Uncovered Woodpile

[Investmentdude]

I have been gathering wood since August, and have a few cords of oak split and stacked on top of pallets. I have thought a bit about the best way to cover the wood, and just haven't come up with a palatable (see what I did there) option. Anything I put on top will look hinkey due to the variation of the surface of the pile. Tarps break down, wind batters everything, etc. I plan to let is season uncovered, and if it snows, I'll blow the snow off with my leaf blower... This is not softwood. Does this sound reasonable to others?? Cheers and Happy New Year!

 

[Eman85]

I guess it's reasonable, been doing it that way for years. I do tarp some to be sure I have good dry wood when it's burning season. The biggest killer of open stacked wood is leaves. That's the biggest problem I run into is the leaves fall in and hold moisture and can cause rot of the wood and the pallets eventually.

 

[Wildflush]

Since oak takes so much time to season correctly I would not want it to keep getting wet. I do top cover with tarps folded about a foot down and use para cord 5 to 6ft lengths tied to masonry bricks over the tarps. Easy to take off and on this way and protects from snow and water entering the center of your stacks. In the heat of the summer with no rain in the forecast I can remove easily if needed.

 

[Woody Stover]

I've started scrounging sheet metal siding and roofing. The big sheets are unwieldy to handle, but stay put well especially with a couple steel wheels or concrete blocks toward the prevailing wind.
You can start grabbing wood in a ways from the end of the stack if you want, leaving the end tall, and the sheet will stay level, not slump like a tarp or other covering would.

 

[peakbagger]

Didnt I reply to a similar thread this morning (complete with pictures)?

 

[Caw]

Didnt I reply to a similar thread this morning (complete with pictures)?

You're just getting old, peak

 

[peakbagger]

Degradation of stacked but uncovered hardwoods?

I fully understand that top covered wood is the best route.......but.... How long can you leave HARDWOODS (ash,oak,maple) not covered before a notable amount of degradation of wood quality has set in? Can one leave it in the stacks uncovered for 3 years Then move it into a 2 year (10 cord)...

www.hearth.com

 

[Caw]

 

[Dix]

I have been gathering wood since August, and have a few cords of oak split and stacked on top of pallets. I have thought a bit about the best way to cover the wood, and just haven't come up with a palatable (see what I did there) option. Anything I put on top will look hinkey due to the variation of the surface of the pile. Tarps break down, wind batters everything, etc. I plan to let is season uncovered, and if it snows, I'll blow the snow off with my leaf blower... This is not softwood. Does this sound reasonable to others?? Cheers and Happy New Year!

You would probably better off using the leaf blower before the snow flies, then top covering right afterwards, or time it so you get a few days of wind and sun, then top covering. Tarps last a few years, usually, might not look to classy, but brown or grey ones leave (see what I did there? ) a better impression.

Hell, when $$$'s have been tight, I've used shower curtain liners from Dollar Tree

.

 

[jblnut]

Whatever you do cover it with something BEFORE it snows This is getting old 😂

 

[Woody Stover]

Whatever you do cover it with something BEFORE it snows This is getting old 😂

Good grief! I spent my first thirty years in WI, but MN looks even more desolate! 💨🥶

 

[Wood1Dennis]

I plan to let is season uncovered, and if it snows, I'll blow the snow off with my leaf blower... This is not softwood. Does this sound reasonable to others??

In an open space with sun & wind and no leaves, here in WI it works fine. I cover for a month before I bring it in just to keep the rainwater off of the wood. In Maryland, or in your particular set-up your results might be different.
If it was wet when you stacked it, it won't be ready to burn this winter, covered or open.

 

[BigJ273]

I use metal sheets of roofing on top. I drill holes in them and stake them down, and put big uglies on top. This allows the entire stack to breathe. I’m not a fan of tarps as they can trap the moisture in at the top.

 

[Split]

My tarps are a headache. The just blow off. Need something else. My dry wood is kept in the shed. The stuff left to the elements is for next season.

 

[peakbagger]

I use metal sheets of roofing on top. I drill holes in them and stake them down, and put big uglies on top. This allows the entire stack to breathe. I’m not a fan of tarps as they can trap the moisture in at the top.

View attachment 306809

Just throw pallets on top of the pile with the forklift pockets facing out. It makes a big difference in air flow up through the top of the stack. Then put the roofing on top of the pallet. No moisture problem.

 

[Wildflush]

Not sure why folks have trouble with tarps. I leave the ends open and only top cover about 6 to 12” down. Rope with bricks draped over.. no moisture, looks clean, and easy removal. Personally I think it looks much better than roofing tin along my driveway that I would have to weigh down anyway.