too splitting them apart.

For log splitting, a maul would best fit the task due to its heavier weight and broadhead. 

A prying triangle or wedge can come in handy while dealing with branch notches from the tree or tough fibers. 

For better burning, you need to split the logs.

Smaller pieces of wood just burn better and hotter, which reduces creosote buildup on the interior of your chimney walls.

I highly recommend setting up a chopping block to split your wood on. 

A wide-leveled stump of a tree or a wide wood chunk can serve as the chopping block. 

This minimizes the chances of damaging the maul and maximizes effectiveness. 

The chopping block not only absorbs each blow's force but also provides a driving surface for the blade after splitting the log.

To avoid having to pick the log after every miss, several small logs or one large one is placed together, inside a tire opening and set on your chopping block. 

This is also helpful in back stress reduction. 

Proper Log Splitting Technique

Determine a weak spot on your log, usually where the wood is splitting naturally. 

Strike it first for an easy cut. 

If there is no weak point, aim straight down the middle.

Success hinges on the swing’s sheer velocity and proper placement, contrary to the common belief about brute force. 

Spread your feet shoulder width apart, face the log and place your maul on the hitting spot while ensuring your arms are extended fully. 

Taking half a step back, raise your maul over your head, bending your elbow, bring down the maul focusing on splitting the wood.

If, after a few mauls strikes, your log is still too thick for splitting or has knots, insert a splitting wedge. 

Using a sledgehammer, drive in the splitting wedge to widen the split. 

If it does not work, add another wedge on the opposite side to create another splinter.

Firewood Box - Overall

Whether you build your own box or buy one from the store, a firewood storage box can be vey useful. 

Although they are not necessary to heat your home, having one will make the process much more enjoyable.

About the Author

Nick Greenway

Obsessed with firewood, Nick is behind over 350+ of Firewood For Life's articles, as well as countless reviews, guides and YouTube videos to help readers like you reduce heating costs and create the perfect fire.