Author: Lisa Smith
A Guide to Efficient and Safe Storage
Stacking firewood correctly is essential for ensuring it stays dry, seasoned, and ready to burn when you need it. Whether you're preparing for the winter or just enjoy the warmth of a wood-burning fireplace, knowing how to properly stack firewood can save you time and effort. Here’s a comprehensive guide to stacking firewood efficiently and safely.
1. Why Proper Firewood Stacking Matters
Properly stacked firewood ensures optimal airflow, which is crucial for seasoning (the process of drying the wood). Seasoned wood burns cleaner, produces less smoke, and provides more heat compared to unseasoned or wet wood. Additionally, a well-organised stack reduces the risk of pests and mould, both of which can ruin your firewood.
2. Choosing the Right Location
The location of your firewood stack plays a significant role in keeping it dry and usable:
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Elevated Ground: Choose a location that’s slightly elevated to prevent water pooling.
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Exposure to Sun and Wind: Place the stack in an area that gets plenty of sunlight and airflow to speed up the seasoning process.
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Distance from the House: While it’s convenient to have firewood near your home, keep it at least a few meters away to reduce the risk of pests entering your house.
3. Prepare the Ground
Before stacking, prepare the ground to protect your firewood from moisture:
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Use a pallet, concrete blocks, or a raised rack to keep the wood off the ground.
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Lay down a tarp or gravel to create a moisture barrier if the area tends to stay damp.
4. Stacking Techniques
Stacking firewood isn’t just about piling it up; there are effective methods to ensure stability and airflow:
A. Basic Stacking Method
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Orientation: Stack the wood with the cut ends facing outwards. This orientation allows for better airflow.
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Row Arrangement: Build rows with a small gap between them to improve ventilation.
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Avoid Leaning Stacks: Ensure each piece is stable to avoid the stack toppling over.
B. Criss-Cross Method
This method involves alternating layers of wood at 90-degree angles. It’s excellent for enhancing airflow and creating a stable base.
C. Holzhausen (Round Stack)
A traditional European technique, the Holzhausen method creates a circular pile with a slight inward lean. It’s both aesthetically pleasing and efficient for airflow.
5. Covering Your Firewood
Protecting your firewood from rain and snow is vital, but avoid fully enclosing it:
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Use a tarp or firewood cover, but leave the sides exposed for ventilation.
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Ensure the cover is secured to prevent it from blowing away in windy conditions.
6. Safety Considerations
When stacking firewood, prioritise safety:
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Height Limit: Keep stacks under 1.2 meters (4 feet) to avoid instability.
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Stack Stability: Regularly check for shifting or leaning stacks.
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Gloves and Safety Gear: Wear gloves to protect against splinters and insects.
7. Seasoning Firewood
Seasoning involves drying the wood to reduce moisture content. Here’s how to ensure effective seasoning:
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Split logs to expose more surface area.
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Allow at least 6-12 months for seasoning, depending on the wood type.
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Test moisture levels with a moisture meter (ideally below 20%).
8. Firewood sheds
A well designed firewood shed is a great option for storing and seasoning your firewood. The shed should provide good circulation and be ideally positioned to assist in drying the firewood. Outpost Buildings offer a range of quality firewood shed kitset options.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Stacking Against Walls: Avoid stacking directly against your house or shed, as this can trap moisture and attract pests.
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Overloading Stacks: Overloading leads to unstable piles that may collapse.
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Ignoring Pest Control: Regularly inspect for insects or rodents.
In Conclusion
Stacking firewood might seem straightforward, but taking the time to do it properly can make a significant difference in the quality and usability of your wood. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure your firewood stays dry, safe, and ready to provide warmth all season long.
Outpost Buildings specialises in providing an extensive range of durable and quality wooden kitset sheds designed for a variety of applications with customisation options. These sheds are built for New Zealand weather conditions with robust materials using treated wood and proven designs that are versatile for all your different shed requirements. Shipped NZ wide to your site and include all the fittings and hardware with clear, easy to follow assembly instructions.
