How To Stack Firewood
Why do the right firewood stacking techniques matter? Most people know that they need to stack it in order to keep it dry and accessible, but many don’t know how to stack firewood, or the best ways to do it. There are a number of ways you can stack your firewood matter which one you choose, there are some standard practices that are required for successful firewood seasoning.
By following a few simple steps and tips, you will be able to stack your firewood safely, efficiently, and attractively.
Firewood Storage Safety
By following a few simple tips, you can stack your firewood safely and prevent any potential hazards.
Firewood should never be stacked next to a building or structure because it can create a fire hazard. Additionally, stacking it next to a building can cause mold or mildew to form, which can discolor your deck or encourage rodent or insect activity.
Basics of Firewood Stacking
The location of your firewood stack is key. Firewood will dry best in a location that is well drained, open to the wind and sun in order to hasten seasoning. Making sure the wood is tightly packed together and that there is the right amount of space in between the wood ensures that air can circulate throughout. Stacking your firewood off the ground is the best way to keep it dry and prevent mold, mildew and rot..
If you stack your wood on a pallet, make sure that the pallet is elevated at least six inches off the ground so that air can circulate underneath. You can also cover your woodpile with a tarp to help keep it dry. Make sure that the tarp does not touch the wood, as this will trap moisture and cause the wood to rot.
Stacking 101
There are a few different ways to stack firewood. The most common way is to use a base, small logs, medium logs and large logs.
- The base is the most important part of the stack. You need to make sure it is sturdy and will not fall over. The best way to do this is to use concrete blocks or heavy stones to create a base. (see this post https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Firewood-Rack)
- Once you have your base, you can start to add the small logs. These can be placed perpendicular to the base or parallel to the base. If you are using a log cabin stack, the small logs will be placed perpendicular to the base.
- Once you have added the small logs, you can start to add the medium logs. These should be placed parallel to the base. If you are using a teepee stack, the medium logs should be placed perpendicular to the base.
- Once you have added the medium logs, you can start to add the large logs. These should be placed parallel to the base.
- You can continue to add logs to your stack until it is as tall as you want it.
Firewood Stacking Techniques & Methods
There are a few different methods other than the traditional end post method that work very well.
End Pillar Wood Stacking
The end pillar wood stack method is another way to stack firewood, and the most commonly seen in the Adirondack region. This method uses two vertical posts and a series of horizontal logs laid across them. You can purchase commercially available end brackets, or make your own. This method requires interlocking the wood as you stack, helping to make the stack more stable and still allowing plenty of air to circulate to keep the wood dry and prevent it from rotting.
- Lay 3 or 4 pieces of firewood side-by-side at one end of your row.
- Lay 3 or 4 more pieces on top of those, perpendicular to them.
- Continue this process until the stack is as high as you want it, making sure it is straight and sturdy as possible. Once this is done, you repeat the process at the other end of the pillar, creating two “bookends” of stacked wood. You can then start stacking wood in between, wedging them in as snugly as possible.
The advantage of this method is that it is very sturdy and can be used to stack a large amount of wood.
If you have a lot of firewood to stack, try stacking it in a radius pattern. This will take up less space and will be easier to access. You will need a few sturdy logs to act as the base, and then you can start stacking the wood in a circle around the logs. logs.
The Holz Hausen Method
The traditional German method of firewood stacking is called holzhaufen (woodpile) or holz hausen (wood house). This is one of the most popular methods for firewood stacking; it is very sturdy, safe and allows wood to dry out faster and more evenly. It is also an attractive way to store your firewood.
To stack firewood using the German Method, you will need a base, two layers of small logs, two layers of medium logs and one layer of large logs. The small logs should be stacked on top of each other in two vertical rows, with the medium logs stacked on top of the small logs in two horizontal rows. The large logs should be stacked on top of the medium logs, forming a triangle.
Here is a great example of a traditional German wood stack and how to create one:
Amish Method
The Amish firewood stacking technique is in the round as well, but without the center stake used in the German method. Typically the Amish stacks are more conical and vertical in appearance.
The Amish use a cross piece of wood on the ground as the starting point. The pieces of wood are then placed in a circle around the cross piece with the bark side down. This method is said to be easier on your back, since you don’t have to bend over as much to stack the wood.
Stack, Dry, Burn
Whether you choose to purchase green firewood and allow it to season, or you prefer to get seasoned firewood, Baker Logging & Forestry has been providing Adirondack firewood, timber harvesting services, and lot clearing in the NY Capital District & Adirondack Park for over 25 years. Call (518) 654-8172 to schedule your firewood delivery or timber management appointment today!
(Visit our Baker Logging & Forestry Reviews to see what our satisfied customers have to say about our services!)
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