Hey everyone‚ Wranglerstar here! Today‚ let's talk about the art of storing and curing cordwood - a crucial skill for any homesteader or outdoor enthusiast. Storing and curing your firewood properly is key to getting that perfect‚ efficient burn. First up‚ best practices for storing and curing: It's all about location and timing. You want to stack your wood in a dry‚ sunny spot with good air circulation. Remember‚ wood needs to breathe to dry properly. Also‚ don't forget to elevate it off the ground to prevent moisture from seeping in. Now‚ when should you start this process? Ideally‚ start in the spring. This gives your wood a good 6 to 12 months to dry out‚ especially if you're air-drying it outside. The general rule is: the longer‚ the better. But here's where things get interesting – the difference in firewood types across the U.S. On the West Coast‚ we often burn softwoods like fir and lodgepole pine. These woods are easier to split and dry faster‚ but they burn quicker and with less heat compared to hardwoods. On the East Coast‚ it's a different ball game. They primarily burn hardwoods like oak and maple. These woods take longer to dry‚ sometimes needing more than a year‚ but they provide a longer‚ hotter burn. This means less refueling on those cold winter nights. So‚ whether you're a West Coast softwood burner or an East Coast hardwood user‚ understanding these differences and following best practices for storing and curing your firewood will ensure you have the best experience possible when it comes time to light that fire. Stay safe and enjoy your burning season!