How to Stack Firewood

Last Edited: 9/15/23



Winter’s coming and you’ve hauled, gathered and split a big stack of firewood – now what? Stacking firewood properly is the next crucial step in the process.

Keep reading to learn the best ways to store firewood so it will dry, season and remain protected all year.

The Best Way to Store Firewood

Properly stacked firewood doesn’t just look nice. When you stack firewood neatly, it stays dry, seasons better over time and discourages any critters looking for a new home. And well-seasoned firewood burns more efficiently and brightly.

Materials

• Gardening or work gloves
• Plastic bin for kindling
• Plastic tarp
• Optional: Wooden pallet or storage rack

Planning Your Woodpile

Evaluate your firewood before you start stacking. Note how much variation in size and shape you have and split any large logs if necessary. Sort very small pieces into a plastic bin for kindling and store it in a cool dry space. Sort the rest of your wood into small, medium and large pieces.

If you don’t have a firewood rack or convenient dry shed, there are a few inexpensive solutions to keep your pile neat and stable:

• Build a simple firewood storage rack following Mr. Handyman’s guide.
• Put down a pallet to keep the wood off the ground.
• Tree supports: Look around your property for two trees that can serve as bookends to your firewood stack. This can be a good short-term solution, although over time it might damage the bark on your trees.
• Wood end-pillars: Use the firewood you already have. Look for very flat uniform pieces. Build two pillars a few yards apart by layering wood in a square shape then repeating the same in the crosscutting direction for the next layer. Pack tightly.

How to Stack Firewood Outdoors

Now that you have chosen a method of stabilizing your wood pile, begin stacking the firewood. Place split pieces bark-side up to protect against moisture. Start by stacking the smallest pieces on one end of your pile. These are the pieces you’ll burn first with each fire. Stack medium pieces next to these. End with the largest pieces at the far end of the pile. Now, when you build a fire, you can work from one end of the pile to the other in layers.

Leave enough space between multiple stacks of firewood for air to travel through. The irregular shape of the split wood will help everything season.

If your wood isn’t in a shed, cover it with a plastic tarp between uses. Only cover the top third of the pile to allow the wood to breathe and air to circulate.

Using Your Outdoor Wood Pile

If you love wood fires and want to invest in more long-term storage solutions, Mr. Handyman can help you build a wood shed or storage rack. Call us today or make an appointment online today.