Interactive lesson

Splitting and seasoning firewood, step by step

Interactive lesson: log size and tools, safe splitting, the hydraulic splitter, stacking, measuring moisture and a log store for two winters.

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The whole lesson as text

1. Size and tools

Before you cut a single 1 m length, measure your stove's firebox.

Measure the firebox — A log should be 5–10 cm (2–4 in) shorter than the depth of the firebox, so the door shuts without pushing and there's room for air.
Length and thickness — For a range, steel stove or fireplace insert, 25–33 cm (10–13 in). Thickness for a stove 8–15 cm, thinner for a cookstove, 5–10 cm.
Always split thick rounds — Always split rounds over 15 cm (6 in). Split wood dries 2–3 times faster than rounds.
Splitting axe, maul, wedges — A splitting axe of 2–3 kg (4–6 lb) is the main tool. For thick and knotty pieces, a splitting maul and wedges; strike wedges with a sledgehammer, never with the back of an axe.

Why: A log that doesn't fit has to be pushed in and burns badly. A thick round doesn't dry: bark doesn't let water out, so an unsplit piece stays wet in the middle for years.

Check the handle before every job: a cracked or loose handle is dangerous, because the head can fly off.
A short handle is safer for a beginner; a long one gives more power.

2. Safe splitting

An axe injures through a miss: a blow that glances off a knot, catches a branch or knocks a log into your knee.

A chopping block — A wide, stable block up to knee height. The log stands on the block, not on the ground, stone or concrete.
Stance and space — Feet shoulder-width apart, slightly staggered. No branches, washing line or wires above or around you.
Children and dogs away — A piece of wood can fly up to 5 m (16 ft). While you split, children stay outside that circle and never behind you.
Kit and a tyre — Toe-cap boots, safety glasses, non-slip gloves, long trousers. An old car tyre on the block holds logs upright.

Why: If you miss, the axe must land in the block, not in your foot. Most injuries happen at the end of the day, when you start missing.

Don't hold the log with your hand while you strike. For short pieces use an old tyre on the block.
When you start missing, stop.