To successfully burn firewood in chimneys or wood stoves, it must first be “seasoned.” This refers to the process of stacking and storing wood until it dries out to a moisture content of about 20%. Below is a helpful list of tips to help you create the perfect firewood stack.

5 Tips to Stacking Firewood

1. Select an Optimal Location

Before you stack firewood for future burning in wood stoves or fireplaces, you must first find a good location. Avoid areas of low elevation to prevent moisture draining into the stack after a heavy rain or snow storm. It’s also a good idea to ensure your selected location gets ample sunlight each day, which is critical to expediting the drying process before the winter months begin.

2. Watch Out for Pests

Unfortunately, firewood makes the perfect home (and snack) for termites. If your wood stack is too close to your home, it may encourage these pests to move on to your home’s structure next. To avoid this, begin stacking your firewood a good distance from your home and garage.

3. Check Your Compass

Once you’ve chosen a safe location, remember to lay your wood so the cut ends face west. Since wind generally blows east and west rather than north and south, this can speed up the drying process tremendously. Regular breezes and winds will encourage additional moisture to be expelled through these ends, meaning your firewood will be primed and ready for use in wood stoves and fireplaces.

4. Build Your Towers

Next, you’ll need to create two towers that act as bookends and help stabilize your firewood stack. This can be achieved by laying two pieces of wood next to each other before stacking two pieces on top perpendicular to the original layer. Continue this process, building up your tower with perpendicular layers until it reaches your desired height. Then, create a second tower several feet from the first.

5. Stack Strategically

Once your towers are complete, you can finally create your firewood stack. Lay the first layer in an irregular pattern from tower to tower, leaving room for air circulation. Use pieces of wood of different sizes and shapes, nestling them together to create a stable base. Continue this layering process until you’ve stacked all your firewood.

Looking for an expert in the care, cleaning, and service of wood stoves and fireplaces before chilly temperatures blow in this winter? Turn to Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps and Masonry in New Richmond, Ohio. This fully insured company will travel to your home or office to provide chimney cleaning and repair, as well as chimney inspection and other related services that help prevent chimney fires. To learn more about their services, give them a call at (513) 553-0229 today or visit them on Facebook.