Stacking firewood is sort of like an art form; you haul a load of logs, and you take on the task of transforming that chaotic pile into a neat, sturdy stack that practically screams, “I know what I’m doing!”
Knowing how to stack firewood isn’t just a way to show off to your neighbors, though; it can also set you up for a cozy winter, keep your yard looking neat, and help the wood dry out. That, then, begs the question: How do you stack firewood for both maximum efficiency and effect?
The answer is that there’s more than one option. And whether you’re prepping for chilly nights or just want your woodpile to look impressive, the following guide, prepared by our expert team, has you covered. It’ll cover common stacking techniques and answers to additional questions like, “How do you store firewood?”, ensuring you know how to stack wood like a pro!
Why Stack Firewood?
To some, taking the time to stack up logs may seem like a waste; after all, you’re just going to toss them on the fire eventually. While you could dump the logs anywhere, doing so is just asking for trouble, not to mention leaving your yard looking messy and disorganized. Furthermore, wet wood burns poorly and produces more smoke, and haphazardly stacked timber is also more prone to rot.
Learning how to stack firewood keeps your logs dry and ready to burn. It also saves space and prevents pests like termites from setting up shop. And even beyond all of that, a well-stacked pile is simply satisfying to accomplish; it’s like solving a puzzle with nature’s building blocks.
The Benefits of Stacking Firewood Correctly
A proper stack doesn’t just look good. Here’s why it’s worth the effort:
Drier Wood
Stacking allows air to circulate, which can help prevent rot. After all, you don’t want to grab some wood for your fireplace, only to find it soaking and rotting away. Stacking firewood also helps dry it out, and burning dried firewood can improve air quality, which is particularly important if you are using your logs for an indoor fireplace. Once you learn how to stack, consider covering your wood to keep it out of the elements.
Greater Space Efficiency
A neat stack takes up less room than a scattered pile, and it’ll keep you from having to worry about tripping over random logs across your yard. It also helps you stay organized, ensuring you can access the perfect logs without digging through a messy heap. Becoming a master stacker is especially useful if you are dealing with limited space or lots of wood at once.
Pest Control
Rodents and insects are always looking for places to hunker down, and though stacked wood can certainly be appealing to them, their efforts become much harder when you stack like a pro. As you’ll see, some stacking setups leave very little space between logs, which helps keep pests from even bothering.
One-Upping the Neighbors
Beyond the more direct benefits, it’s also worth pointing out that many neighbors like to engage in a little friendly, albeit unspoken, yard care competition. Some ways to come out ahead of your neighbors include mowing perfectly parallel lines, keeping your flower beds well mulched, and — of course — learning how to stack firewood like a champ.
Preparing to Stack
When learning how to stack firewood, you’ll quickly find that even the smallest details matter.
First and foremost, consider your setup. Maybe you have a rack, or are instead choosing to go freestyle. You also need to decide whether the wood will sit under a tarp or in a shed, and you must consider airflow as well. Additionally, check your local climate. If rain or snowstorms are common, elevate your stack to avoid ground moisture.
Exploring Different Ways to Stack Firewood
Now it’s time to dive into the fun part: learning how to stack firewood in different ways to suit your space and style.
It’s true that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to stacking wood — your method depends on how much space you’ve got and how much wood you need to stack — but as you’ll find, the good news is that there’s a stack for just about everything.
Below are quick looks at the top methods for stacking firewood. You’ll discover options that involve racks and methods that work even if you don’t have your own stand or base:
The Classic Row Stack
If you just want a simple, functional option, here’s how to stack firewood in a traditional row pattern:
- Pick a level, dry area away from your house to avoid pests
- Lay two parallel logs or cinder blocks to create a base
- Place your logs side by side with the bark facing up
- Alternate directions every other row for stability
- Ensure the ends lean slightly inward to prevent tipping
If you are learning how to stack wood for a fireplace, your best option is to just line it up in a row!
The Rackless Stack
Good news: You can still learn how to stack firewood without a rack and keep it solid! Here’s how to do it:
- Use flat rocks, pallets, or spare logs to lift the wood off the ground
- Form a crisscross pattern
- Angle the outer logs inward to lock the stack in place
- Use a tarp to shield your wood, but leave the sides open for airflow
You don’t need a fancy rack to stack wood like a pro; all it takes is a few sturdy logs or flat rocks to serve as a base. If you want a more permanent foundation, consider purchasing a few large square pavers.
The End-Pillar Stack
The end-pillar method provides extra stability, especially if you have a lot of irregularly shaped logs. Here’s how to make one:
- At each end of your stack, create small, square towers by alternating log directions
- Stack logs horizontally between the pillars, keeping them snug
- Keep the stack below shoulder height to avoid collapse
The pillars will act like bookends, making the method a great choice for uneven ground or windy areas. Once you start burning, pull wood from the center and use the pillars last. As always, it’s important to get the wood off the ground, if possible. You don’t need a lot of space underneath your logs, but just keep it off the soil.
The Circle Stack
If you’re looking to get a little fancy, consider building a circle (or Holz Hausen) stack! It doesn’t just look great — it’s incredibly functional! Here’s how you can pull it off:
- Use a string and stake to outline a circle with a diameter of six to eight feet
- Start the base by laying logs in a circular pattern
- Keep the bark up and leave a small gap in the center
- Build upward, sloping the logs inward
- Fill the center with smaller logs or kindling
- Cap the stack with a layer of logs or a tarp to shed water
Learning how to stack firewood in a circle is easier than you might expect, and though it does involve a couple of extra steps compared to the other methods outlined here, it’s well worth the effort.
The Lean-To Stack
If you have a wall or shed, a lean-to stack is a quick, space-saving option. Here’s how to get it going:
- Pick a sturdy, weather-resistant surface
- Use logs or blocks to elevate the first row
- Lean your logs against the wall
- Make sure the stack isn’t too steep
- Protect the wood with a tarp or overhang
Make sure that you do not stack the wood up against your house, as doing so can create rodent and insect issues as well as allow rot or mold to build up on/in your home.
Tips for Stacking Success
No matter which stacking method you choose, keep these tips in mind:
- Use properly seasoned wood for better burning
- Remember that fresh-cut logs need six to twelve months to dry
- Shake your stack gently to test its stability
- Keep stacks a few inches from walls or other piles for air circulation
- Burn older wood first to keep your supply fresh
If you run through a lot of firewood each year, consider setting up two separate stacks and staggering them so that they have enough time to adequately dry. You can even experiment with separate stacking methods until you find one you like.
Though it is true that some methods, such as the circle stack, take a bit more practice, taking the time to master the art of wood stacking is still a worthwhile endeavor, as you’ll be able to enjoy dry, clean-burning firewood all season long.
Let the Pros Handle It
Now that you know how to stack firewood outdoors, it’s time to order some high-quality cords. At ProCut Firewood, we offer wholesale firewood and even offer stacking services. Our professionals can create a perfect stack that helps keep your wood fresh and dry all season long. Just show us where to stack it, and we’ll take it from there! Contact us to learn more!
