New Garage - Should We Add a Lean-To Woodshed?

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Fechmup

Fechmup

Member
Oct 10, 2010
35
Southeastern DE
Hi All,
My wife and I are having a shed/garage built, probably 14x24. I have approximately 7 cords stacked on our property that are slated for use 11/12 and 12/13 (avg 3 to 3.5 cords/year). I'm wondering if I should put a lean-to off the building for firewood storage? My property is rectangular - with my front door facing darn near due east. The front of the garage will also face due East and I'd like to put the lean to on the back side of it - due west. This will mean the wood will get no direct sun and minimal wind because our lot backs up to the woods. Am I making a mistake by not letting the wood season out in the warm Delaware summer sun? The picture I'm including is of the dog kennel that is currently in place of where the garage will sit. The entrance to the kennel is facing due east. I'm hoping this will provide some insight, because I'm worried that putting the wood under roof will hinder it seasoning through the summer despite being a big help over the winter.

Opinions please, what should I do?

Thank you!
 

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What type of wood are you burning? You said right now you are 2 years ahead now, if you're burning softwoods like me 2 years stacked anywhere is plenty of time to dry. If you're burning oak, I'd make sure it's out in the sun/wind. Any other possible locations where a lean to might get more wind? What about building the lean to off the North or South side of the garage, almost like a carport?
 
If you can afford it....yes

Leave wood outside until its seasoned, then load the shed
 
I would assume that the proposed lean-to would be much closer to the home. If I were you I would put in something to store my seasoned wood in for the burning season. Season the wood in the sun by the kenel. In say Oct/Nov timeframe make sure you have 3-4 cord (enough for the season) in the lean-to. It is already seasoned and now it will stay dry and snow free untill it meets it fate in the burning appliance.
 
Welcome to the forums.

I'd say go for it. We added one to our side garage last year and it has worked out great. No more wet stuff to deal with. The idea was to dry it in the open like you and then once its ready move it to the lean-to. I added a spot light which makes the job even easier when its dark. I think ours is right there at 4X20X6 ish so thats about 4 cords (more than a seasons worth). Add some gravel and stack on pallets.

IMHO For a few extra bucks its a good investment.
 
Big fan of the woodshed . . . no moving tarps, no standing in the snow and rain . . . but I season my wood outside for at least a year first before putting it into the woodshed.
 
Do you mind stacking wood twice? A long narrow woodshed that's open on all sides would allow lots of airflow for good drying. A lean-to shed might not have as good an airflow.
 
I burn mostly white and red oak - I know, I know... 3 years. :)

Honestly, yes - I do mind stacking twice. But a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. I have a family, I hunt, I fish, I work, and I have boats to maintain, which leaves me Feb and March to deal with Firewood. I love heating with wood, and I want to do it properly, but it's not the focus of my life. I'm thinking I could spend a couple days in October re-stacking to get my winter supply under cover of the lean-to, but I'm honestly not excited about it.

Please keep the ideas comming! Thanks!
 
If your building the garage anyway, a lean too can only be a good thing. It gives you one more option for storing wood. Its nice to have dry wood during a rain or snow storm. Maybe you only need to store one or two cords under it.
 
Fechmup said:
Hi All,
My wife and I are having a shed/garage built, probably 14x24. I have approximately 7 cords stacked on our property that are slated for use 11/12 and 12/13 (avg 3 to 3.5 cords/year). I'm wondering if I should put a lean-to off the building for firewood storage?
Opinions please, what should I do?

Thank you!
Click to expand...

Yes
A "Lean to" is nice cheap dry storage.
If you don't fill it with wood, put other toys in there. Dry storage is "premium space" & will get used :)
When I built my shop. I put a (20' wide) lean-to type un-heated one attached, as I built it. Became "Dave's Toybox"
 

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Fechmup said:
I love heating with wood, and I want to do it properly, but it's not the focus of my life.
Click to expand...


I think you need to get your priorities in order there! :)

I say that if the lean to is an option as far as permits, space, cost, etc. you should build it whether you use it for firewood or anything else.
 
Flatbedford said:
Fechmup said:
I love heating with wood, and I want to do it properly, but it's not the focus of my life.
Click to expand...


I think you need to get your priorities in order there! :)
Click to expand...

+1 ;-)
 
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