The Journey Begins: Years of Wood Stacking Experimentation
Over the years, I experimented with stacking firewood in different ways. Without access to special wood sheds or barns, I needed to keep our firewood dry using tarps. Eventually, we discovered the beauty and practicality of building round wood piles called holz hausens. We loved them because they solved many of the challenges we faced with other stacking methods, and honestly, they just looked cool.
The Problem with Traditional Wood Pile Protection
The main challenge with round woodpiles was finding an effective way to protect them from rain and snow. Traditional methods involved stacking flat logs on top in a shingle pattern to shed moisture. While this approach had some merit, it fell short compared to tarps. The real problem emerged when you needed to remove wood for burning—your protective "roof" disappeared with it. Without those shingles in place, rain would soak the firewood, leaves would accumulate on the pile in fall, and snow would build up during winter.
I attempted to use standard tarps as a solution, but they created more problems than they solved. Square tarps didn't conform to the round shape of the pile, which meant water and snow would pool in the folds instead of running off. They were difficult to secure and even more frustrating to remove when I needed access to the wood. Plus, they completely ruined the distinctive, attractive appearance of the round woodpile.
How Cordwood Covers Was Born
This frustration led to the creation of Cordwood Covers. I had custom cordwood covers designed specifically for my piles—covers that protected the wood from the elements while remaining easy to use and maintaining the beautiful look of the round woodpile. As the product evolved, we added a base mesh template and tie-down straps to create the solution we offer today.
My goal was simple: build something that solves a real problem. I realized that not everyone has the space or budget to construct a traditional woodshed. A cover kit could help people create attractive, functional woodpiles that enhance rather than detract from their yards. Even now, visitors are always curious about the woodpiles when they see them—they're genuinely interesting focal points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are holz hausens?
Holz hausens are round woodpiles built by stacking firewood in a circular pattern. They're an efficient and visually appealing way to store wood without requiring a traditional shed or barn.
Why don't standard tarps work well on round woodpiles?
Standard square tarps don't conform to the round shape of the pile, causing water and snow to collect in the folds rather than drain off. They're also difficult to secure and remove, and they hide the attractive appearance of the woodpile.
What makes Cordwood Covers different from tarps?
Cordwood Covers are specifically designed to fit the round shape of holz hausens. They feature a base mesh template and tie-down straps for easy installation and removal, while protecting your firewood from the elements and maintaining the pile's distinctive look.
Do I need a woodshed to store firewood properly?
No. A Cordwood Cover kit provides an affordable, space-efficient alternative to building a traditional woodshed while keeping your firewood dry and your yard looking attractive.
Can I remove wood from my pile without removing the cover?
Yes. The design of Cordwood Covers makes it easy to access your firewood without having to remove the entire cover, unlike traditional log-stacking methods where removing wood compromises the protective structure.
How long does cordwood last?
With proper airflow and protection from rain and snow, cordwood can last for years. Using cordwood covers helps keep your firewood dry and ready to burn while preserving the pile's structure and appearance.
