How To Split Wood

Learning how to split wood is easy. You take a piece of dry wood or log, put it onto a hard surface or chopping block, and swing an axe at it. But is that all there is to splitting wood? Yes. But we will go more in-depth on splitting firewood below. 

To split wood or logs with an axe, you'll need a few things:

• Seasoned or dry wood
• Best axe for splitting wood
• Safety glasses
• Wedge

This guide is going to assume you have an already felled tree that is split up into portions. Birch trees make for pretty good firewood.

If you haven't cut down a tree, then be sure to check out our guide on how to fell a tree with an axe. Alright, now let's learn how to split wood.

Seasoning The Wood

Splitting wood is much easier when the wood is dry. Some people let wood sit out for a long time, sometimes up to a year, to dry it out. This is called "seasoning the wood." Wood that is wet or green is practically impossible to split.

Think about it. If you "season your wood," it will be much easier to split it out because it is dry. Trying to split water-logged wood will be no bueno, and trying to light it will be even harder. It won't burn in your wood stove.

A wise man once said, split wood that is dry, and you will not cry. Actually, we just made that up.

Splitting Wood/Logs

Take your log and flip it upside down. You should be able to tell which way the log was upright when it was part of the tree.

When you are splitting the wood, you are going to swing your axe directly into the wood. It's best to do this when the ground is frozen, but if not, or if you live in a warm area, you can put the log onto another piece of flat wood or a tree stump.

Put the wood down and ready yourself. Aim for the side of the wood rather than directly into the center. The center is the hardest part of the log, and it's much easier to split it if you can land the axe into the side.

If you end up splitting large chunks, no problem. Just put the log back on the chopping block, and swing again.

Stance

If you are right-handed, your left hand will be at the bottom of the axe handle. Your right hand is what will drive the axe into the log. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart.

Swing Away!

Once you swing at the log, three things can happen:

• You miss
• You hit too far to the side
• You hit but don't go directly through

Missed

If you mix, just swing again. No harm, no foul. Please be safe when swinging an axe. Splitting firewood shouldn't be dangerous but make sure no one is around you if you are missing your swings.

Too Far On The Outer Edge

If you landed too far off center of the log, you can simply swing again. Use your foot to leverage the log and work the axe back out of the log.

Axe Didn't Go Through The Log

If you didn't cut directly through the log, you can use a sledge hammer and a wedge to force the axe through. See below for more information.

Using Sledge Hammer

So you swung the axe down into the log, and it got stuck. You can't get it back out so the best way to get the axe out is through.

Grab yourself a sledgehammer or mallet and start hitting the back of the axe head through the log. Once the wood splits, well, you are good to go... as that is the whole point.

Splitting Wedge

Say you have a bigger piece of wood. Swing the axe as usual, down into the log. You landed deep into the center of the log. Sometimes we do this to make wooden coasters.

Get yourself a cheap, inexpensive wedge from your local hardware store. Line it up with the axe heads top, and hammer it into the log. It will split the log through to the other side even more so than you could've split it with just an axe.

When it comes to splitting wood, you want to get the best axes for splitting wood. We have an extensive guide on everything you need to know about hand axes whether they are splitting mauls, trail axes or, of course, axes for splitting firewood.

Sweet New Earth's Final Say on How to Split Wood With Axes

Chopping wood is one of the most cathartic activities you can. Most men and women in this day and age were starved of this outdoor activity because of, well... heat.



We hoped you enjoyed learning how to split wood. Get yourself a splitting maul and get out there and start splitting logs. 

FAQs