How to Stack Firewood Like a Pro

How to Stack Firewood Like a Pro: Airflow, Space-Saving, and Aesthetics

Whether you’re prepping for cozy winter nights, stocking up for the cabin, or keeping your backyard fire pit ready for action, properly stacking your firewood makes a world of difference. Not only does it keep your wood dry and ready to burn, but it also helps you store more in less space—and let’s be honest, a well-stacked woodpile just looks good.

At Little Lumberjacks Firewood, we believe that good stacking is part science, part art. Here’s how to do it like a pro.

1. Pick the Right Spot

Before you start stacking, location matters:

• Keep it off the ground – Use pallets, a rack, or even a row of scrap 2x4s to keep the wood elevated. This prevents moisture from seeping in from the soil and deters bugs.

• Sun and wind exposure – Choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and airflow to speed up drying.

• Safe distance from your home – Keep woodpiles at least 20 feet away from your house to avoid attracting pests.

2. Think Airflow First

Airflow is the secret to seasoning wood (drying it out) and keeping it ready to burn.

• Stack loosely – Avoid cramming logs too tightly; leave small gaps for air to circulate.

• Alternate directions – Every few layers, stack perpendicular rows to create built-in air channels.

• Single row for seasoning – If your wood is still green (freshly cut), a single row allows maximum wind exposure.

3. Master the Ends

The ends of your stack are the anchor points—get them wrong, and the whole pile can tumble.

• Crisscross method – Stack logs in alternating directions at each end to create sturdy “bookends.”

• Lean in slightly – Tilt end stacks inward to prevent outward collapse over time.

4. Go Vertical for Space-Saving

If space is tight, try a holzhaufen (German round stack). This method forms a circular pile with logs leaning inward, creating a self-supporting structure that holds a lot of wood in a small footprint. Bonus: it looks impressive.

5. Keep it Covered—but Let it Breathe

• Top cover only – Use a tarp or roof to protect from rain and snow, but leave the sides open so air can keep moving through.

• Avoid full wrapping – Wrapping a pile traps moisture and can cause mold.

6. Make it Picture-Perfect

Stacking can be functional and beautiful:

• Sort by size for clean, uniform lines.

• Face the cut ends outward for a neat, patterned look.

• If you’re feeling creative, stack in shapes—arches, triangles, or even initials.

Mistakes to Avoid When Stacking Firewood

Even the best intentions can lead to firewood fails. Here’s what to steer clear of:

• Stacking directly on soil – Moisture and bugs will ruin your wood faster than you can say “campfire.”

• Building stacks too high – Over 4 feet tall without support? Gravity will win eventually.

• Using green wood immediately – It’ll smoke, hiss, and frustrate you. Let it season or buy pre-seasoned from us.

• Fully covering your pile – Trapped moisture equals mold, mildew, and bad burns.

• Ignoring safety clearances – Stacking too close to sheds, fences, or fire pits can be a fire hazard.

Little Lumberjacks Tip

Freshly cut wood can take 6–12 months to fully season. If you want perfectly dry, ready-to-burn wood now, order from Little Lumberjacks Firewood—we’ve already done the drying for you, so all you need to do is stack, spark, and enjoy.

Stay warm, stay safe, and stack smart.

Your fire will thank you—and so will your future self when the snow flies.