FIREWOOD STACKING: THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS

By: Amali Wijesena

The world of firewood stacking is as polarizing and complicated as pineapple on pizza. From what method of stacking to use, to what material to cover with, to what direction the wood must face, not only are there layers to the issue, but people have become willing to defend their side to the deathbed. Research has shown that most discourse is there are only three key components to remember when stacking wood: keep the stack dry, drafty, and covered.

Some will argue that the direction of the wood, and keeping the bark facing up, is necessary to keep the wood safe, specifically because the bark is better at deflecting direct weather damage (Giacoletto). This is not necessarily important information to remember, as the pile should not receive any direct weather. Going back to the 3 key components, one must keep the stack covered. This means that it may experience ambient moisture but should not experience direct rain. Having a removable covering can also aid in the drying process, to expose the pile to the sun, and close for wet weather. A tarp would work well, but it is also important to consider other materials, like metal sheeting or a waterproof board (Walden).

Although the stack should not experience direct weather, it will still harbor moisture, and it can take up to 12 months for a stack to dry completely. “If your wood hasn’t dried properly before burning, it won’t burn efficiently and contributes to creosote buildup, which in turn can lead to chimney fires”, which is why proper airflow and ventilation are important (Nickerson). Although keeping space between the pieces can benefit this process, like in the crisscross-hatch method (also known as the American method), it is not the only way to get wood to dry quickly (Sharpe and Wachtel). One could also use the Scandinavian “round stacking” method to reduce regular drying time by 6-9 months. This method “takes less time, sheds water better [...], takes less space and makes the pile more stable” (Nickerson).

Keeping the wood stack dry is essential to any future use; not only does damp wood take more energy to light, it burns with excess smoke, and as mentioned earlier, it creates a creosote buildup in chimneys. The burning of dry wood is not only safer, but it also brings about a signature Crackle and Pop. Although not one of the essential rules of firewood stacking, it is also important to consider fire hazards in pile placement. It is necessary to have a dedicated wood shelter or area, as stacking them on the porch or side of one's house can lead to unnecessary fire danger.

Fire is what this is all about: being able to reliably start and feed one, and preventing them wherever they aren't wanted. Keeping wood dry, ventilated, and covered is the best way to ensure that a wood pile stays ready to use. Also, every stacking method has something to offer, from the End Pillars to the Amish to the German methods. What a person uses depends on what they hope to gain from their pile, and what the climate is like where they live.

Works Cited

Giacoletto, Alec. A short interview with Mr. Giacoletto.

Nickerson, Kendra. “The Best Way to Stack Firewood | Canadian or Scandinavian?” Union Wood Co, 14 December 2016, https://www.unionwoodco.com/blogs/journal/the-best-way-to-stack-firewood. Accessed 17 April 2025.

Sharpe, Joel, and Allison Wachtel. “A Guide To Stacking Wood Like a Pro.” HowStuffWorks, 11 January 2024, https://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-stack-cord-of-wood.htm. Accessed 17 April 2025.

“Stack Firewood Bark Up Or Bark Down?” 2014, https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/stack-firewood-bark-up-or-bark-down/. Accessed 17 April 2025.

Walden. “Should Firewood Be Covered With a Tarp?” 2022, https://www.waldenbackyards.com/blogs/fires-firewood/should-firewood-be-covered-with-a-tarp?srsltid=AfmBOopiyuTaUjWoLhtw7jTfoRtvtf60fYEqmC3sGzRn9XUCKRyb6M2W. Accessed 17 April 2022.