How To Stack Firewood

Collecting firewood is a winter essential for many people around the world. For others, it can be extremely relaxing to settle down for the evening with a cozy blanket and a good book next to a crackling fire.

However, when it comes to firewood, it is important to know how to stack it correctly so you can preserve it for winter. Otherwise, the wood will dry out and become brittle as time goes on.

There are many different ways to stack your firewood, each is very simple to achieve and will produce the desired results.

In this article, we will discuss the many different methods you can use to stack firewood, so you can decide the best choice for you. Read on for more!

How To Stack Firewood Methods

Let's check out the five best methods for stacking firewood!

Method 1: The German Method

This is also known as the holzhaufen, or holz hausen method. This method of stacking firewood allows for better airflow in the center of the stack, so every piece of wood will stay dry.

For this method, it is best to use firewood that measures no more than 12-24 inches long. Pieces should also be the same width wherever possible.

Now, let's get into the method!

1.  Take a stake (about 7ft) and place it in the middle of the pile.
2.  Lay firewood down with one end facing the stake and the other facing the outside. Keep doing this with the firewood, and you will eventually make a circle.
3.  Repeat step 2 until you get to about 7ft high.
4. Finish this method off by placing pieces of wood with bark on top. This will protect the wood from bad weather.

Method 2: The End Pillar Wood Stack

This is probably the most popular method of stacking firewood. It works best when combined with uniform pieces of wood that you could fit snugly. This is because this type of wood will help with support and stability.

Let's get into the method!

1. To make the towers, you need to take two logs of a similar shape and turn them so they are parallel to one another.
2. Next, build the next layer of the stack with another two pieces of wood, by placing them parallel to each other.
3.  Continue these steps until you have around 12 levels. Alternatively, you can build it as high as you want, but stop before it gets unwieldy.
4. When it comes to the second tower, you should ensure that it is even, but set several feet away from the first tower. In between the towers, place the firewood next to each other so the cut ends face the wind.
5.  Keep layering the wood until the pile is as high as the towers.
6.  It is important to place the word bark side up so they do not shed moisture into the rest of the pile.
7.  The final step is to use long sticks to help support the pile. You should lean the sticks against the woodpile, and keep them stable by placing them in the dirt.

Method 3: The Circle Method

The next method is by stacking the firewood in a circle. The circle stack is self-sustaining and symmetrical - it does not need a rack or a shed. This is a very popular method of stacking wood in Europe.

Let's get into the method!

1. To start, you will need to find an area that gets a lot of sun and will allow for good air circulation.
2. Once you have completed this step, it is best to draw a circle of about 8 by 10 ft in diameter.
3. Then, you need to set the end of every log around the circle's edge. This is the bottom layer of the stack.
4. Continue to stack the logs in this way, adding layers of them around the perimeter of the circle.
5. Now, you need to add smaller pieces to the middle of your circle.
6. Finally, you need to place the top layer of wood at an angle.

Method 4: The Firewood Rack

The fourth method you can do is to stack firewood in a firewood rack.

This is a little more complex than the previously discussed methods, but it is still relatively simple, and the results are great!

Let's get into the method!

1. First, you need to take some wood (equal sizes) and place them on the rack. Make sure you lay them side by side.
2. Next, do the same in the opposite direction.
3. Continue stacking the logs until the pile is around four ft high. Make sure that the stack is sturdy, it should not wobble when you push it!
4. Now, fill in any big gaps you see with smaller logs. This will strengthen the stack.

Method 5: The Shaker Woodpile

This is a popular shape for stacking wood. The shaker woodpile method requires you to stack the wood in a round way.

With this method, the wood will dry quickly. It is a great method for using firewood that is shaped oddly and will be an aesthetically pleasing feature of your yard.

Let's get into the method!

1. First, you need to find a branch that is 16 inches long x 8 inches wide.
2. Place this branch in the center of the pile.
3. Now, you must add two split logs above the center, and begin to lean firewood against them.
4. Keep adding firewood until the pile is about shoulder height. When you're finished, the logs should create a disc shape.
5. Stop creating this firewood stack when the top begins to resemble a cone, and no wood can be added.

Additional Tips For Stacking Firewood

Here are some universal tips that are useful for anyone looking to stack firewood in any of the methods above:

1. Keep the firewood dry. This is a very important tip. If you are unable to shelter or cover the logs, then you should use a tarp to cover the top. This will help the wood breathe.
2. When it comes to stacking wood, it is best to stack two logs facing one way, and the next two logs another way. Then, add some wood to fill the gaps in the columns.
3. To make columns, it is best to use two logs that are square-cut, or not flat. For the main pile, it is best to use round logs, with the largest logs on the bottom, and the smaller ones on top.
4. Make sure all the logs are level no matter where they are in the stack. If you do not do this, then you risk them falling over.
5. When you are stacking wood, it is best to wear steel-toe boots for safety purposes.

What Is The Best Wood To Use For Firewood?

The best wood to use for firewood is hardwood! Woods like White Ash, Hickory, or White Oak. Some people argue that softwoods are better for firewood.

Softwoods will ignite a lot quicker than hardwood, but they will also burn a lot faster, so hardwood is the better option for firewood overall.

No matter what wood you use, remember it is always a good idea to get wood that varies in size.

Should You Stack Firewood On The Ground?

Generally, no. You should never stack firewood on the ground because it attracts termites. Additionally, the ground's moisture will get into the wood to stop it from drying out.

It is best to raise the wood stack off the ground with one of the stacking methods discussed above.

How Can You Dry Firewood?

The sun and wind will usually dry firewood well and dry it quickly.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to stack firewood is essential for making fires that will last long, whether you are using the fire for functional or recreational purposes.

Any of the five methods above will work well when it comes to stacking firewood, so try one and see how easy it is to do!