Do you want to split your own wood for the fireplace, wood stove, or campfire? Good idea! Splitting wood is not only practical but also a calming and physical activity outdoors. In this blog, we explain step by step how to safely and effectively split wood with an axe – and we give you a smart tip at the end for those who want to approach it a bit easier and safer.
Table of contents
Why split wood?
There are plenty of reasons to take the axe into your own hands:
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Cost savings : loose wood is cheaper than pre-stacked firewood.
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Faster drying : split wood dries much better than thick trunks.
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Better combustion : smaller wood burns more efficiently and cleaner.
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Fun and exercise : splitting wood is physical work that gives satisfaction.
Moreover: there is something pure about working with wood. You feel connected to nature and you do something useful for the winter supply.
Which wood is suitable?
Not all wood is equally easy to split. And not every log is suitable for the fire.
Choose wood that:
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Already dried or still needs drying (fresh wood should be left for at least 6–12 months).
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Few knots – they make splitting more difficult.
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Not too small or too short. Logs of 30–50 cm are ideal for most stoves.
Popular wood types for splitting:
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Oak & beech – hardwood, burns long and warm.
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Ash & maple – splits well, beautiful flame.
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Birch – softer wood, easy to split and dries quickly.
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Softwood (spruce, pine) – easy to split, but burns faster and sparks more.
Which axe do you need?
For splitting wood, you don't use a standard axe, but a splitting axe. It is specially designed to split logs apart rather than cut.
You can recognize a good splitting axe by:
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A long handle (usually 60–80 cm) for more power.
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A heavy, wedge-shaped blade that splits the wood along the grain.
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Durable material, such as a steel head and sturdy handle made of wood or composite.
The heavier the blade, the less force you need to apply – the weight does the work. For smaller logs, you can also choose a lighter splitting axe with a shorter handle.
How to split wood? Step by step
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Ensure a sturdy chopping block
Preferably an old tree stump about ±50 cm high. Place it on a stable, flat surface. -
Place the log upright
Start at the edge, especially with large logs. Aim for existing cracks or grain. -
Hold the axe with both hands
Raise it above your head and let it fall with a controlled, powerful motion. -
Let the weight of the axe do the work
Don't try to force it, but work smoothly. -
Split the log
If it doesn't work at once: tilt, turn, or use a wedge.
💡 Pro tip: always split with gloves and safety shoes. A misstep happens quickly – especially if you are tired.
Safety first
Splitting wood seems simple but requires attention. Many accidents happen due to haste or fatigue. Therefore:
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Only work if you feel fit.
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Make sure no one is within striking distance.
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Always wear protection (gloves, goggles, sturdy shoes).
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Store the axe immediately after use – especially with children around.
Prefer a safe and easy way instead?
Let's be honest: splitting wood with an axe is not for everyone. Maybe you find it intimidating, or just not practical. And that's completely okay.
For those who want to handle it safely, easily, and without an axe, there is the Wood Splitter with Hammer, a smart alternative to traditional chopping.
With this splitter, you place the log in a sturdy holder. You only need to strike with a hammer.
Safe wood splitting
Little physical effort
Easy to use
One-time investment
👉 Curious? Check out the Wood Splitter with Hammer in our webshop and make wood splitting more fun and safer.