Buying the perfect amount of firewood to get through the winter can be trickier than it seems. As the days warm up and the burning season comes to an end, you may find yourself with leftover firewood. Here are some helpful tips if you’re wondering what to do with extra firewood until next winter.
Use Firewood for Camping
Camping is a great spring and summer activity. If you’ve got some logs left from winter, pack them with your camping supplies to use at the campsite. That way, you’ll have more time to spend with friends and family around the campfire instead of gathering kindling. Also, it could save you a bit of money because you won’t have to buy wood from the campsite. However, make sure you read campsite guidelines regarding bringing your own wood before you do so. Some areas don’t allow this due to invasive insects and fungus.
Host a Bonfire
Gather friends and family and use your leftover firewood for a bonfire. Spring and summer nights are a great time to hang out with friends and loved ones. Grab some outdoor chairs and some blankets and enjoy!
Sell It
Even if you no longer have any use for your leftover firewood, someone in your area might. Often, people are on the lookout for a good deal on firewood to use for camping or even some DIY projects. Look into how much a cord of firewood sells for in your area, and adjust that price to reflect the amount you’re selling. Use local buy and sell groups or pages to get the word out.
Donate
Many areas have organizations known as wood banks. Wood banks will accept unused wood and store it for future use. Later, they supply the firewood to those in need of help heating their homes. Usually, you will need to deliver the wood yourself, but some locations may offer pick up options.
If there are no wood banks in your area, other charities or nonprofit organizations may accept firewood as donations.
Store It for Next Winter
If you store it properly, you can keep your firewood to use when it cools down again. Make sure the wood is stored off the ground in an area with ample air circulation. Also, make sure to store it away from your home or any other structures so that insects can’t get inside.
There are several great ways to put your leftover firewood to good use. Whether you want to use it up, sell it, or store it for next year, there are plenty of options. And, while you’re waiting for the weather to cool down again, schedule a chimney sweep and inspection to make sure your fireplace and chimney are in top shape for winter.