Cordwood Covers Featured on the Wranglerstar YouTube Channel
We're thrilled to share that Cordwood Covers was recently featured on the popular Wranglerstar YouTube channel. The Wranglerstar family are modern-day homesteaders who create engaging videos about sustainable living, homesteading practices, and practical solutions for off-grid and rural lifestyles.
Preparing for Winter: The Firewood Challenge
As the Wranglerstar team explains in their video, fall arrives with a familiar concern for homesteaders: firewood preparation. After noticing that first crisp morning—when the temperature drops and you can feel the season changing—the urgency to stack and protect firewood becomes real. The family had learned a hard lesson the previous year when they burned through six cords of wood faster than expected. This year, they decided to stack twelve cords to ensure they'd have enough firewood for the winter and keep the woodstove going through the cold months ahead.
The Holz Hausen Method: Traditional Stacking Excellence
For their firewood storage solution, the Wranglerstar team chose the holz hausen stacking method—a traditional German technique (though the Norwegians also claim credit for inventing it). This round, beehive-shaped woodpile is self-sustaining, requires no external supports, and holds just over two cords of wood per stack. The method has several advantages: it dries wood exceptionally well, looks attractive on the property, and is easy to access when you need firewood.
The process begins with a heavy nylon mesh base laid on the ground. The team starts by placing the flattest pieces around the perimeter to create a level foundation, especially important when stacking on sloped terrain. For those wanting perfectly even circles, they recommend using a simple rope-and-stake method: tie a five-foot rope to a center stake and scribe a circle in the grass. This extra minute of preparation pays off with a stronger, more visually appealing stack.
As the stack grows, the wood naturally leans outward. To prevent pieces from falling, the team uses small kindling pieces as "bridges"—short pieces laid across the grain to hold the outer pieces in place while maintaining the inward lean that gives the holz hausen its structural integrity. Oddly-shaped pieces with large knots or crooked sections are reserved for the interior where they won't affect the pile's appearance or stability.
Why Wranglerstar Chose Cordwood Covers
While the holz hausen method creates an attractive and functional woodpile, the Wranglerstar family faced a persistent challenge: keeping a cordwood cover secure against strong winter winds. Loose tarps shift, tear, and fail to protect the firewood underneath—a frustration many people who burn firewood know well. Heavy rain, snow, and harsh winter weather can compromise firewood quality and make it unsuitable for burning.
The Solution
Cordwood Covers provided the answer they were looking for. Our cordwood cover firewood cover helps homesteaders create a neat, organized woodpile while maintaining reliable weather protection that stays in place, even during severe winter conditions. No more blown-off tarps or exposed firewood.
Watch the Full Review
See what the Wranglerstar family has to say about Cordwood Covers in their video below:
Visit the Wranglerstar YouTube channel to explore more of their homesteading content and practical reviews.
FAQ: Cordwood Covers and Firewood Storage
What is the holz hausen stacking method?
The holz hausen (or "wood house") method is a traditional German stacking technique that creates a round, beehive-shaped woodpile. This method is aesthetically pleasing and allows for good air circulation, but it can be challenging to keep covered securely in windy conditions.
Why do tarps blow off traditional woodpiles?
Standard tarps lack secure attachment points and can shift or lift in strong winds, especially during winter storms. This leaves firewood exposed to rain, snow, and moisture, which reduces its burning quality.
How do Cordwood Covers stay secure?
Cordwood Covers are designed with a secure fit that prevents wind from lifting or displacing the cover, keeping your firewood protected throughout the season.
Can Cordwood Covers work with different stacking methods?
Yes, Cordwood Covers are versatile and can be used with various stacking approaches, including holz hausen and traditional rectangular stacks.
What weather conditions do Cordwood Covers protect against?
Cordwood Covers protect firewood from rain, snow, sleet, and excessive moisture—the primary threats to firewood quality during storage.
