To use your home’s wood-burning fireplace this winter, you’ll need to have an adequate supply of firewood. Wood-burning fireplaces require the use of wood logs. Of course, you probably won’t use all of your firewood in a single night. When storing unused firewood, consider the following tips.

Do Store Outdoors

You should typically store firewood outdoors – or in a garage or basement. There’s nothing wrong with keeping a few logs near your fireplace so that you can replenish the fire. Storing all or most of your firewood indoors, though, can attract pests like termites, beetles and spiders.

Don’t Place on the Ground

While you should store most of your firewood outdoors, you shouldn’t place it directly on the ground. Firewood doesn’t have a solid surface. Like the trees from which it’s cut, firewood has a porous surface. Placing firewood directly on the ground will allow it to absorb moisture from the underlying soil. The firewood will soak up moisture that inhibits its ability to burn. Rather than placing it on the ground, place your firewood on an elevated and open-floor structure, such as a pallet or rack.

Do Cover It

Another tip to follow when storing firewood is to cover it. Assuming you store it outdoors, your firewood will be exposed to the elements. It will soak up moisture from the rain, sleet and snow. After getting wet, you may not be able to light a wood log. And even if are able to light it, the wood log may not burn cleanly. Firewood needs to be dry in order for it to burn cleanly. You can keep your firewood dry by covering it with a weatherproof tarp.

Don’t Stack Against Your Home

Avoid stacking firewood directly against the side of your home. While it may be easy to access, it increases the risk of property damage. Firewood can attract pests. As previously mentioned, termites are attracted to it. If you stack firewood directly against the side of your home, you may inadvertently these destructive pests into your home.

If you don’t want to mess with storing, as well as handling, firewood, you can purchase a gas fireplace. Gas fireplaces don’t require firewood. You can use ceramic logs in a gas fireplace, instead. Most ceramic logs last for about 10 years. With just a single set of ceramic logs, you’ll be able to use your gas fireplace for many years.