5 Reasons to Order Your Firewood Shed Before the Autumn Rush
The Secret to a Toasty Winter Starts in the Summer Sun
Do you feel that? The afternoon sun is still warm, the crickets are loud, and winter feels like a lifetime away. But for those of us who rely on a roaring fire to keep our homes cozy, February isn't just another summer month. It is actually the most important month of the year.
Right now, we are in the "sweet spot." It is that golden window of time where the ground is dry, the air is warm, and the frantic "autumn rush" hasn't yet begun. If you wait until the first grey clouds of March or the biting winds of April to think about your wood storage, you are already behind.
At Plankville, we’ve seen it every year: the mad scramble for dry wood when the rain starts pouring. But there is a better way. By securing a dedicated Plankville shed in late February, you aren’t just buying a building; you are buying a stress-free winter.
Key Takeaways
Beat the Rain: February provides the last dry window before March dampness sets in.
Natural Seasoning: Maximum airflow in a dedicated shed speeds up wood drying.
Save Money: Avoid the "emergency" price hikes of pre-dried wood in winter.
Plankville Quality: NZ-made, durable timber sheds built to last generations.
Why Your Wood Needs a Home Before the March Rains
Many people make the mistake of leaving their firewood under a plastic tarp or stacked against a damp fence. The problem is that wood needs to "breathe" to burn well. When you store wood in a properly designed Plankville shed, you are giving it the best possible environment to lose its moisture.
February is typically one of our driest months. This makes it the perfect time for delivery and installation. Our teams can get your shed into position without turning your lawn into a muddy mess. Once it’s up, you can get your wood off the ground and away from the rising damp. This early start allows the late summer breeze to pull the remaining sap and moisture out of the logs. By the time the June frosts arrive, your wood will crackle and pop perfectly, rather than smoking and fizzing in the grate.
The Science of Seasoning: Why Late February Matters
Seasoning wood is simply the process of letting moisture evaporate. Freshly cut wood can be up to 50% water. If you try to burn that, your fire spends all its energy boiling away water instead of heating your living room. This creates creosote, which clogs your chimney and can even cause fires.
By ordering your shed now, you take advantage of the high UV levels and warm winds of late February. A dedicated shed from Plankville is designed with specific gaps for airflow. Unlike a garage or a tight garden shed, our firewood sheds encourage a cross-breeze. This natural "kiln effect" is much more powerful in February than it is in May. As the saying goes, "an hour of sun in February is worth three in May" when it comes to drying timber.
Beat the "Autumn Rush" and Save Your Sanity
As soon as the clocks change and the evenings get chilly, everyone in New Zealand remembers they need firewood. This leads to long wait times for shed deliveries and, even worse, a shortage of good, dry wood.
If you order your firewood in April, you are often buying what is left at the bottom of the pile—wood that might still be a bit "green" or damp from the early autumn rains. When you have your Plankville shed ready in February, you can take delivery of "unseasoned" wood at a much lower price. You then have the space and the time to let it finish drying on your own property. It is the smartest way to save money while ensuring your family stays warm.
A Plankville Shed: Built for the New Zealand Elements
We don't just build sheds; we build heritage structures. Made from locally sourced, high-quality timber like Macrocarpa, our sheds are designed to handle the New Zealand climate. They look beautiful in a backyard, adding a touch of rustic charm that a plastic or tin shed simply can't match.
When you invest in a Plankville shed, you are choosing durability. Our timber is naturally resistant to the elements, meaning it won't rust or dent. It provides a sturdy, ventilated home for your fuel that will stand tall for decades. Many customers find that once they have a proper wood store, the chore of "getting the wood in" becomes a satisfying summer ritual rather than a cold, wet winter struggle.
Don't Let Winter Catch You Cold
Imagine the first cold night of the year. The wind is howling outside, and the rain is lashing against the windows. Instead of trekking out to a soggy pile of wood covered in a flapping tarp, you walk over to your sturdy Plankville shed. You grab an armload of light, bone-dry logs that catch fire the moment the match touches the kindling.
That peace of mind starts today. By choosing to act in February, you are staying ahead of the crowd. You are ensuring that your wood has the best possible chance to dry, your garden stays tidy, and your wallet stays a little heavier.
Winter is coming, but with a bit of February planning, you’ll be ready to welcome it with a warm hearth and a smile. Reach out to the team at Plankville today to discuss the perfect size for your property and get your order in before the March rains begin.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Late summer (February) is ideal. It allows for installation on dry ground and gives you time to stack wood before the autumn rains start in March.
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Depending on the wood type, it can take 6 to 12 months. Starting the process in a ventilated shed during February speeds this up significantly.
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Tarps often trap moisture underneath, leading to mold and rot. A dedicated shed allows for airflow, which is essential for drying.
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Plankville sheds are made from high-quality, New Zealand timber like Macrocarpa. They are built for airflow and durability, unlike mass-produced metal options.
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Yes. Buying unseasoned wood in summer is usually much cheaper than buying "kiln-dried" wood during the winter peak.
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While the sun helps, airflow is more important. A Plankville shed is designed to catch the wind to dry your wood even in shaded areas.
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This depends on your heater. Most households need between 4 to 8 cubic metres for a full New Zealand winter.
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It is best to have a small gap for airflow, but our timber sheds are sturdy enough to sit near your home for easy access.
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Dry wood burns hotter, cleaner, and produces less smoke. It is better for your health, your chimney, and the environment.
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We offer various options for delivery and installation to make the process as easy as possible for you before the winter rush.
