Stack Wood in a Fireplace
Stacking wood in a fireplace is a matter of both aesthetics and practicality. It helps to keep your fire burning efficiently while preventing your logs from falling on you. In addition, it also provides a protective shield against the weather. Various cultures have their own techniques for stacking wood in a fireplace. However, there are some basic rules of thumb to follow.
(Looking for electric fireplace repair? Contact us today!)
The top of the pile should be at least a shoulder height. This is because your hand will be able to reach down to the middle of the pile. In addition, you want to avoid the trap of placing the firewood too close to your home. This can cause rot issues and insect infestations. If you have a gas line or a window in your fireplace, it is a good idea to leave two feet of space between your flammable objects.
The top of the pile should be a cone shaped wood pile. It should have a diameter of about six feet, and a height of about seven feet. The bottom of the pile should be about one foot deep and eight inches wide. This allows room for air to circulate and the wood to dry out. The sides of the pile should be a tad larger than the bottom, which will help keep the pieces together.
Using a tarp to cover the top of the pile is a good idea. However, a tarp should be left loose by about one or two inches. This will allow for air circulation and keep your seasoned and unseasoned wood dry.
The smallest pieces should be placed first, followed by kindling. This is an important step because it acts as a “filler” to help the stack hold together. You can use a saw or ax to cut firewood that is too tall.
You should consider a tarp when stacking wood in a fireplace. This will allow the wood to dry out better and will prevent moisture from seeping into the wood, which could result in structural damage. The top of the pile should be at least three feet above the ground, which will ensure the wood does not impede landscaping features.
A good way to stack wood in a fireplace is to create a crisscross pattern. This will make it easier to set up the fire and will result in a more efficient burn. The best starting log placement is to place a longer piece at the back and a shorter piece at the front. This will allow the smaller pieces to rest on the top of the fire without getting caught on the back wall.
The bottom of the pile should be a crisscross pattern. The shortest piece should be at the front, followed by a few smaller pieces, and the biggest piece should be at the rear. The shortest piece should be at least 12 inches long and the largest should be at least 24 inches long. This will result in a more compact stack that will be easier to move as you light the fire.