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How to Stack Your Log Store for Maximum Airflow: The Ultimate Guide

Whether you have just received a delivery of premium seasoned logs in Tunbridge Wells or are preparing your wood store for the winter, how you stack your firewood is just as important as the quality of the wood itself.


At E.B Logs & Forestry, we specialise in air-dried, seasoned firewood. To keep your logs at their peak burning efficiency, you need to ensure they stay dry and well-ventilated. Proper stacking isn't just about tidiness, it’s about preserving the low moisture content that makes seasoned wood superior to green wood.


Here is our professional guide to stacking your log store for maximum airflow.




1. Start with a Solid, Raised Foundation

Never stack your logs directly on the bare ground. Soil and grass hold moisture, which will soak into the bottom layer of your firewood, causing rot and mould.


  • The Pro Tip: Use old pallets or a dedicated log store with a slatted floor. This allows air to circulate underneath the stack, keeping the bottom logs as dry as the top ones.


2. Leave a "Breathing Space" Behind the Stack

A common mistake is pushing the wood stack right up against a solid brick wall or fence. This traps moisture and prevents air from moving through the wood.


  • The Rule of Thumb: Leave a gap of at least 2 to 4 inches between the back of your log pile and the wall. This "chimney effect" allows air to flow vertically and horizontally around your logs.


3. The Stacking Technique: Bark Side Up or Down?

There is a lot of debate on this, but for seasoned logs in a covered store, we recommend stacking with the bark side up.


  • Why? Bark acts as a natural protective shield. If any rain or condensation gets into the store, it will run off the bark rather than soaking into the exposed grain of the wood.

  • Avoid Over-Packing: Don't pack the logs too tightly. Small gaps between logs are essential—if air can’t move, moisture can’t escape.


4. Use the "Cross-Stacking" Method at the Ends

If your log store doesn't have solid sides, use the cross-stacking (or "crate") method at the ends of your pile to provide stability.


  • Place one layer of logs North-to-South, and the next layer East-to-West. This creates a sturdy "pillar" that keeps the rest of the stack from collapsing while acting as a high-airflow vent for the rest of the pile.


5. Prioritise Top Coverage, Not Side Coverage

The goal of a log store is to protect the wood from rain while exposing it to as much wind and air as possible.


  • The Secret: Ensure your store has a slanted, waterproof roof. However, leave the sides open (or use slats). Wrapping your logs in a plastic tarp is a mistake; it traps humidity and "sweats" the wood, undoing the seasoning process.



Why Seasoned Wood from E.B Logs & Forestry?


Unlike kiln-dried wood which is forced-dried in an industrial oven, our logs are naturally seasoned in the fresh air of the Kent and Sussex countryside. This traditional process ensures a long-lasting, aromatic burn that is gentle on your stove and the environment.


Need a top-up for your log store? We offer free delivery within 10 miles of Tunbridge Wells and bulk delivery across the region.



 
 
 

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