Stack firewood in a single row at least 30 cm off the ground, with the open sides facing the prevailing wind and only the top covered, so air can dry it and rain cannot soak it. A cord of 2.4 m by 1.2 m by 1.2 m is about 3.5 cubic metres and weighs roughly 1.5-2 tonnes air-dry, which holds about 21.5-28.6 GJ.
Part of Coppicing & Fuel Management
Stacking and storing firewood: layout, ground clearance, covering, stack stability and measuring the stack.
The Parent’s Rules
Stack in a single row if possible, for better air circulation. Face the open sides to the prevailing wind. Keep the stack at least 30 cm off the ground. Cover the top with bark slabs, scrap metal or a tarp. A standard cord, 2.4 m × 1.2 m × 1.2 m, weighs roughly 1.5-2 t when air-dry.
Worked Example: A Cord
Inputs: stack 2.4 × 1.2 × 1.2 m; mass 1.5-2 t (parent); net heat of air-dried hardwood 14.3 GJ/t (BTU Content Compared to Wood).
- Volume of the stack = 2.4 × 1.2 × 1.2 = 3.456 m³, about 3.5 m³. This is the stacked volume, with the gaps between pieces included.
- Stacked density = 1.5 ÷ 3.456 = 0.43 t/m³ to 2 ÷ 3.456 = 0.58 t/m³.
- Heat = 1.5 × 14.3 = 21.5 GJ to 2 × 14.3 = 28.6 GJ.
What You Need
- Bearers: logs, stones or pallets to hold the bottom layer at least 30 cm up
- Cover: bark slabs, scrap metal or a tarp for the top
- End supports: stakes, or ends built as a criss-cross crib
- A level spot with good air and drainage
Method
Step 1: Lay the bearers on firm, level ground.
Step 2: Build the stack in a row, pieces parallel, bark side up on the top layer. Crib the ends by crossing the last pieces so the ends do not fall out.
Step 3: Keep it low and stable. Do not stack higher than you can safely reach.
Step 4: Face the open sides to the wind, and cover the top only.
Step 5: Keep the stack away from the house wall. It invites damp, rodents and fire spread.
Step 6: Rotate stock. Use the oldest wood first and keep the freshly cut stack separate.
Common Mistakes
- Covering the sides with a tarp. It traps moisture.
- Stacking on bare soil. The bottom layer wicks water.
- A tall single stack with no end support. It collapses.
Safety
Stacks fall and burn
A collapsing stack can crush a leg; build ends firmly, do not climb stacks, and never pull from the bottom of a tall pile. A large dry wood pile is a fire load: keep it away from buildings, chimneys and spark sources. For the seasoning check before burning see Seasoning & Drying.
What’s Next
- Learn next: Fuel Budgeting — how much to stack
- Combine with: Seasoning & Drying — when it is ready