Firewood storage pallets

[DeerMeadowFarm]

I can't find my original post on this, so I figured I'd provide an update here. To refresh your memory and for any new members, since 2016 I have been using free pallets that I modify to move/store firewood. This makes it easy for me to move wood around the property and eventually to my OWB once it's dried. Each pallet holds around 1/2 cord.

 



 



 

I made a jig to make assembling easier and to make the pallets more consistent.



 

One of the negative comments I had received at the time was that the pallets wouldn't last. I have replaced boards here and there but honestly most were due to poor tractor/fork operation on my part (front forks are very hard to see in practice). Only this year have I found it necessary to completely rebuild any pallets, and when I say completely I mean I simply replaced the pallet itself. The original were oak and the new ones I got are SYP (which they may or may not be PT) so we'll see how that holds up.


 
The biggest thing for longevity is the need to keep the pallets off the ground to keep moisture transfer and /or ice from the wood storage pallet. In the woods I use a "sacrificial" pallet as seen resting on pallet #17 above. In use, the sacrificial pallet will be placed under the storage pallet. When I have them full of wood, I move them to my fields where we have southern exposure and usually a constant breeze to aid in drying (as shown in my first photo above) and those are stored usually on railroad ties or rough milled "sleepers" to keep them off the ground.

[DeerMeadowFarm]

Here you can see how I use the sacrificial pallet below the storage pallet. I have over 30 of these pallets in use and the one above that was finally rebuilt is #2 where I wasn't even using diagonal braces on the side so this particular pallet has been in service since 2016 and just getting rebuilt now. 


 

[thecfarm]

Looks like a good idea. Double loaded and double stacked.
The stacked ones looks nice and even.

[DeerMeadowFarm]

The stacked ones looks nice and even.

Ray - If they are stacked tight then my wife must have been helping me. She is OCD and stacks firewood like she's building a brick wall!

[SwampDonkey]

Nothing wrong with that at all. ;) Yep, I use pallets all the time here. I lucked out between the neighbors chucking practically brand new ones and others that had stuff ship here on I've acquired more than enough. Even used one with an old tire chained on top to spread lawn soil with the SxS. I don't move my wood here. I have them set on top of drainage stone, so no mud contact, and they set in under the main porch. Enough out there for 5 cords. Plus I can add another two cords if desired, I have the extra pallets and the space. Been sit'n there now for 4 years, turned a little grey, but not rotten. 5 cords are stacked in the basement besides. You'll never catch me running out of firewood. :D

[47sawdust]

I've been stacking firewood on pallets for about 7 years. Mine hold about 1/3 cord.I have about 24 pallets on hand.
I've just done my first total rebuild. Having a sawmill helps.
My latest version uses a pallet that is painted blue and has more clearance for the forks which is a big plus.
The ones pictured are the originals.The system works very well for my purpose.

 

 

 

[DeerMeadowFarm]

I like the built in covers!

[47sawdust]

About those covers.....sometimes they tear and get to flapping in the breeze, pretty entertaining watching the crows trying to figure out if they are related.

[jimbarry]

Great minds think alike I guess.     I posted a videoearlier today about our firewood yard. We palletize firewood too.

20220806 Our firewood yard. - YouTube