Before obtaining a burning permit and fire ring from your local home and garden center, get a crash course in stacking firewood. There are several ways to store the wood so it functions as a pleasing, aromatic feature on your property that dries quickly for winter use. Learn about some of the most popular methods below, all of which promote air circulation for fast drying times.

Firewood Stacking Methods

1. Hammock Span

Use two trees up to 12 feet apart as borders for your firewood stack. It’s known as the hammock span method because the width between the trees is about the same as you’d use for hanging a hammock. Place larger pieces on the ground and ensure they are secure before stacking firewood in assorted sizes to promote optimal airflow. Choose trees that are at least 20 feet away from your house to discourage termites from moving in.

2. Holzhaus

Stack firewood the holzhaus, or wood house, way only if your property gets ample sun. This method originates from the Black Forest area of Germany and does not allow sunlight or wind to penetrate the inner layers. However, a sunny location creates a warm air convection current that dries interior pieces.

Start a holzhaus stack by making a ring of split pieces, bark side out. Complete the house by stacking pieces in downward positions, creating a tight cone as you go. The more wood you stack, the tighter the cone will get. Place the final pieces bark-side up to make the roof.

3. End Pillar

Work with pieces that are roughly the same size and shape to make an end pillar stack. Again, select a sunny spot for optimal drying and use pressure-treated two-by-fours as your base. Place three to four pieces side by side, then stack the second layer in a perpendicular direction.

Continue alternating the layers while keeping stability in mind, especially if the pillar will not receive additional support. Work with the weight of the pieces to increase structural stability without compromising airflow. Also, keep layers bark-side up to decrease moisture absorption from rain and snow.

Obtain your burning permit, fire extinguisher, and fire ring from Pritzl’s Trading Post, the home and garden center serving homeowners, hunters, and fishermen throughout Rome, WI, since 1976. Specializing in local products, this home and garden center offers an extensive inventory as well as a hot bar, bakery, and deli. Call (715) 325-2281 today with questions, or visit the home and garden center online for more about their products. Get the latest community news and event updates on Facebook.