I was thinking of how getting 2 or 3 years ahead can seem daunting, when I came across a picture of my stacks soon after I started burning. Back in February of 2013 here were my stacks. Just a couple face cord with a few extra rounds sitting around. You can even see the pallets waiting to be used for the first time. I compared that to what my stacks looked like a few months ago. Granted with my small house, getting 3 years ahead doesn't mean as much wood as some of you, but I hope those of you who think you'll never get ahead can see that with steady effort, you can do it.
Nice stacks! Great job, and thanks for the encouragement. My experience is much the same. I started heating exclusively with wood when I moved in December 2013. That first winter I burned wood as fast as I could cut it. I went into winter 14-15 with about 6-7 cords of wood, not knowing what I would burn, but I felt that would be enough. I burnt about 4.5 cords, but it was a mild winter. Now, this is what I have, likely 2 years worth. Next year I expect to be on the 3 year plan. Like most things in life, you just plug away at it, and it gets done. Greg
Big improvement. 3 years ahead is 3 years ahead. It's all takes work ! Great looking stacks but even the old snow coved stack looked good IMO !!
Looks good! We can all appreciate the amount of work that goes into those stacks! My situation was very similar to yours when we bought our house. My father in law saved my rear last winter with the stacks he kept even though he stopped burning about 4 years ago. This winter I'll be burning my own stuff all year. I definitely have 2 years on hand now with a total of 7 cords rounded down. One stack should be the start of 17/18. Here's my first stack and what we have now! The middle picture is the beginning of the backyard stacking area which has since more than quadrupled in size..lol..
Nice reminder schlot. When we got here, the PO had a full cord of splits stacked on the front porch, and left maybe another 1/3 cord of rounds back near the shed where I keep the tractor. My brother and his 2 sons came over and helped get a bunch of that stuff split and stacked near the front door, then I had to order more wood from 2 sources to finish the winter. I'll dig out some pics.................
Those stacks are a thing of beauty! When I first started cutting wood, in 2001, I would be real proud if I had enough to make it through that winter. I remember cutting in the snow a couple of times because I was in danger of running out. Then I stumbled onto some Backwoods Savage guy on the internet, and since then I've been trying to get more ahead each year. Now I've got enough for about 5 winters, maybe more. It's a lot of work, but it is one of the best feelings to sit back, have a beer, and see all those stacks drying knowing you're set for winter.
I agree, red oak, that guy is the only BS I pay attention to. I was getting ahead, finally up to three years, when my wood dealer decided to become a jerk. After getting cheated once or twice, and scraping together as many scrounges and my little car can handle, I found an arborist who can give me 3 cords of good stuff at a time for a reasonable price. More work than my usual 2, but I can still handle it for now.
Who is this Backwoods Savage you speak of? I always thought he was a mythological creature like Bigfoot or Frosty the Snowman.
First pic is the start of the field stacks. Second is a few days after I began the stacks in the field. Almost a year after we moved in. Still trying to find some more pics.
This is my failed attempt at drying in the shade and not much wind. This all ended up in the field. The stacks on the right are about 3-4 deep with space between, and each was 1/3 cord.
That testimony says it all, my friend! To an "outsider", us crazy wood Hoarder's are NUTS for processing wood all year round. Until they actually burn wood for heat (and EFFICIENTLY, I might add) they can't see the value and satisfaction of the time spent. I, for one, enjoy every single facet of the lifestyle.....from stump to stove!! Your stacks are impressive, hard-earned, and highly respected here....as is your membership!
I know what you mean schlot. I used to think a cord of wood was a whole bunch of far wood. Up until I got bitten by that wood hoarder snake whilst out in the woods one day. Turned me into a get it now before I cant get anymore kinda guy. Only before pic I could find. Used to pile it on the east side of the old barn and cover with poly in the fall to keep all the snow offn the stuff. After that snake bit me I got to stackin on the old hog house foundation. Then the old barn finally fell over and I cleaned that up and yet a new spot to stack wood was born last summer. Nice thing about me being 4 or more years ahead on farwood is that now I can take my time on dealing with getting more ready to go. It isn't the big race to the finish line it used to be when I start out back when. Got a bunch bucked and waiting but if I only run a tank of gas thru the splitter on a weekend it aint no big deal. It'll get done and I wont have to beat myself up doing it.
Oh heck, since we are all sharing-- My first year, and I thought I was loaded! And I don't even drink. Nice thing is, on this site you can post pictures and not be afraid of being belittled. You are right, Schlot, when I thought about getting ahead, I figured I could only handle/afford two years. Now my oldest stack is from 2012. Hopefully, I will still be able to move them around as I age.
Bingo. I hope it'll be a few more years before that becomes a major issue, but I've already been trying to come up with a method to move stacks right into the shed like quite a few here already do.
When we started, my brother said we'd probably use about 5 cords. Almost exactly what we've used every year since then too, and I try to have more than that in the shed every year. However, we're using fewer BTUs because right around '09 is when the dry wood and the use of Pine and Maple came into play. All Oak when we first got here, and this coming winter will be about 40% Oak. Hope to still only use 5 cord or less. Supposed to be a strong El Nino with a milder winter than the last 2. That should help too.
