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[big don]

I have just bought a dump truck load approx 4 cord of red oak and some white oak mixed all split in 16" length.  My moisture meter reads between 30 & 35% and I understand that the ideal % moisture should be 20%+/-.  So does anyone know if the wood will cure any quicker by stacking it and covering the top vs just leaving it in the dumped pile for use next year?  Is the extra work of stacking really worth it if it would dry out reasonably close to the target 20%  I appreciate any feedback anybody has on this subject.

[Jwood]

Stack it! Looks nicer and better air movement!

[MattyNH]

Absolutely stack it!.If possible stack it on pallets or some way to keep it off the ground..

[Roger2561]

Stack it! Looks nicer and better air movement!

I agree, stack it.  I left it in a pile the first year I burned and the stuff in the center will not dry.  It stays damp and will raise holy heck with creosote build up.  When you stack, if you can stack each row about a foot apart from one another.  Not only will this allow air to pass through but will also let the sun shine on it too.  It will dry more thoroughly this way.  Oh, and get it off the ground too.  I take the weed wacker and cut any grass that gets to the bottom of the row, down to allow the air to pass under it.  Roger 

[big don]

Thanks to all who replied.  So I guess that I will be stacking wood over the holiday.  When do you suggest that I cover it once it is all stacked---I will be using a canvas tarp since I do not have a roof overhang or shed to use.

[Roger2561]

Thanks to all who replied.  So I guess that I will be stacking wood over the holiday.  When do you suggest that I cover it once it is all stacked---I will be using a canvas tarp since I do not have a roof overhang or shed to use.

There are many opinions whether to cover/not cover.  I personally do not cover it.  It has dried just fine.  However, if you feel you want to cover it, simply put something on the top of it, do not have it drape over the sides.  Any moisture that lands on the ends of the pieces will not penetrate that deep and once the sun and wind hit it, it will dry quickly.  Some people use old boards, metals pieces, etc... The problem with covering it completely will not allow the air to move freely through it.  I hope this help.  Roger

[Jwood]

Like roger said cover the top only. Best cover I've ever seen was the old top off a boat lift! Covered the top and hung over about a foot on all sides.

[jrider]

Wood in piles will season just fine IF stored in an open field where full sun and wind do its thing.  If there is even a few hours of shade on the pile, seasoning is slowed greatly.

[mlappin]

Wood in piles will season just fine IF stored in an open field where full sun and wind do its thing.  If there is even a few hours of shade on the pile, seasoning is slowed greatly.

I've done piles for years, make my pile on a cement slab, drys really well if all the bark is already off the wood so it doesn't end up in the pile. Come later in the summer when the rainy season starts I'll throw a tarp over the top.

[Pinehouse4]

I have always stacked, even before I built the shed. Covered with old steel roofing and was always satisfied with the result.

I have not piled it in a big stack so I can only say that I didn't see how the center and bottom could dry so well, but a cement pad would certainly help. Also for picking it up clean. You would have to hope for a drier fall I think.

Bob

[dirtdigger]

We handle bulk quantities of firewood, like 30-50 cords a year or more, we pile everything, there's no way I'm stacking those quantities of anything, we pile it on a slab of cement and before cold wet weather sets in, we shove some inside so its dry as we burn it.   

[automan77]

I've always stacked my wood on pallets . I put a tarp over it when the snow starts falling.

[userdk]

Stacking would be better, but is it really worth it?

[MerrellRoofing]

I just dump mine on concrete and move it with a skid steer. Then bring it up as I need it. My pile is about 200 yards from my burner.

[oaky]

Always stacked mine 6' high, rows 6"-10" apart, uncovered until about a month before I start my owb.