Drying firewood the traditional way can feel like a waiting game. If you don’t have the time—or the patience—a dehumidifier might just be the solution you’re looking for. While it’s not as powerful as a kiln, it’s an affordable, straightforward way to dry firewood faster than air-drying. Whether you’re a homeowner or running a small operation, here’s how to make it work.
Set Up Your Space
First things first, you’ll need a space to dry your firewood. A garage, shed, or even a tiny room works fine as long as it’s enclosed. Make sure the floor is protected—lay down a tarp or some plastic sheeting to keep moisture from seeping back into the wood.
Stack your firewood loosely. Don’t cram it together; airflow is key here. If you can, raise the wood off the ground using pallets or something similar. This keeps the bottom pieces from sitting in moisture and lets air circulate more evenly.
Place the Dehumidifier
Once your wood is stacked, position the dehumidifier in the center of the space. Make sure it’s on a stable surface and has enough room to pull in air without obstruction. If you’re drying a decent amount of wood, opt for a larger-capacity dehumidifier—it’ll save you time in the long run.
Set it to the lowest humidity, usually around 30–40%. If your dehumidifier has a water tank, you’ll need to empty it regularly. Or, better yet, hook up a drain hose so it can run continuously without interruptions.
Keep the Space Warm
Dehumidifiers work best in warmer conditions. If you’re drying wood in a chilly shed or garage, consider adding a small heater to the mix. Keep the temperature between 60–80°F to help the moisture evaporate more quickly.
A hygrometer—a simple tool for measuring humidity—is handy here. Check it every few days to make sure the space stays at a low humidity level.
Rotate the Wood
Even with a good setup, some pieces of wood will dry faster than others. To keep everything drying evenly, rotate the wood every few days. Move pieces from the middle of the stack to the edges and vice versa. This ensures every log gets the same exposure to airflow and dehumidification.
While you’re at it, check the moisture content of the wood using a moisture meter. Firewood is ready to burn when it’s below 20% moisture. Depending on how wet your wood is to start with, this method can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.
Add Fans for a Boost
If you really want to speed things up, throw a few fans into the mix. Place them around the room to keep the air moving, which helps the dehumidifier work more efficiently. Think of it as giving the drying process a little extra push.
Why Dehumidifiers Work
Dehumidifiers are a simple, low-cost way to take control of your firewood drying. They don’t require fancy setups, and they work all year round—no need to wait for sunny weather. Plus, they’re great at keeping bugs and mold at bay, making your wood cleaner and safer to store indoors.
Is It Worth It?
For small-scale users or anyone who doesn’t need a kiln, using a dehumidifier is a no-brainer. It’s not as fast as a kiln, but it’s faster than waiting for months with air-drying. And it’s much more convenient than relying on the whims of the weather.
Final Thoughts
Drying firewood with a dehumidifier is easy, effective, and budget-friendly. Set up your space, stack your wood smartly, and let the dehumidifier do the heavy lifting. Add some warmth and airflow, and you’ll have seasoned firewood ready to burn in no time. It’s a simple solution for anyone looking to streamline their firewood game.