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Correctly Stack Firewood Outdoors: Why and How

How to Stack Firewood Outdoors

How to Stack Firewood Outdoors

While all of the firewood Best Firewood and Mulch sells has been seasoned, firewood still benefits from being correctly stacked and stored while waiting for use.

Let us stack your firewood order! For an additional charge, we’ll stack your firewood delivery at a ground level location.

But whether you’ve ordered stacking or are stacking firewood yourself, here are helpful tips for placement and protection of your firewood.

Why should I stack firewood outdoors?

During cold months, a small supply of firewood (2-3 days’ worth) should be brought inside to dry and warm before being added to a fire. This keeps the fire’s heat consistent and efficient.

However, most of us don’t have the space or the shelter to house more firewood than that. It’s safer and cleaner to properly store firewood outdoors, as this allows the wood to continue to season effectively. It also reduces the risk of pests like spiders or ants hitching a ride into your home.

Where should I stack firewood outdoors?

The location of your future stack of firewood is important! Consider how much firewood you’ll be using during cold and snowy months, because that will determine how often you’ll be trekking out into the elements to haul more inside. How convenient will that be? Will you be carrying wood yourself, or using a wheelbarrow? Do you have a clear, easy path from your firewood stack to your stove or fireplace?

Avoid choosing low spots outdoors, where rain or runoff tends to puddle.

How should I stack firewood outdoors?

Firewood should never be stacked directly on the ground, especially on soil. Stacked firewood must be elevated a few inches to maintain air flow and discourage mold and rot.

Metal log racks in various lengths can be purchased. These include end supports for your stack as well, and can give your firewood stack a tidy appearance while keeping it off the ground. These can be a great solution for smaller amounts of firewood, like a half or single face cords.

However, wooden pallets or boards laid on the ground work just as well. Wooden posts or T-posts can be used to brace the ends of a stack. Otherwise, taper down the height of the stack at the ends to avoid falls.

If your firewood is stacked against a structure, leave a few inches between it and the wall for more air circulation. Also leave space between two stacks if they are side by side.

Stack firewood no more than 4 feet high. 4 feet is also the height of a face cord. (How much is a face cord? Read our Firewood FAQs here.)

Should I cover firewood outdoors?

Stack firewood bark side down if it needs to continue to dry and season. At the top of the stack, if it is not otherwise covered, stack a layer that is bark side up to offer more protection.

Stacking firewood beneath an overhang is ideal. Otherwise, cover the top of your stack with a pre-made firewood cover (available for many purchased log racks) or simply with a tarp, weighted down with another piece of firewood at the edges.

Don’t cover the sides of your firewood stack! Too much cover traps moisture in the wood, increasing the possibility of mold and creating a cozy potential home for pests. Air circulation is more important than being completely covered from rain or snow.

We’ll stack for you!

We not only deliver premium, seasoned firewood, we can stack your firewood order!

Call us or order firewood online.

Best Firewood and Mulch has been serving top-quality hardwood firewood and mulch products to Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, Elgin, Naperville and the greater Chicago area over 35 years.