How often do you go through the hassle of building an outdoor firewood rack?
Building wood racks, also known as a fire pit or fireplace mantel, is a classic way to enjoy some time outside during the winter months. There are various ways to build your own DIY outdoor firewood rack. Some prefer using 2×4 boards, while others opt for metal ones. The two main things that matters are its nice design and appearance.
Ideas For A DIY Firewood Rack
If you love the look and feel of a rustic wall wood rack next to your fire pit or wood-burning stove, then this DIY projects is certainly for you! Find out how to build your own free-standing log rack from scratch with simple materials. Here are six different DIY firewood rack creative ideas that you can use.
1. Pallet Firewood Rack
A pallet firewood rack can help reduce the clutter around the fireplace. It also provides easy access for adding fuel when needed. Pallets come in abundance at home improvement stores and many other places.
These wooden slats are usually sturdy enough to support heavy objects like firewood. They’re strong and durable because they were made to last, which means they’ll provide years of service.
2. Round Firewood Rack
A round firewood rack is a rack for storing rounds of firewood on the ground. The idea behind these racks is to keep them from rolling when they are stacked up high. This keeps them from tipping over! Round firewood racks are very common among those living in rural areas where space is limited.
3. Small Firewood Rack
A small DIY outdoor firewood storage rack is a great way to store wood next to your outdoor fireplace and keep things organized. They come in different sizes, from 4 inches up to 8 feet long. They are also perfect for storing extra firewood logs next to your hearth, and they are easy to build!
4. Cedar Firewood Rack
Cedar firewood racks are great for storing firewood. These wood storage space are made from cedar wood, which is one of the strongest woods available. They are designed to hold up to 100 pounds of firewood, making them extremely durable and lasting through the seasons.
These wood storage units are typically free-standing, meaning they do not require any floor space. If you want to store wood for multiple families, these firewood racks should be able to accommodate all of your needs.
5. Metal Firewood Rack
Metal firewood racks are a great way to keep wood dry. They are much better at drying out wood than other materials, such as plastic, foam water tanks, etc. The best part about firewood racks is that they can be moved around easily, unlike some other types of storage capacity solutions.
Metal firewood racks will last longer than those made from less durable materials, so that it will cost you less money over time.
6. Patio Firewood Rack
A patio firewood rack is a useful way to keep your wood dry in the winter months. It helps protect against moisture loss and is great for storing wood because you do not need an indoor storage area.
When setting up a patio firewood rack, you just need to secure it on the ground or a table. To ensure that moisture does not get into the wood during winters, it is highly recommended to wrap it in burlap before installing it in your outdoor living space.
Make sure the burlap is tightly wrapped or secured to avoid letting air in. A patio firewood rack may work well for you if you do not have much room inside your home for storing extra firewood.
How Do You Make A Simple Firewood Rack?
A firewood rack is made out of two pieces of wood cut into straight lines and then screwed together. The height can be adjusted by adding or removing screws. Make sure you don’t use pressure-treated wood for this whole project because it won’t hold up well over time.
As with any DIY, if you get stuck somewhere along the way, take your materials to an experienced carpenter rather than giving up. With some practice, you will find yourself making beautiful racks in no time [1]!
Step 1: Cut Wood
Cut a piece of hardwood measuring 36″ long and another one that’s 48″. Both pieces should have roughly 3/4″-1 1/2″ of space between them when they’re lying flat. Sand both pieces smooth on all sides. Use sandpaper starting on 150 grit and going as high as you feel comfortable using it.
Step 2: Drill Holes & Attach Bands
Using a drill press or hand-held jigsaw, drill holes inside the boards for placement of the bands. Mark the center of each board using a pencil or marker and keep the hole locations visible while drilling to avoid drilling through the other side of your workpiece. Once you have drilled all the holes, turn off the drill press and remove your workpieces.
Step 3: Apply Gesso
Next, apply gesso to both sides of your boards. This gives added strength and allows for the paint to adhere better. Put the gesso evenly across both boards’ surfaces.
Step 4: Paint
After the gesso has dried completely, draw two parallel lines halfway down the length of both boards using chalk or a fine-pointed pen. These marks are where you’ll want your bands to go. Using a white color on your brush, paint one section of bands on each board. Let your paints dry for about 24 hours before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Screw Tensioners
Once your banding is complete, you need to screw the tensioners in place to remain stationary once the bands are attached. The first measure up 18 inches from the bottom edge of one end, then mark the top left corner of the opposite end. Then measure across the width of each board (between the centerlines), and mark the lower right corner on the opposite end. Now use a combination square to connect these three points, marking your new cutting line. Remove your workpieces again and repeat step 3.
How Do You Make A Log Holder?
To make a log holder, start by cutting a square piece of scrap wood that is about 2 inches longer than the diameter of your log. Sand down any rough edges and sandpaper until smooth. Glue all four sides together using super glue first, then nail into place. Add some finishing touches with paint or stain to personalize your log holder.
Tip: Make cardboard, paper, or plastic template to save money on material costs.
How Do You Make A Wooden Block Out of Cinder Blocks?
A wooden block made from cinder blocks is easy; just use a hammer. Cinder blocks come in different sizes depending on how they are stacked. For example, 2x4s will be about 12 inches long while 3x6s would be around 18 inches.
The thickness of the block depends on the size of the cinder blocks. You can also add support bricks to the middle of larger blocks if needed.
What Is The Best Way To Store Firewood?
The best way to store firewood is to keep it outside, preferably under dry leaves, where it will stay dry for longer periods of time.
To protect the outer layers from rotting, you should split them into smaller pieces as soon as they arrive home. After splitting, store them in plastic bags and close tightly. If you use a smoker or grill, whether they’re an electric smoker or a charcoal grill, add them to smoke for about 10 minutes. Then remove them from heat and let sit overnight. This process will help prevent the wood from drying out too quickly.
When storing firewood indoors, stack it as high as possible. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight. Also, avoid contact between the logs and moisture sources, such as wet laundry hanging in the closet.
