Storing Wood Pellets Inside
We recommend storing your fuel inside in a dry area free from flooding, mold, and excessive humidity. Inside storage is really your best bet for efficient storage. If you have the space, reuse the wooden pallet your fuel arrived on. Place it in a dry area, put cardboard over the pallet, and stack your bags on top. The pallet is built to hold weight, so you can stack your pellets nice and high.
The wooden pallet is an almost square shape, at 40 by 48 inches, which might not be ideal for your space. Sometimes it’s more practical to ditch the pallet and stack in a narrow space, as pictured. (Check out our Pinterest page to see some ways to re-use wood pallets!)
Re-stacking in specific spaces takes a little extra time and work, but it’s a great way to save some precious room!
Storing Wood Pellets Outside
Ideally, your fuel is best stored indoors, like described above. Of course, this isn’t always possible. You may not have a garage, or extra space inside. If you don’t have room to store your pellets in the garage or basement, the next best thing is a shed or shelter in a raised, dry place. If you can only store pellets outside, be sure to fully inspect your fuel when it arrives. Your fuel is carefully wrapped and protected with a plastic shroud before it’s sent out for delivery. Upon inspection, repair any rips or holes in the plastic shrouding with water proof tape or additional layers of plastic.
We very strongly recommend adding a securely fastened tarp over your fuel, to protect it from water and from any birds or squirrels that may try to puncture the plastic. Want to make your own tarp out of empty wood pellet bags? Follow the directions on our DIY pellet bag water blob article, and just make it into a big square or rectangle instead of a pouch.
Now for some season specific advice on keeping your wood pellet fuel safe and dry outdoors!
Summer Storage
During the summer months make sure your fuel is delivered to an area in your yard or driveway that is free from any water pooling or flooding. Direct water contact from below may cause water damage and render the pellets to its original form: sawdust. Also, be mindful of any irrigation heads or water spray paths as well. Remember, we strongly suggest adding a tarp to cover your fuel. This not only protects the packaging from constant exposure to the elements, but also keeps the leaves, dirt, and bird blessings from littering the shroud that protects your bags of fuel. Check on your fuel once in a while, just to make sure the chipmunks haven’t developed a condo association!
Fall Storage
Now your fuel has been outside for a couple of months and you are ready to fire up your stove! Carefully remove the protective wrap and slice the shroud on the top edge of the skid in order to slip the top bags out. Leave the shroud on as long as you can. Use the shroud to protect the bags and cover with the tarp. Place a weighted object on top of the skid to keep the tarp in place.
Winter Storage
Shovel a path to your fuel and shovel around the entire skid. This effort will keep the snow off your fuel and help prevent any water and/or ice damage. Continue to use the shroud and tarp to protect your fuel from snow and ice. Don’t forget to keep checking on it!
Spring Storage
You’ve been warm and toasty all winter, and now it’s time for spring cleaning! If you have loose bags left, find a spot in the garage or keep them outside, just protect them from the elements – as described in the seasons above. Empty your stove’s hopper and keep an eye out for Spring Buy Pellet Fuel Specials!
Make sure you do everything you can to protect your pellets. But in the rare instance they arrive damaged, all of our Quality Certified fuels are backed by guarantee. We are here for you if you have any questions.
