Old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read. -Athenaeus
Summer weather is running out but we can’t help but look forward to chilly evenings, snuggled up reading beside the fire. Of course, that’ll be hard to do if your firewood ends up wet and unusable! While there’s still enough summer sunlight to fit in one last DIY project, you should consider building a DIY firewood shed. While a firewood shed isn’t anywhere near as flashy as something like an outdoor kitchen, it’s definitely cheaper, easier, faster, and useful all through the autumn and winter seasons (and even the spring, depending on where you live!). In fact, we can’t think of a better DIY project to get into with the last of summer’s dying rays of sun, but before you get started, there are some key questions to consider about your firewood shed so you know you’ll end up with a shed that’s functional for your needs. Check out these key features below, and when you’ve determined the best type of shed for your firewood, we’ve got a few different plans linked too. Happy DIY-ing!
Features of a Firewood Shed
Firewood sheds come in all shapes and sizes, depending on how much space you have and what kinds of features you’re looking for. Here are some of the most important options to consider:
- Covered vs uncovered: While most ‘sheds’ are covered, you can build a structure to house your firewood and then simply cover it with a tarp when not in use. Of course, if you decide to go with a covered version, you’ll have to then decide what kind of roof you want - do you want something completely covered? Something with sides or a back wall, or just open?
- Raised or not: While you can build a shed over the spot where you’ll be stacking up the firewood, there’s a case to be made for building a raised floor, too. Your wood will be more protected from rainwater and piled snow, thus will stay drier in wet conditions. You can also opt for an in-between, such as using a gravel floor.
- Type of wood: Not that you’re storing, but you want to think about the type of wood you use to build your shed. It’ll be subjected to the elements all year long, so you want wood that’ll hold up.
- Location: Location, location, location - that’s what they always say, right?? Well it’s just as important now. You want your shed close enough that you can get to it through the snow, but you might also consider putting it nearby where you’re chopping wood from downed trees. Plus, if it’s within eyesight you’ll want to focus on the design so you’re not building what eventually becomes an eyesore.
Plans for Firewood Sheds
Covered Shed with Open Sides
This covered shed with open sides keeps firewood up off the ground and protected from snow and rain above. The sides are open for easy access to the wood, both stacking and grabbing. However the shed is on the smaller side, so if you store a lot of wood it may not be the right option for you.
Wide Enclosure Firewood Shed
If you store a lot of firewood, you might be interested in this wide enclosure firewood shed. Similar to the shed above, it features a full roof and completely open front and back, though side walls are built in. Additionally, this shed keeps wood on the ground instead of including a raised platform.
Outdoor Firewood Storage Shed
To build this outdoor firewood storage shed, you upcycle a wooden fence for the sides and use a pallet for the bottom. This shed is totally enclosed (save the front) and lifts wood up off the ground, though it is on the smaller side.
Stylized Firewood Shed
If you’re looking for something to match the style of the house, try this firewood shed. It includes a full, shingled roof and siding to match your house’s exterior, while keeping firewood safe and dry within (and up off the ground). Perfect for storing summer gardening supplies when not filled with wood!
