Backyard storage is about more than just tucking things out of sight. It is about keeping firewood dry, fuels and chemicals safely contained, and everyday gear protected from weather so it lasts longer and stays ready to use. A little planning goes a long way toward a yard that works for you.

Quick guide: Store firewood off the ground with only the top covered, keep fuels and propane outdoors and away from the house, and never mix household chemicals. Plan storage into your landscape layout from the start.

Firewood Storage: Dry, Off the Ground, and Top Covered

According to the U.S. EPA’s Burn Wise program, properly seasoned firewood burns more efficiently and produces less smoke. The program recommends storing wood outdoors, off the ground, with only the top covered. Covering the sides traps moisture and slows drying. Season wood for at least six months, and aim for a moisture content below 20 percent. You can check moisture content with a wood moisture meter. The EPA also suggests burning only dry, split, well-seasoned wood, and starting fires with newspaper, dry kindling, or all-natural fire starters. Never burn wet or green wood, household trash, or treated lumber.

Keep flammable items such as curtains, furniture, and books away from your wood-burning appliance. Regularly remove ashes into a covered metal container and store it outdoors on a nonflammable surface. For more on safe wood burning, the EPA provides how-to steps and short videos for building a simple firewood storage shed. When planning a firewood storage area, think about convenience and safety. Place the stack away from the house to reduce the risk of pests and to keep the area clear. If you build a dedicated structure, check with your local building department about any permit requirements. Before digging post holes or footings, contact 811 a few business days in advance to have underground utilities marked. For more ideas on sheds and dedicated storage, see our Outdoor Storage section.

Fuel and Propane: Separate and Out of the House

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) emphasizes that portable fuel containers, including gas cans, should be stored in well-ventilated, cool areas only. Never store gas cans inside a house, basement, or near sources of ignition such as fuel-burning appliances, open flames, pilot lights, stoves, heaters, or electric mowers. Keep containers out of the reach of children and always put the cap back on after use.

For propane, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fact sheet on LP-Gas notes that propane is heavier than air and can accumulate in low areas, creating a hazard. NFPA 58, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, covers storage, handling, and use of LP-Gas. According to the fact sheet, buildings frequented by the public are limited to cylinders with a propane capacity of 1 pound, and the total quantity stored is limited to 200 pounds of propane. Buildings not frequented by the public are limited to a maximum quantity of 300 pounds of propane, with no restriction on cylinder size. The fact sheet also says that NFPA 54 applies inside the home (after the point of delivery), while NFPA 58 applies outside the home (before the final pressure regulator). A common field saying is “58 at the Gate, 54 under the Floor.”

For backyard storage, this means keeping propane cylinders outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from the house and any ignition sources. Check with your local fire department for any additional restrictions. When planning a storage shed or enclosure, refer to our Backyard Structures section for guidance on building and siting.

Household Chemicals and Hazardous Waste

The EPA’s household hazardous waste (HHW) guidance explains that many common products such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides contain hazardous ingredients and require special care when stored and disposed of. The EPA advises always following product label instructions for use and storage, and never storing hazardous products in food containers. Keep them in their original containers with labels intact. Never mix HHW with other products, as incompatible chemicals might react, ignite, or explode.

For backyard storage, designate a cool, dry, locked cabinet or bin for chemicals, away from children and pets. Avoid storing them in areas prone to temperature extremes or moisture. If a container is corroding, call your local hazardous materials official or fire department for instructions. When it is time to dispose of leftover products, check with your local environmental, health, or solid waste agency for collection programs. Many communities hold periodic HHW collection days. Never pour chemicals down the drain, on the ground, or into storm sewers. For related tips on keeping outdoor equipment and supplies organized, visit our Equipment Storage page.

Extension Cords and Electrical Gear

The CPSC and ESFI safety sheet on extension cords notes about 2,000 residential fires each year associated with electric cords or plugs, often from damaged cords, and advises using extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis, and only cords labeled for outdoor use outside. Keeping cords in a dry place between uses helps protect them. Coil cords loosely and hang them on a hook or store them in a sealed container. Avoid leaving cords exposed to rain or sprinklers. For outdoor-rated cords, inspect them regularly for cracks or fraying.

Wooden Storage Boxes and Benches: Finishes and Water Protection

The USDA Forest Products Laboratory’s Wood Handbook (Chapter 16) explains that wood used outdoors needs protection from water, sunlight, and weathering. The handbook notes that wood outdoors under cover in most areas of the United States cycles around a moisture content of approximately 12% to 14%, but decay can begin when moisture content exceeds 20%. Therefore, keeping wood dry is essential for longevity.

When choosing or building a wooden storage box or bench, consider the wood species and finish. The handbook groups woods into three categories for finishing: easy to finish (low density, uniform texture), moderately easy, and difficult to finish (high density, wide latewood bands). Woods with wide, prominent latewood bands, such as southern yellow pine and Douglas-fir, can be more challenging to paint because the dense bands may cause early paint failure. In contrast, woods with narrow latewood bands and lower density, like white pine and western redcedar, typically hold paint better. For any outdoor wood project, select an exterior-grade finish that resists water and ultraviolet light. Follow the manufacturer’s application instructions, and reapply as needed based on wear. The handbook also notes that vertical-grain lumber generally shrinks and swells less than flat-grain lumber, reducing the tendency to cup and crack.

If you build a storage box yourself, use corrosion-resistant fasteners and design it with a sloped lid or overhang to shed water. Elevate the box slightly off the ground to allow air circulation underneath. Before building a permanent structure, check with your local building department about any required permits, and call 811 before digging. For more on outdoor furniture care, see our Furniture Care page.

Plan Storage into Your Landscape Layout

The UF/IFAS Extension publication “Landscape Design: Ten Important Things to Consider” emphasizes that the most important step in designing a residential landscape is to put a plan on paper. A master plan saves time and money and helps organize both natural and man-made features. The design process includes a site inventory and analysis, determining your needs, creating functional diagrams, and developing a final plan.

When planning backyard storage, think about how you use the yard. The publication suggests dividing the yard into public, private, and service areas. Storage for tools, firewood, and trash often fits best in a service area, typically a side yard, where it is accessible but not the main focus. Consider the proximity to activities: keep firewood near the fire pit or outdoor fireplace, but not so close that sparks could ignite it. Place a storage bench on the patio for cushions and games, and locate a shed or bin for gardening supplies near the vegetable garden.

The publication also notes that outdoor rooms can be separated by plant beds, walls, or level changes. A storage area can be screened with a trellis or hedge to keep it out of sight while still being handy. Use similar materials and colors to tie the storage elements into the overall design. For example, a wooden storage box can match the deck or fence. If you plan to add a shed or permanent structure, include it in your initial layout to ensure it fits the space and does not block important views or circulation paths. Always check local zoning rules and HOA guidelines before building. For step-by-step guidance on designing a patio that integrates storage, read How to Plan a Backyard Patio. For broader space planning, see our Outdoor Living Space Planning Guide and Backyard Layouts.

Frequently asked questions

How should I store firewood to keep it dry?

The EPA’s Burn Wise program advises storing firewood outdoors, off the ground, with only the top covered. This allows air to circulate and moisture to escape while keeping rain off the top. Season wood for at least six months to reach a moisture content below 20 percent.

Where should I keep propane tanks for my grill or fire pit?

The NFPA fact sheet explains that LP-Gas is heavier than air and can collect in low areas such as basements, so an outdoor, well-ventilated spot away from the house and ignition sources is a sensible default. NFPA 58 sets limits for cylinders stored in buildings; ask your local fire department how they apply to a home shed or garage.

What is the safest way to store gasoline for lawn equipment?

The CPSC recommends storing gas cans in a cool, well-ventilated area, never inside the house or basement. Keep them out of reach of children and always replace the cap after use. Use only approved portable fuel containers with flame mitigation devices.

For more backyard storage ideas and solutions, visit our Outdoor Storage section.

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