Chopping, Stacking, and Drying Wood the Scandinavian Way: A Comprehensive Guide to Efficient Fuel Preparation

Scandinavians have a long history of using wood as a primary source of heating and cooking energy, and they have developed efficient techniques for preparing firewood that can be easily replicated anywhere. In this article, we will explore the Scandinavian method of chopping, stacking, and drying wood for maximum efficiency and ease of use.

Norwegian Wood: Chopping, Stacking, and Drying Wood the Scandinavian Way

by Lars Mytting

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25379 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Print length	:	285 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Chopping Wood

The first step in preparing firewood is to chop it into manageable logs. Scandinavians typically use an axe or hatchet for this task, and they aim for logs that are about 12-18 inches in length and 3-4 inches in diameter. This size is small enough to be easily handled and burned, but large enough to produce a good amount of heat.

When chopping wood, it is important to use sharp tools and to be aware of your surroundings. Always wear gloves and eye protection, and be sure to swing the axe away from yourself and others.

Stacking Wood

Once the wood has been chopped, it is important to stack it properly to allow it to dry evenly and prevent rot. Scandinavians typically stack wood in a "crib" or "cord" formation.

To create a crib, start by laying down two parallel rows of logs, about 18 inches apart. Then, place a third row of logs perpendicular to the first two rows, on top of the first row. Continue stacking logs in this manner, alternating the direction of each row, until the crib is about 3 feet high.

To create a cord, start by laying down a row of logs, end-to-end, until the row is about 4 feet long. Then, stack a second row of logs on top of the first row, offsetting the logs so that they overlap the logs in the first row by about half their length. Continue stacking logs in this manner, offsetting each row by half its length, until the cord is about 4 feet high and 8 feet long.

Drying Wood

The final step in preparing firewood is to dry it out. Dry wood burns more efficiently and produces less smoke than wet wood. Scandinavians typically dry wood by stacking it in a sunny, well-ventilated area.

The best way to dry wood is to stack it on pallets or racks, so that air can circulate all around the logs. The logs should be stacked with about 1 inch of space between each log, to allow air to flow freely.

It is important to keep the wood covered during the drying process, to protect it from rain and snow. A tarp or plastic cover can be used for this purpose.

Wood should be dried for at least 6 months before it is burned. The wood is ready to burn when it is dry to the touch and no longer makes a hissing sound when it is burned.

Chopping, stacking, and drying wood the Scandinavian way is a simple and efficient process that can be easily replicated anywhere. By following these steps, you can prepare firewood that will burn efficiently and produce less smoke, making it a better choice for heating your home or cooking your food.

Norwegian Wood: Chopping, Stacking, and Drying Wood the Scandinavian Way

by Lars Mytting

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25379 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Print length	:	285 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE