If you buy a firewood rack at your local home store you will notice two things: expense and size. The steps that follow will show you how to make a firewood rack that is large and less expensive than the typical store-bought racks. When this project is completed you'll have a firewood rack that is able to hold a full face cord of firewood. You will also be able to customize the size of the rack to fit the space limitations you may have.
Materials and Tools:
- Hammer
- (3) 2" x 2" x 8' pieces of lumber; pressure-treated (Base Rails)
- (1) 2" x 6" x 32" piece of wood; pressure-treated (Support)
- (1) 4' x 8' x 1/2" piece of plywood; pressure-treated (Brace)
- (2) 2" x 4" x 8' piece of lumber; pressure-treated (Ends)
- (2) 16" x 48" x 1/2" exterior plywood (Ends)
- Wood Screws; 1 1/2" x 3"
- Nails; 2 1/2"
- Electric Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Clamps
- Measuring Tape
- Saw
- Carpenter Square
- Exterior Paint
Step 1 - The Base
The most crucial part of the firewood rack is a sturdy base. First, lay down two of the 2" x 2" x 8' long piece of lumber 16 inches apart on the thick side. Next, cut the 2" x 6" piece of wood in half so you have two pieces of 16-inch long wood. Now, lay one of these pieces flat on each end of the 8-foot long lumber. Next, use the carpenter square to make sure they are even and nail them in place. Now, cut the last 2" x 2" by 8' long piece of lumber in to 16 pieces each 6-inches long. Next, attach each of the 6" long pieces of lumber across the base rails. Finally, the base is completed and now you can flip it over.
Step 2 - End Panels
With the amount of weight this firewood rack will be holding you need a set of strong end panels to keep it safe. First, cut each piece of 2" x 4" x 8' lumber in half to make four pieces each 48" long. Next, lay the pieces down on the thick end and 16 inches apart. Now, nail one piece of the exterior plywood on to each set of the 8-foot long piece of lumber you have sitting 16 inches apart. Next, use the hammer and nail the exterior plywood down with the 1/2-inch nails.
Step 3 - Putting it Together
With the two major components built you can now begin assembling the firewood rack. First, clamp each end piece (lumber sides facing out) to the the top of the plywood. Next, secure the end piece to the base using the 3-inch nails. Now, cut four 1-foot squares out of the remaining piece of plywood. Next, cut each of the 1-foot squares at a 45-degree angle. Now, attach each of these angles squares to each of the corners using plenty of screws to secure them in place.
Step 4 - Finishing the Firewood Log Rack Project
Now that the firewood rack is built you can finish it. First, set the firewood rack right side up. Finally, paint the rack with a good exterior paint.
