Planning to stock up on firewood, but don’t have a rack? You can easily make one at home without using tools or any advanced skills. To make a firewood rack, you’ll need lumber, concrete blocks, and landscape timbers. With these affordable and durable materials, you can make a practical and efficient rack that works just like store-bought options. Whether you have a backyard or a small porch, you can customize the height, length, and storage capacity of the rack to suit your requirements.
You may be wondering why a firewood rack is necessary. It provides a raised platform and open structure for necessary air circulation. It helps dry out the moisture from the green wood and speeds up the seasoning process. A well-seasoned wood has little to no moisture content and burns hotter without bubbling or creating a thick smoke.
If you stack the wood on the ground or outside without a raised platform, the wood will absorb moisture and start to rot. It can also serve as a nesting area for insects, rodents, ants, and termites, and increase the risk of pests. That is why it is crucial to stock firewood neatly on the rack and let it dry out. Let’s dive into the tutorial on how to build a durable rack to store firewood without any tools.
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Materials You’ll Need for DIY Firewood Rack
- Two to three concrete blocks
- Two landscape timbers
- 2 x 4 lumber wood boards, 8-10 feet tall, cut in half
- Plastic tarp to cover wood (Optional)
How to Make Firewood Rack Without Tools or Skills
Prepare Your Location
Choose a stable, flat surface and prepare your materials. You must remove stones or any other obstruction so that the rack doesn’t shift once loaded with wet wood.
Place Concrete Blocks
Start putting the concrete blocks at an even distance; use three blocks if needed. The holes in the concrete blocks should face upward so that you can put the lumber in them. The blocks give base support to the rack.
Place Timber on Blocks
Gently place the timber horizontally across the edges of the blocks. Their entire width should sit properly on top of the blocks. The timber will form the raised platform for the rack, preventing the firewood from touching the damp ground.
Insert Wood Boards in Concrete Blocks
Place the lumber in the holes of the concrete blocks. The lumber pieces will lean slightly outward, which will help keep the stacked wood stable.
Adjust the Wood Boards
If the wood boards feel too far apart, you can bring them closer. The strength of the rack comes from the weight of the stacked wood pressing down on the timber woods and lumber boards.
Stack Your Firewood
Start stacking the firewood neatly on the timber, ensuring the logs are stable. The heavy stack will press all the components into place, so load the rack with as much firewood as possible.
Cover Firewood With Plastic Tarp
Cover your firewood with a plastic tarp to prevent the wood from getting wet from rain or snow. Don’t cover the sides completely, as the moisture will get trapped inside. Place a heavy block on the top to keep the tarp well in place.
Final Word
It only requires 20 bucks to make this super easy and cost-effective firewood rack. You require zero tools or any advanced skills to build the rack, which means that even beginners can easily build it at home. You can set it up quickly within minutes and get an immediate firewood storage. You can also disassemble it and relocate it to another location effortlessly. The open structure allows good air circulation, speeding up the seasoning of the wet wood.
