Whether you chop your own firewood or have it delivered, there is always a familiar dilemma to face: how to stack it. Of course, you want to keep it outdoors in a safe and easily accessible place, but you also don't want it to get too wet, mar the landscaping, or be the focal point of the home's exterior. To help you decide what to do with your firewood, here are three popular stacking methods.

How to Stack Firewood

1. Round Stack

The round stack is a Scandinavian specialty that is both classy-looking and functional. You build it on a pallet while standing in the middle, erecting row after row of wood all the way around yourself in a circle. Be careful not to pack the wood too tightly and cut off airflow.

After carefully removing yourself from the center before the stack becomes too high, cover the uppermost layer with barked firewood to protect it from moisture and pests. Because of its eye-catching design, a round stack is a compelling landscaping feature.

2. Rectangle With End Pillars

One of the most popular stacks is a rectangular shape with pillar pieces on the ends. You stack the firewood in rows one on top of the other, alternating the direction of the wood with each row. This helps maintain healthy airflow between the layers and prevents moisture from becoming trapped and damaging the wood. On either end, place vertical anchor pieces to contain the stack; some people put the whole stack on a pallet. This arrangement can fit snugly against a garage, home, or wall and not intrude on your landscaping.

3. Holzhaus

A holzhaus—German for "woodhouse"—is the traditional German method for firewood stacking, and, as the name implies, it resembles a small house. The structure is typically about 7 feet tall, with wood stacked in a circular formation around a center stake. Stack the wood at an increasing pitch toward the top to create a "roof." As with a round stack, the top is usually blanketed with barked firewood for safekeeping.

When you need firewood in Butler County, OH, contact Wilson Garden Center Inc. Landscaping & Tree Service. Since 1979, they have been providing area residents with a wide range of landscaping services. From tree trimming and mulching to garden supplies and firewood, they are dedicated to the beauty and usability of your outdoor spaces. Call (513) 863-5831 to request an estimate, or visit their website to explore their services.