The Art of Stacking Firewood

As winter approaches, the days begin to get shorter and shorter. It is only a matter of time until the winds begin to blow cooler air. Before we can enjoy time around a roaring fire during the night, you first have to make sure that you have properly stacked kiln dried firewood for optimal use. This is where our post comes into place. 

Firewood Stacks across the Globe

Different techniques are used for stacking firewood around the world. The way firewood is stacked and stored varies depending on the quantity required. Most people store firewood on commercial wood racks. However, handier consumers opt for DIY projects and prefer constructing stands, sheds, or racks specifically for their needs. Regardless of the method used, the main purpose of stacking firewood is to keep it dry so that it can be used.

United Kingdom

Seasoned logs in the UK are traditionally stacked neatly, close to a wall or fence. It is important to be quite precise as tight stacking will ensure that only the top layer will get damp if it rains. Find an area that makes the most of your space while allowing enough air to get to the logs. Stacking the dry Denbighshire logs with the back upwards will also help protect the logs from rain water.

United States

A rectangular method is used in America which involves changing the direction of the wood for optimal air flow of each layer. The wood piles tend to be long and narrow which provides easy access while also blending in with the background of the deck, porch, or backyard. Typically, anchor pieces are placed vertically while pallets are utilized at the bottom of the pile for keeping the firewood off the surface. But, climates that require a constant supply of wood heat will have to stack dried wood for extensive use. In such places, the firewood would be stacked in the round for odd/uneven sized pieces to ensure that the wood pile looks aesthetically pleasing.

Norwegian Round

Norwegian Wood: Chopping, Stacking, and Drying Wood the Scandinavian Way by Lars Mytting is a book that covers how firewood should be stocked. The method focuses on large rounds of wood formations while ensuring that barked firewood covers the top of the pile for protecting the firewood underneath. It keeps the pile off the ground by keeping the wood on pallets. Once the circumference has been made, the pile is filled with smaller/uneven pieces of firewood.

German Method

Woodpile or wood house is the German technique for stacking firewood. The design allows air to flow from outside the stack into the centre which helps keep them dry. The dimensions of the wood pile are 6 feet and have a height of 7 feet. The firewood has to be 12 to 24 inches in length and have a similar width to ensure uniformity. A stake is used for ensuring the pile is high enough. Then, the firewood is laid down with one end that points to the centre stake while the other points outside. The method is repeated until the pile reaches a height of 7 feet.