INCLUDES CREATIVE TIPS FOR BUILDING YOUR OWN RACK
Quick and easy, solid and sturdy – it all came together using odds and ends from my workshop.
What came of it was no work of art – but it sure holds a lot of firewood. Sometimes the easiest and most simplistic methods turn out the best.
Here’s what happened…why and how I built it.
(Be sure to take a close look at the images too. They show a few important tips required for an effective firewood holder).
First, I bought a new firepit
I still can’t believe I purchased it online, but it turned out to be a good experience, and a great product too (see my personal product review HERE). With the new firepit on the way, I was also going to need another firewood rack.
Of course I planned to use the TFH-1. It’s the best choice for holding firewood securely and in close proximity to any woodfire. But I also needed a much larger frame – one that could store my entire firewood supply.
I chose to build a large firewood rack in the small patch of woods behind my home. It turned out to be a great spot. The rack was away from the house, in the open air, and was protected by a small forest of trees. Also, the location made it easy for retrieving and re-stocking my wood supply.
Because I had the space, I chose to build it longer rather than higher – but more so, I was limited to what materials I had on hand. Also, I didn’t want to purchase any of those inexpensive round-tubing log holders. They’re simply not designed sturdy enough for use in extreme weather let alone on uneven ground.
Here’s the materials I used to build it…
I started with an old set of metal 2×4 brackets, 2x4x8’s, 4′ long garden stakes, a used tarp and a few ball-end bungee cords. I also ended up using a few steel grommets for the tarp.
Here’s the rack assembled…
TIP
If you don’t already know, leveling your rack is important for keeping it sturdy and steady – especially if you plan to store a lot of wood. It’s simple. I used a 2′ level.
Here’s how I covered it…
First, I used a tarp that was ‘camo-colored’ which blended perfectly with the forest setting (no blatant, bright blue tarps here).
I ended up cutting a piece off the tarp (why waste the whole tarp?).
After punching in a few extra grommets. I had a custom, form-fitting cover for the pile. I made sure I measured for allowing the tarp to extend over each side a few inches. This just about guarantees at least one row of super-dry wood each time I burn. I installed grommets around the perimeter of the tarp. This way the wood stack could be secured at various locations if necessary.
But the garden stakes ended up being the really cool idea…
I used them for end supports as they are metal, rigid and designed for the outdoors. Plus, they have hooks that are spaced lengthwise, every few inches along the stake, which made them perfect for attaching the bungee cords!
So here it is…my firewood rack, capable of holding a full face-cord of wood…more than enough to keep the new firepit supplied with fuel.
Here’s another view from what my neighbors see…or not. Hopefully they never see it…they’ll want my dry wood!
Anyone have comments or stories to share about a wood burning experience? I’d like to hear from you!
Until next time,
Be safe,
BZ
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