As the nights get colder, the thought of curling up on the couch with a fire blazing becomes increasingly appealing - especially if you love settling in with a good book or watching the latest series on Netflix.
Woodburners are perfect for keeping your room toasty warm and they also reduce the need for central heating, saving you money in the long run.
The only issue is it can be a slightly messy ordeal - all that firewood and the dirt and splinters which fall off of it when you bring it indoors, not to mention the risk of bugs and rot.
You also don’t want to leave it outside, as it’ll soak up excess moisture if left exposed to the rain.
The answer to all of these issues is the firewood rack. Available in a range of designs and sizes, a firewood rack keeps your wood neat, orderly, and out of the way, and it also has the bonus of enhancing your room with that rustic, cozy appeal.
These racks are widely available on the internet, but we know that when you’re busy the last thing you want to do is scour the web for firewood racks.
Fear not though - we’ve done the hard work for you, and have compiled a list of the best firewood racks out there, along with a handy buyer’s guide and FAQ section, so you have all the information you need to make an informed decision before you purchase.
OUR TOP PICK
This sophisticated Amagabeli firewood rack can be used both indoors and outdoors for maximum versatility. The vertical design allows you to save space while maximizing the rack’s capacity.
Not only will this rack hold a significant amount of firewood, but it also has extra storage, including handy hooks for your fireplace tools and a steel shelf on the bottom of the rack for fire starters, kindling, or more firewood.
The raised base keeps wood above the ground to keep it dry and protected.
This product even comes with additional fireplace tools, including tongs, a poker, broom, and a shovel to help you maintain your fire safely.
This fire rack is also highly durable thanks to its durable steel square tubing which can hold significant weight, and black powder coating to maintain durability and strength both indoors and out.
The design is not just functional but adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room.
Pros
- Elegant design
- Large capacity - 29.1” x 15.8” x 11.8”
- Raised base to keep wood dry
- Comes with 4-piece toolset
- Integrated hooks for additional storage
- Easy to assemble
- Steel design is durable enough to use indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Some people felt this rack was smaller in reality
EDITORS CHOICE
This heavy-duty firewood rack is perfect for storing logs outside and has an 8ft capacity that can withhold up to 650lbs of firewood.
It’s constructed from heavy tubular steel so you needn’t worry about rust, as the powder-coated finish adds to the durability and provides maximum resistance to poor weather conditions.
The steel frame is also sturdy so you needn’t worry about it falling over in strong winds - plus the steel rods can withstand significant strain without bending.
This log rack is easy to assemble and doesn’t require any additional tools. The finished product allows you to keep your wood neat and organized, whilst the open-air design keeps the wood logs 6.7" off the ground.
It’s worth also considering purchasing a waterproof cover though, as you don’t want your logs to get wet in the rain or absorb excess moisture.
Pros
- Constructed from tubular steel for maximum durability
- Rust-resistant so perfect for an outdoor space
- Huge capacity
- Can bear 650 lbs of firewood without bending
- Open-air design
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- You may need to invest in a waterproof cover
BEST VALUE
If you’re looking for a rack that can be kept indoors and that is not only functional but looks great, too, then this sleigh log rack from Enclume could be up your alley.
This rack has been expertly handcrafted by blacksmiths in Washington to achieve a modern yet timeless appeal that will complement any living space.
The horizontal, slightly slanted design provides ample space for logs and kindling, yet is compact enough to be kept indoors without taking up too much space.
Made from hammered steel, this log rack is highly durable, weighing 29 pounds and built to endure significant strain.
Enclume has successfully struck the perfect balance between style and function with this firewood rack. Sure, at 27 inches wide and 13 inches high, it’s not the largest, but it’s perfect for indoor use and smaller log piles.
Enclume racks are high-quality and the hammered steel of this rack is expertly finished by hand, not mechanically finished or powder-coated like others on the market.
Pros
- Perfect for indoor use
- Handcrafted in the USA
- Elegant, slanted “sleigh” design
- Made from highly durable, hammered steel
- High quality, real finish
Cons
- It’s on the smaller size, so not ideal for everyone
RUNNER UP
If you’re looking for something versatile and adjustable, look no further. This Panacea rack consists of two sturdy steel brackets and is designed to be simple and easy to construct.
You cut down your own pieces of wood to achieve your desired sized rack. Despite the DIY involved, this is pretty easy to put together, and the holes are pre-drilled if you want to add screws to your rack.
This steel rack is perfect for outdoor or indoor spaces and keeps your wood elevated to avoid bug infestation, mold growth, and wood rot.
The durable steel brackets are powder coated to provide additional protection against the elements.
While this rack is a little expensive considering you have to supply your own wood, the brackets are strong and durable and the adjustable aspect is ideal if you’re not quite sure where you’re going to place your rack.
Pros
- Adjustable size
- Steel brackets are super strong and durable
- Powder-coated to protect against bad weather conditions
- Elevated design to protect from bug infestations, mold, and rot
- Easy to put together
- Simple, functional design
Cons
- A little expensive considering you have to supply your own wood
RUNNER UP
This cover and rack set from VivoHome offers a lot of bang for your buck considering you save yourself money on investing in a separate cover, which would set you back at least $50 extra.
This heavy-duty rack is built for outdoor use and is made from 1.2mm thickened steel tubes with a double powder-coated finish, providing all-round weather protection.
The cover is equally durable too, as it’s made from a UV-resistant, waterproof 600D Oxford fabric that keeps logs dry and secure. It also has air vents to promote dry ventilation and reduce the risk of condensation.
The structure of the rack is designed to keep wood elevated so it doesn’t get damp on the floor, and the 8ft wide capacity means you can store hoards of wood in your outdoor or garage space without risking bug infestation or rot.
To keep your cover clean, simply brush down the PU coating.
Pros
- Rack and cover come as a set - perfect fit
- Made from heavy-duty thickened steel tubes
- Double powder-coated finish for added durability
- UV-resistant, waterproof cover
- Elevated design to keep wood dry
- 8 foot capacity for maximum storage
- The cover is easy to clean - simply brush down
Cons
- Whilst the rack is durable, but the cover isn’t the best quality
RUNNER UP
The circular shape of this firewood rack from Vmari has a large capacity, perfect for storing, drying, or displaying firewood.
This stylish, minimalist rack is perfect for indoor or outdoor use, depending on your storage needs.
The double-loop design forms a strong, A-line structure for maximum stability, while the legs of the frame are designed to enhance stability and prevent the rack from shaking.
The rack has been crafted from heavy-duty iron pipe and is connected with solid metal screws for maximum durability. The black painted finish makes this design ideal for indoor use as well as outdoor.
With a few simple steps, you’ll have this rack assembled in no time at all, and the simple structure ensures that it’s easy to clean and dust.
Pros
- Large capacity - 40.4”x 37.6” x15”
- A unique, circular design
- A-line structure for stability
- Constructed from durable iron pipe
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- The black paint finish isn’t the most durable
Best Firewood Racks Buying Guide
Material
Most firewood racks are constructed from steel for maximum durability, especially if they’re intended for outdoor use.
If storing your logs outdoors, it’s essential to ensure the structure is solid, sturdy, and weather-resistant. These elements are less important for an indoor rack, as many of these are made from acrylic, metal, or wood.
That said, it’s a good idea to go for something durable even when selecting an indoor rack as this way it’s likely to bear more weight and last a lot longer.
Capacity
This is probably the most important feature to consider when shopping for a firewood rack.
If you use your fire regularly, you’ll want a rack that holds at least a few days worth of wood, or alternatively, a large log store that can be kept outdoors, and perhaps an additional basket for collecting a supply of logs to keep you going for a few days.
On the other hand, if you only use your fire occasionally and a firewood rack is more about aesthetic value for you, the capacity is something you can probably compromise on slightly, and you may wish to go for a more compact, stylistic design.
Equally, if you’re uncertain about sizings, there are also firewood racks that are adjustable in size, as well as racks that have multiple shelves for extra storage.
Design
How important are the stylistic features to you? Do you want a simple, functional design, or something that stands out in the room?
It’s worth bearing in mind that racks intended for outdoor use will usually feature sturdier, simpler designs to maximize capacity, whereas some indoor racks will feature curved angles and stylish shapes.
It’s also worth considering whether you want the rack to have additional features such as hooks to hang your fireside tools from.
Durability/weather resistance
If you intend on using your firewood rack outside, durability is key, particularly if you want to keep your logs safe and dry during the cold winter months when you’ll need them the most.
It’s therefore worth checking that the rack is made from a durable material like steel and that it has a high-quality finish to protect it.
For outdoor wood storage, it’s also a good idea to invest in a cover for your rack. These are usually made from a high-quality PU material that is 100% waterproof to keep your logs dry and free from moisture. This is useful for protecting them from bugs and rot, too.
Just ensure the design of the cover is breathable to ensure your wood has adequate breathing space to prevent condensation on the inside of the cover.
Size and available space
Not only is it important to consider the capacity of your chosen rack, but you should also assess the area where you intend to store the wood.
If you don’t have much space, a large, 8-ft wide firewood rack isn’t going to be a good idea. However, one way to maximize storage capacity while maintaining space is by opting for a vertical design rather than a horizontal one.
This way you can pile the wood upwards rather than outwards, which is especially useful for indoor spaces.
Cost
Most firewood racks will range from about $50-$75, while larger outdoor racks may cost between $75 and $100.
Some high-end racks could cost you into the hundreds, and these will be the top-quality, maximum capacity racks.
That said, you can get the most bang for your buck around the middle price-point, and the quality will differ little between the middle range and high-end designs.
Tips for storing your firewood
- If you’re storing your firewood outside, allow enough space between logs for some air to blow through, so that heavy wind doesn’t knock the whole stack over.
- The best woods for burning are apple, beech, and black locust as these burn slowly.
- No matter how sturdy the structure is, keep your firewood rack out of harm’s way of children, animals, and vehicles.
- Wood expands and contracts in different types of weather. Make sure your firewood is stored securely in your rack, especially when you’re not using it for months at a time.
- If storing your firewood outdoors, try to keep it away from shady areas, the wood needs to be exposed to sunlight so that it dries thoroughly and quickly after downpours of rain.
- Firewood is usually measured in “cords.” A cord will approximately measure 128 cubic feet when stacked, so use this as a measure when deciding what rack to buy, and how much firewood to purchase when filling it.
- Some states allow residents to use wood from state properties, though you usually need to pay a permit fee for this. You can check your state guidelines to find out if you have access or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a firewood rack?
It’s possible to store wood without a rack, however, this makes it much more difficult to keep it secure and organized.
When storing inside, debris and dirt from the wood will be scattered over the floor, and a rack offers the advantage of allowing you to organize your logs in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
If storing outside, a firewood rack keeps your wood elevated to minimize the risk of bug infestation and rot. It’s also best to ensure your logs are covered to protect them against the elements.
Will my firewood be unusable if it is rained on?
No, your firewood won’t be unusable if it gets wet, however, you’ll need to allow adequate time for the moisture to dry out before using it.
Like we said above, if storing your wood outdoors and in an uncovered area, it’s a good idea to invest in a waterproof cover to keep it as dry and protected as possible.
Can you store firewood in the garage?
A garage can be an ideal place to store wood, as garages are usually dry areas and have adequate air ventilation, just be sure to check that the door is secure to ensure the wood is protected from animals and excess moisture.
To properly store your wood in a garage, inspect it for bugs beforehand and ensure it’s dry before you take it inside; then you can stack it in rows on your rack.
Always check that the wood is kept away from fire hazards and use pesticides with caution - as when you burn these the harmful chemicals will vaporize.
Last update on 2024-08-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API