How to Stack Firewood So It Stays Dry

How do I stack firewood?

1. Build a base. Lay bearers or a pallet so the bottom row is off the ground. Defra says to stack on bearers.
2. Stack in rows, with air gaps. HETAS says not to wedge logs too tightly together, and Woodsure says to create plenty of air gaps.
3. Brace the ends. Charnwood says stacking logs in alternating directions creates air pockets. Criss-crossing pairs of logs at each end makes a firm end pillar, or stack against the sides of a store.
4. Keep it low and steady. HETAS warns against a tall, unsupported stack that could fall on you. Charnwood says 4 to 5 feet is usually high enough.
5. Cover the top. Leave the sides open so the wind can blow through, as Defra and Forest Research advise.
6. Use the oldest logs first. Stack new logs at the back or on a separate row, so the driest are easiest to reach.

Bark up or bark down?

We found no UK guidance on bark up or bark down. The US Environmental Protection Agency says to stack wood split side down, so bark up, while Purdue University says both ways have benefits and drawbacks. A roof, open sides and a base off the ground matter far more.

What about a round stack?

A round stack, or holz hausen, is a circle of logs leaning inwards so the top sheds rain, as Woodlands.co.uk describes. It looks good and suits a big pile of logs you're seasoning yourself. For a tonne bag of kiln dried logs, a simple row in a covered store is easier.

Should I stack a tonne bag of logs?

If space is tight, yes. Forest Research says 1 m³ of loose logs is about 0.66 m³ stacked, so stacking a tonne bag frees up about a third of the space. If you have room, you can keep the logs in the bag on a pallet under cover instead. See how big a log store do I need?.