I mostly make round stacks, so there are no ends, but when I do make a rectangular stack I cross stack only on the ends. I find cross stacking requires only nicely-shaped splits, while I can stack less perfect splits in the middle. if I tried to cross stack the whole stack, I'd end up with tons of leftovers pieces.
Great replies all !! Thank you all for the input . Keep it coming, it's good input for newer Hoarders. JB
sometimes I just stack the ends. sometimes I get lazy. sometimes I get real lazy... It is almost all beetle killed pine. People beg me to get paid to cut the stuff. Sometimes they have it cut up and want it hauled away. There have been times people who even delivered the pine. Masonry stoves do an excellent job of burning almost anything! All 3 methods cure the wood just fine for me.
Your "sometimes I get lazy" pile is what I've got going right now...that and the "sometimes I get real lazy." It does season in a mound. I'm sure it would be better neatly stacked, but if you get to it before it goes punky, I don't see much risk other than a little lost btu from rot on the bottom layer or two.
