Steel Rails for Stacking

by Crash325
(Tucson, AZ USA)

In my part of the world any wood laying on the ground will be attacked by termites and or other types of critters. Most trees are attacked soon after the start to grow. I put some old pipe, or other scrap steel down to stack on. Keeps out most critters except a spider now and then. I also like 2 end posts at each end and often stack 4 to 6' high.

Hi Crash325
Thanks for your comments - I hadn't really thought about the need for metal rails. Here in the UK we don't have those problems. Of termites and other critters.

Rails generally are a good idea as they keep the lower levels of your firewood stack from absorbing moisture from the ground. Wood can act like an excellent sponge when in contact with the soil. We have access to coppice poles from our woodland and once our felling license comes through we'll be using those pretty much exclusively for both bottom rails and end posts. Chestnut can last 50 years in the ground so should be fine for the purpose!

Some people also suggest using a layer of well draining gravel or broken concrete chunks. If you can afford to lay a thick layer of gravel down over a large area it will also help keep down weeds!

Incidentally, how are those horseshoes connected to each other? Spot welded? Looks really nice!

All the best

Mike - WoodstoveWizard.com