Category: Firewood Storage

If you’ve ever gone to light a fire on a chilly Texas evening and found your logs hissing, smoking, or refusing to burn, you’ve experienced what humidity can do to firewood. In regions like Lubbock and across West Texas, weather conditions can change quickly, from dry, windy days to humid or rainy stretches that cause stored firewood to reabsorb moisture.

At Freedom Firewood, we understand how critical proper storage is to maintaining clean, efficient-burning wood. Even the best seasoned firewood can lose its quality if exposed to damp air or poor ventilation. That’s why we not only deliver premium, fully seasoned firewood, but also help our customers learn the best ways to store it in Texas’s unpredictable climate.

In this guide, we’ll explain how humidity affects firewood, offer expert storage solutions, and share practical Freedom Firewood delivery tips for keeping your logs clean, dry, and ready to burn all year long.

Why Humidity Matters for Firewood

Humidity is the invisible enemy of good firewood. Even after firewood has been properly seasoned to the ideal moisture level (about 15 to 20 percent), the surrounding air can influence how much moisture the wood absorbs or releases.

Here’s how it works:

• Dry air pulls moisture out: In arid conditions like much of West Texas, the air naturally helps wood stay dry.

• Humid air traps moisture in: When humidity levels rise, especially after rain or during warm, muggy evenings, wood can quickly reabsorb moisture from the air.

• Poor ventilation makes it worse: Without airflow, moisture stays trapped around the wood, leading to mold, rot, and musty odors.

If your logs feel damp to the touch, produce excess smoke, or hiss when burned, humidity has likely taken a toll. That’s why understanding firewood storage in Texas humidity is crucial for anyone who wants reliable, clean-burning fires.

How Humidity Affects Firewood Performance

Even a slight increase in moisture content can have a noticeable impact on how your wood burns.

1. Harder to Light

Moisture inside the wood fibers acts as a barrier to ignition. Instead of catching flame quickly, the fire must work harder to evaporate water before burning the wood itself.

2. Lower Heat Output

Wet or rehydrated wood produces steam and smoke rather than sustained heat. This means you’ll burn more logs to achieve the same warmth, wasting time and fuel.

3. Increased Smoke and Creosote

Burning damp wood releases excess smoke and unburned particles that cling to chimney walls as creosote. Over time, this buildup can lead to serious fire hazards.

4. Mold and Decay

If firewood remains damp for long periods, it can start to grow mold or fungi, especially in shaded or poorly ventilated areas. This not only affects performance but can cause unpleasant odors and attract pests.

5. Shorter Lifespan

Improperly stored firewood deteriorates faster, meaning you’ll replace your supply more often. Keeping your wood dry ensures your investment lasts through multiple seasons.

When it comes to firewood storage in Texas humidity, prevention is the best protection.

How to Keep Firewood Dry in Lubbock and Beyond

Texas weather can be unpredictable, but with a few simple steps, you can keep your firewood in perfect condition—whether it’s stored in Lubbock, Amarillo, or across the border in New Mexico.

1. Choose the Right Location

The best place to store firewood outdoors is an area with plenty of sunlight and consistent airflow. Avoid stacking wood against exterior walls or fences, as this can trap moisture and encourage rot.

Ideal spots include:

• A sunny side of your property with open space around the stack.

• Elevated areas where water naturally drains away.

• Locations protected from direct rainfall but not fully enclosed.

Freedom Firewood recommends keeping stacks at least five feet away from your home to reduce pest attraction while maintaining easy access.

2. Use Covered Firewood Racks

Investing in covered firewood racks in Texas is one of the best ways to prevent moisture buildup. Racks elevate the logs off the ground, allowing air to circulate underneath and reducing contact with damp soil.

A good cover, such as a tarp or a dedicated rack roof, should protect the top of the pile while leaving the sides open for ventilation. Never wrap the stack tightly, as this traps humidity inside and encourages mold growth.

3. Stack Properly for Airflow

When our Freedom Firewood delivery team stacks wood for customers, we prioritize proper airflow and stability. Logs should be crisscrossed or loosely aligned so air can move through the pile.

Here are a few stacking tips:

• Keep the bark side facing up to shed rainwater.

• Leave small gaps between logs to promote drying.

• Stack no higher than four feet to prevent tipping and improve ventilation.

A stable, well-ventilated stack helps the wood stay dry and ready for burning, even during humid Texas nights.

4. Keep the Ground Dry

Moisture from the ground can seep into the bottom logs. Place your stack on a raised surface like concrete blocks, pallets, or a commercial firewood rack. Gravel bases also help with drainage and reduce insect activity.

5. Monitor with a Moisture Meter

A simple handheld moisture meter can tell you if your wood is staying within the ideal range of 15 to 20 percent moisture. Check the middle of a split log rather than the surface for accurate readings.

Freedom Firewood’s Approach to Proper Seasoning and Delivery

At Freedom Firewood, we go beyond simply selling wood: we make sure every piece you receive is ready to burn cleanly and efficiently from the start.

Our Firewood Preparation Standards

• Fully Seasoned Wood: Each log is cut, split, and air-dried until it meets our moisture content standards before it’s ever delivered.

• Consistent Sizing: Wood is cut to uniform lengths of 18 to 20 inches, making it easier to stack and store effectively.

• Clean and Mold-Free: We monitor all stored wood to ensure no mold, mildew, or pests compromise quality before delivery.

Freedom Firewood Delivery Tips

Our delivery team doesn’t just drop wood at your doorstep. We help ensure it’s stacked properly for long-term storage:

• Wood is placed off the ground or on your existing rack to promote airflow.

• Stacks are organized for easy access and stability.

• Covers are adjusted to protect the wood from incoming rain without trapping moisture.

This hands-on approach guarantees that when your wood arrives, it’s in top condition and stays that way.

Storing Firewood Year-Round in Texas

In many parts of Texas, homeowners burn firewood not just in winter but for outdoor cooking, fire pits, and camping year-round. Proper storage ensures that your supply stays ready no matter the season.

During Humid Seasons (Spring and Summer):

• Keep stacks in a breezy, shaded location with a partial cover.

• Check periodically for signs of moisture or insect activity.

• Rotate your stack so older wood is used first.

During Dry, Windy Seasons (Fall and Winter):

• Watch for cracking or over-drying in extremely arid conditions.

• Keep your rack covered to prevent unexpected rainfall from soaking the wood.

• Consider using a small shed or lean-to for more consistent protection.

By adapting your storage strategy to the season, you’ll ensure steady-burning fires whenever you need them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced homeowners make mistakes that can lead to damp, inefficient firewood. Here are some of the most common:

• Stacking directly on soil or grass – Moisture from the ground will soak into the bottom logs.

• Tightly wrapping wood with plastic – This traps humidity and encourages mold.

• Covering the sides completely – Proper airflow is just as important as rain protection.

• Ignoring local weather patterns – In areas like Lubbock, dry winds and sudden humidity shifts can both impact wood condition.

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures your investment in quality wood pays off in clean, efficient heat.

Why Freedom Firewood Is Your Best Choice

When you buy from Freedom Firewood, you’re not just getting wood: you’re getting expert service from a veteran-owned team that values honesty, quality, and attention to detail.

Here’s why customers across Texas and New Mexico trust us:

• Locally Seasoned Firewood: Prepared for the exact weather conditions of West Texas.

• Moisture-Controlled Storage: Wood is kept protected and ventilated before delivery.

• Professional Delivery and Stacking: Our team ensures your firewood is stored correctly from day one.

• Friendly, Reliable Service: Every order comes with the care and respect our customers deserve.

Whether you’re buying for your fireplace, campfire, or outdoor cooking setup, our seasoned firewood and expert storage advice ensure you get the most from every flame.

Keeping Your Firewood Dry All Year Long

Learning how to keep firewood dry in Lubbock and other humid parts of Texas is essential for clean, safe, and efficient burning. By understanding how humidity affects your wood and following simple storage steps, you’ll prevent mold, rot, and wasted energy.

At Freedom Firewood, we’ve built our reputation on delivering the highest-quality seasoned wood and helping our customers protect it from the elements. From covered firewood racks in Texas to smart stacking strategies, we provide the tools and knowledge to keep your firewood in perfect condition no matter the weather.

If you want a cleaner, hotter, and more dependable burn this season, contact Freedom Firewood today. Our expert team will deliver, stack, and guide you every step of the way to ensure your fires are always ready to light — no matter how humid the Texas skies get.