Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a stack of elongate articles, such as lumber, by vertically laying successive lumber courses and providing sticks between adjacent courses includes a conveyor operable for transferring a course to be stacked to a first station, a course positioner disposed adjacent the conveyor operable for selectively elevating a course as a unit and shifting it into position above a stacking station and a stick placer disposed above the stacking station operable for selectively depositing sticks generally transversely to the lengthwise dimension of the course at laterally spaced locations thereon. Further, the positioner includes elongate members rotatably mounted on a carriage, the elongate members being operable, during rotation thereof, for selective positioning above and below the riding surface of the conveyor to thereby raise and lower a course relative to the conveyor.