If you have a wood-burning outdoor fireplace in Broken Arrow, how you store firewood affects how well it burns, how long it lasts, and whether you’re creating pest and safety problems in your backyard. Here’s the practical guide.
Basic Firewood Storage Principles
Off the Ground
Wood stored directly on the ground absorbs moisture from contact with soil, creates habitat for termites and other wood-destroying insects, and rots from the bottom up within 1–2 seasons. Raise wood on a metal rack, concrete blocks, or treated lumber pallets — minimum 4 inches off the ground, 6–8 inches is better.
Covered on Top, Open on the Sides
Rain and snow on the top of a wood stack drives moisture into the stack from the top — a waterproof cover (tarp, metal roof, or firewood cover) over the top protects against this. But the sides need airflow — sealing wood in an enclosed space traps humidity and prevents drying. A covered rack with open sides is the correct configuration.
Distance from Structures
Keep firewood stored at least 6 feet from the fireplace structure and at least 20 feet from your home. Firewood is a fire risk — burning embers from outdoor fireplaces can travel further than most homeowners expect, especially in Oklahoma’s wind. It’s also a pest habitat — termites, carpenter ants, and rodents nest in wood piles; keeping wood away from the home and outbuildings limits their path to your structure.
How Much to Store Near the Fireplace
Keep 1–2 nights’ worth of wood near the fireplace for immediate use — a small rack of 10–15 logs is appropriate. The balance of your season supply should be in a separate storage area further from the fireplace and home. This limits the fire risk of a large wood pile near an active fire, and makes it easier to manage the wood closest to the fireplace as dry, ready-to-burn pieces rather than a mixed pile of wet and dry.
Oklahoma-Specific Considerations
- Humidity — Broken Arrow’s spring humidity is significant; even well-stored wood can take on moisture during extended wet periods. Rotate your wood stack to use the driest pieces first
- Termite risk — eastern Oklahoma has substantial termite pressure; keeping wood off the ground and away from the home’s foundation is critical
- Green vs seasoned — freshly cut “green” wood contains 40–60% moisture and burns poorly with heavy smoke. Properly seasoned wood (cut and dried 6–12 months minimum) burns at 20–25% moisture, producing more heat and less creosote
Built-In Wood Storage in Fireplace Design
One of the most functional details we add to outdoor fireplace designs: masonry storage cubbies on one or both sides of the firebox. These hold 10–15 logs in a dry, organized space that’s part of the fireplace structure itself — accessible without having to walk to a separate storage area. We size the cubbies to hold standard 16-inch or 18-inch cordwood lengths.
If you’re designing a wood-burning outdoor fireplace in Broken Arrow, ask us about integrated wood storage. Call 918-779-1317 or reach out through our website.
