10 Best Firewood Racks, Tested by Editors
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via merchantDon’t forget the kindling when starting up that fireplace or fire pit! This Doeworks firewood rack, which has gently curving I-beam reinforcements, stays sturdy while keeping firewood and kindling neat and organized. The adjustable side hook for suspending kindling can face in to save space or face out to make more room for logs. Buyers note it was easy to assemble and is a great value, which makes sense since the purchase also includes a log bag.
Verified purchaser, J. Smith, gave this option five stars and says, “I like that we can place the kindling rack on the inside or outside of the wood rack, or leave it off altogether.”
Pros
- Has a moveable rack for kindling
- Comes with a portable log bag
- Made of alloy steel with stainless steel hardware
- Affordable
Cons
- Relatively shallow depth isn’t ideal for longer log cuts
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TMB StudioIf you’re looking to customize your firewood rack, check out this rack bracket kit from SnugNiture. Besides the very reasonable price, this kit works based on the amount of firewood you have (or don’t have!). It includes two metal brackets and 25 screws. Simply attach the brackets to six 2x4s (not included). We assembled this rack in mere minutes, and it’s a sturdy option that’s customizable to fit your wood and needs.
“I must say, this is way better than what I had,” writes five-star reviewer, Dave Ortiz. “This system allows you to make it as big or small as you like. I painted the two-by-fours to match the wall. My friends come over and always compliment how cool it looks. This is a great value and super-cool design.”
Pros
- Adjustable size
- Includes all hardware
- Assembles in minutes
- Affordable
Cons
- Not the sleekest of designs
- Doesn’t include a cover
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What to Consider When Buying a Firewood Rack
When looking for the best firewood rack, consider a model made of fire- and heat-resistant materials, like steel or wrought iron. Outdoor firewood racks should be made of weather-resistant materials or coated with rust-preventing finishes. You may also want a cover to keep wood protected from the elements. “Covering the top of the rack with a waterproof tarp or firewood cover protects the wood from rain and snow. Wet wood will create more smoke when burned,” says Goin.
When it comes to size, it depends on how much wood you want to store. If you’re using less than a quarter cord of firewood each season, a small or medium rack that handles up to 250 pounds works nicely. Larger racks are best for homes that rely on burning wood as a source of heat. Finally, you’ll want to consider price and ease of assembly.
How We Tested the Best Firewood Racks
When searching for the best firewood racks, we evaluated their construction, materials, durability and warranties. We also looked at size and price to find the best value for any budget. We combed through hundreds of user reviews to find the pitfalls and positives of each so you wouldn’t have to.
Then, we personally assembled and tested them in our backyards to see how they performed. We loaded them with wood and looked for stress points or signs of potential failure. We’ve included five firewood racks that passed our tests and are smart options for you to consider.
Why You Should Trust Us
As Associate Shopping Editor, I help Family Handyman readers find well-designed products to enjoy their time spent at home. My expertise lies in interior design and gardening. When I’m not searching for the next inspired home or garden solution, I enjoy dancing, painting and the great outdoors.
Emily Way is an associate shopping editor for Family Handyman with experience researching products and recommending the best designs to consumers. She researched and updated this piece. Way consulted Jamie Goin, Founder and CEO of Pit Command, home of the editor-tested Pit C0mmand Ranger.
Growing up in Tennessee, Goin spent countless hours gathered around a fire pit, enjoying the ritual with his family. A former media executive, Jamie was inspired to leave it all behind and pursue his true passion for combustion.
FAQ
What size firewood rack do I need?
The size you need depends on how much wood you have and how much you plan to burn. “It really depends on how much firewood you plan to use in any given season and the amount of space you have,” says Goin. “For an outdoor rack, a good place to start for a typical fall fire pit season would be a half cord rack (96″ x 48″ x 14″). For an indoor rack, 24″ x 24″ x 14″ is fairly standard.”
A larger rack comes in handy for those who use their fire pit or fireplace often, or those with a wood-burning fireplace they use regularly. A smaller firewood rack is more appropriate for someone who doesn’t use their fire pit as much or is short on storage space. On the other hand, the best firewood rack for someone with an interior wood-fired stove might need to hold a winter’s worth of wood, so it will be much larger.
Where should I place my firewood rack?
Even the best firewood rack needs proper placement for optimal performance. “Place the firewood rack on a level and well-drained surface, such as gravel or concrete,” says Goin. “Ensure there is good ventilation and that the wood can be easily accessed.”
Store your firewood and keep it racked in a dry area about 20 feet or more from your home. This is the best way to prevent pests, such as rodents and insects, from getting into your home. Also, keep it a safe distance from where you have your fire as a precaution.
How to best stack firewood in a rack?
According to Goin, a good firewood stack begins with a solid base of logs or pieces of wood at the bottom of the rack. Ensure they are parallel and evenly spaced. “Stack the firewood in rows or columns within the rack. For stability, stack the logs with their lengths running horizontally and perpendicular to the ground. The ends of the logs should be flush with the front of the rack,” he says.
Goin notes that it’s important to make sure to leave some space between each piece of wood to allow air to circulate. This helps with drying and prevents mold and rot. As you stack, keep the woodpile neat and even.
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