How To Build a Small Firewood Rack

A firewood rack stores your firewood supply and protects it from the elements. It keeps logs off the ground and promotes airflow that helps dry out the wood while organizing your supply so that it’s easy to inventory. This small firewood rack is a simple DIY project that you can easily customize to meet your storage needs and style wants. Follow this guide for a detailed walkthrough, from planning the rack to finishing and painting the wood.

Planning Your Firewood Rack

Proper planning is crucial for creating a firewood rack that meets your specific needs and fits well in your outdoor space. Consider the size of your rack and the best location for its placement before starting the construction.

Determining the Right Size

The size of your firewood rack depends on your usage and available space. A rack big enough about 1/4 cord of wood (4×2 feet)will work for irregular users. It holds about approximately 20 to 25 fires’ worth of wood. If firewood is your primary heat source, you might need a bigger rack or multiple racks to store full cord (4x8x4 feet) or more.

Choosing the Best Location

Keep the rack close to your fireplace or wood stove, but make sure it doesn’t block any walkways or landscaping. Concrete blocks should be used as a base to prevent the rack from sitting directly on the ground. Ideally, put the rack:

• Close to your home for easy access
• Away from direct contact with walls to prevent moisture issues
• On level ground to ensure stability
• In a spot with good air circulation to aid drying
• Under a natural overhang or where you can easily add a protective cover

Steps for Building a Firewood Rack

For a list of tools, materials, and the full cut list, scroll down to the bottom of this page or click here.

This rack is designed to hold a ¼ cord of wood. The project can be completed in a few hours with basic carpentry skills.  Remember your safety gear, including gloves and eye protection. Make sure your workspace is well-lit and clear of obstructions.

Step 1: Building the Base & Roof Frames

1. Cut four 2x4s to 50 inches for the long sides and four to 21 inches for the short sides.
2. Arrange two long and two short pieces on a flat surface to form a rectangle.
3. The longer 2x4s should cover the ends of the shorter pieces.
4. Square up the corners and drive two 3-1/2-inch exterior grade screws through the corners of each longer 2×4 into the short ones.
5. Repeat the base frame construction process for the roof using the same dimensions.

Step 2: Assembling the Joists and Blocking

1. Cut four 21-inch joists and three 12-5/8-inch blocking pieces.
2. Create two “H” shapes by connecting two joists with a blocking piece in the center.
3. Join the two “H” structures with the remaining blocking piece, offsetting it slightly to allow for screw attachment.
4. Place this assembly inside the base frame, using scrap 2x4s to space it evenly. You may need to use a hammer to tap it into place.
5. Make sure the top of the joist assembly is flush with the top of the frame. Then drive a pair of screws through the long edges of the frame and into the ends of each joist piece where they meet.

Step 3: Building the Roof

1. Drop the rafter assembly into the roof frame and center it. 
2. Secure it with screws through the roof frame and into the end grain of the rafters. 
3. Use 2×4 scraps to space the first and last rafters away from the short ends of the frame.

Step 4: Attaching the Legs

1. Cut four 47-inch legs from 2x4s.
2. Position one leg between the base frame and the first joist at each corner.
3. Square each leg and secure it with two screws from the outside of the frame and two from the inside.
4. Stand the base on its legs and attach the roof frame to the top of the legs using the same screw pattern.

Step 5 (Optional): Adding Concrete Block Supports

1. Place concrete blocks under each corner of the firewood rack.
2. Check that the blocks are level and firmly positioned on the ground.

Customize Your Firewood Rack

Here’s how to customize your firewood rack to meet your needs and give it the look you want.

• Get the Perfect Height: Adjust the length of the legs to make the rack as tall or short as you want. A taller rack might require additional support, such as diagonal bracing.
• Diagonal Bracing: For taller racks or those in windy areas, diagonal bracing across the back using a 2×4 enhances lateral stability and prevents wobbling.
• Paint and Stain: Apply an exterior stain after construction to protect the wood and make it look nice. You can also paint and seal the wood to customize the color.
• Siding: Cover the sides and back of the rack with fence boards, reclaimed wood, or other exterior-grade materials for extra protection from the elements. Make sure there are adequate gaps for airflow.
• Multi-Tiered Rack: For more organized storage, add extra horizontal supports and dividing sections to create multiple shelves for different types of wood or kindling.

Tips for Proper Firewood Storage

Follow these tips for storing your firewood to keep it dry, fresh, and ready for burning all winter.

• Stack wood loosely to promote air circulation.
• Place larger logs at the bottom for stability.
• Alternate the direction of end pieces for a more secure stack.
• Keep wood lengths consistent, ideally between 16 to 24 inches.

Maintaining Your Firewood Rack

Maintenance tasks are simple but important for the longevity of your rack.

• Periodically check your rack for loose screws and tighten them
• Reinforce any weak joints
• Check for signs of rot or pest damage and replace any damaged parts
• Make sure the base is draining properly and lift or open your rack as needed
• Reapply exterior stain as needed, typically every 2-3 years
• Replace the cover if it becomes torn or worn

Seasonal Preparation

Before each burning season, inspect and clean your firewood rack to keep it ready for use. Clear away any debris or vegetation around the base and make sure the cover rests in place. 

Rotate and restack your wood as needed to keep it fresh and rot-free.

What You Need to Build a Firewood Rack

Cut list:

• 2×4 pressure-treated frame: (4) @ 50 inches long
• 2×4 pressure-treated frame: (4) @ 21 inches long
• 2×4 pressure-treated joists: (4) @ 21 inches long
• 2×4 pressure-treated blocking: (3) @ 12 5/8 inches long
• 2×4 pressure-treated rafters: (4) @ 21 inches long
• 2×4 pressure-treated purlin: (1) @ 11 inches long
• 2×4 pressure-treated legs: (4) @ 47 inches long

Materials:

• 2×4 pressure-treated studs: (10) @ 8 feet long
• 3-1/2-inch exterior grade screws
• 48-inch firewood rack cover
• Exterior Stain (optional)
• Concrete blocks (optional)

Tools: