Properly stacking firewood is essential for maximizing storage space and ensuring a clean, efficient burn. Wood stacked correctly dries faster, burns hotter, and minimizes the risk of rot or mold development. This drying process, known as seasoning, reduces the wood’s moisture content to an acceptable level for combustion.
Understanding the Cord Measurement
A cord is the standard unit of measure for firewood, representing a specific volume of wood that is tightly stacked and orderly. The official dimensions of a full cord are 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long. This arrangement results in a total volume of 128 cubic feet, which includes the wood itself and the air spaces between the pieces. This measurement applies only to wood that has been neatly stacked.
Choosing the Right Location and Foundation
Selecting an appropriate site for the wood stack directly influences the speed and quality of the seasoning process. A location that receives ample sunlight and allows for consistent air movement is preferred, as this environment promotes faster moisture evaporation from the wood fibers. Placing the stack at least 20 feet away from the main dwelling is also a good practice, helping to prevent insects like termites or carpenter ants from migrating from the woodpile into the home structure.
The foundation must elevate the wood off the bare ground to prevent moisture wicking and accelerate decay. Acceptable materials for a foundation include pressure-treated 2×4 runners, old pallets, or concrete cinder blocks placed perpendicular to the stack’s length. Elevating the wood by at least a few inches allows air to circulate underneath the pile, aiding the drying process and protecting the bottom layer from ground moisture.
Step-by-Step Stacking Techniques for Stability
Building a stable wood stack begins with ensuring the logs are of a relatively uniform length, typically between 16 and 24 inches, as this consistency simplifies the stacking process. The primary technique for achieving stability involves creating self-supporting ends, often called “bookends” or “criss-cross” stacks. This method uses the weight and friction of the logs themselves to prevent the entire pile from collapsing sideways.
To construct a bookend, lay two pieces parallel to the main stack direction, then place two more pieces perpendicular on top of the first pair, forming a small square. Continue alternating the direction of the logs in this manner until the end structure reaches the desired height of the main stack. These solid, interlocking end towers provide the necessary lateral support for the entire row of wood placed between them.
Once the end supports are established, the main body of the cord is stacked by placing logs tightly together, running parallel to the length of the stack. It is important to keep the stack straight and plumb, meaning it should be vertically level, to distribute the weight evenly and prevent leaning. Using a simple level or a straight board against the side can help maintain a consistent vertical line as the stack grows. Placing the larger end of each piece toward the low side of the stack can help compensate for uneven ground and maintain a level top.
For safety and stability, the height of the wood stack should not exceed four to five feet. Stacks taller than this become increasingly unstable and pose a greater risk of collapse as the wood settles and shifts over time.
Protecting the Stack for Optimal Seasoning
After the cord is stacked, protecting it from precipitation is the final step in ensuring successful seasoning. The most effective strategy is to cover only the top of the stack, creating a roof that sheds rain and snow while leaving the sides completely exposed. This “roof only” rule allows air to flow freely through the sides and ends of the pile, carrying away evaporated moisture.
Acceptable covering materials include a plastic tarp, sheets of plywood, or corrugated metal roofing, provided the material extends slightly past the edges to direct water away from the wood. The cover should be secured to prevent it from blowing away in the wind, but it should not be pulled down the sides of the stack, which would trap moisture and inhibit drying. The goal of seasoning is to reduce the wood’s moisture content to below 20%, with an ideal range being 15% to 20%, ensuring a clean and efficient burn. If multiple cords are being stacked, leaving a gap of at least a few inches between the rows promotes maximum air circulation.