Cutting Firewood: Planning Cuts and Stacking Wood

Cutting firewood starts with planning cuts and stacking wood. Good planning keeps the work safe and the wood dry.

Measure your stove or firebox first, then cut to a length that fits with room to spare.

Plan the cut length

Check the firebox length and cut two inches shorter.

Mark a guide stick to keep cuts even.

Cut on a stable surface, not on soft ground.

Plan the wood source

Use dry, seasoned wood where possible.

Split large rounds soon after cutting.

Keep the work area clear of tripping hazards.

Cut safely

Wear eye and hearing protection, gloves, and sturdy boots.

Keep hands clear of the chain or blade.

Stop if you feel tired or rushed.

Stack for drying

Stack off the ground, in a single row where possible.

Leave gaps for air flow.

Cover the top, not the sides.

A short cutting list

• Length planned first
• Guide stick marked
• Safe cutting area
• Stack off the ground

Work through the list each time you cut firewood.

Check that the saw chain stays sharp.

Keep the saw fuel and oil topped up.

Check that the bar stays tight.

Keep the work area lit.

Check that the wood pile stays stable.

Keep children clear of the cutting area.

Check that the stack does not lean.

Keep the stack away from the house wall where possible.

Check that the wood stays dry.

Keep a first aid kit nearby.

Check that the saw starts easily.

Keep the saw manual nearby.

Check that the cutting area stays clear of debris.

Keep the wood pile labeled by type where helpful.

Check that the stack height stays safe.

Keep the wood off wet ground.

Check that the cover stays in place.

Keep the wood pile near the path.

Check that the wood dries for months before use.

Keep the firewood dry through rain.

Check that the stack does not block a path.

Keep the cutting tools clean.

Check that the saw bar oil flows.

Keep the saw chain oiled.

Check that the wood splits cleanly.

Keep the splitting area clear.

Check that the wood size fits the stove.

Keep the wood pile tidy.

Check that the wood is not rotten.

Keep the work gloves dry.

Check that the saw guard stays in place.

Keep the wood pile away from pests where possible.

Check that the wood stack stays level.

Keep the cutting area free of loose branches.

Check that the saw fuel cap stays tight.

Keep the wood pile covered at night where needed.

Check that the wood dries evenly.

Keep the wood pile in sunlight where possible.

Check that the wood stack does not sag.

Keep the wood pile near the stove path.

Check that the wood is cut to one length.

Keep the cutting guide stick handy.

Check that the wood pile stays dry in wind.

Keep the saw chain tension checked.

Check that the wood pile stays neat.

Keep the wood pile away from standing water.

Check that the wood stack stays upright.

Keep the cutting area dry.

Check that the wood pile drains well.

Keep the wood pile off the lawn where possible.

Check that the wood stack stays dry in snow.

Keep the wood pile sorted by size.

Check that the wood pile stays clean.

Keep the wood pile ready for winter.

Check that the wood pile stays dry in fog.

Keep the wood pile near the door path.

Conclusion

Plan the cut length, cut safely, and stack for air flow. For equipment help, browse the Shop and the About us page. For help, use the Contact us page and the Support page.