Keep Firewood Dry and Seasoned With the Best Firewood Racks

The Best Firewood Racks Buying Guide

There’s no doubt that picking the right firewood rack for yourself can be a little confusing. To help you shop confidently, we compiled a list of features to consider when selecting a fire rack. From size to durability, we cover it all below.

Size

The size of the firewood rack is one of the most important features that must be considered for buying the best unit for yourself. Firewood racks come in a variety of sizes, so you can easily find the one that suits your need. If you don’t store a lot of wood frequently, or store it indoors nearby your fireplace, then you can opt for a smaller-sized rack. 

On the other hand, if you store wood in stock outside your house, then you can go for a larger rack. Surprisingly, the size of the unit doesn’t decide its price, hence you can find reasonably priced units at a good price easily. Overall, the right size of the unit varies according to the needs of buyers.

Cover

The cover of the firewood rack determines how securely you would be able to store it. However, keep in mind that not all units come with a cover. The ideal firewood rack should come with a waterproof cover that would keep your stored wood safe from getting wet or moist due to rain and fog, especially if you plan to store wood outside your house. 

Wet wood is not ideal for burning and it starts to rot if wet or moist for too long, which is why it is better to opt for a covered one. On the other hand, if you will be using the rack indoors, then you can go for the unit that comes without a cover. 

Aesthetics

Not all firewood racks feature an impressive design. If you are going to place the rack in your backyard or the garage, then the design of the rack should not matter much. However, if you are going to be placing it indoors, next to your fireplace, then you should choose a unit that has a nice design. Usually, the firewood racks that are designed for indoor use cost more because these feature better craftsmanship. These might also require a little more effort for assembly since these come with more parts.

Installation

Installing the ideal firewood rack should be a hassle-free task. Some units come with tools and a user manual that are required for assembly. If the rack you choose does not come with tools, then you would probably only need a wrench to set the parts together. Overall, it is recommended to pick a firewood rack that is easy to assemble and disassemble.

Portability

Firewood racks tend to become very heavy when filled with firewood. This makes it very difficult to move the unit from one place to another. However, you can find firewood racks that are portable. These come with removable totes or slings that make it easier to carry the unit from one place to another. 

Slings that are made from heavy-duty canvas or nylon are very lightweight and durable. Other than that, there are also several models that come with small wheels located at the base of the frame. These racks are also very portable and easy to move.

Airflow

For ideal burnout, the wood needs to be seasoned and dry. The right way to keep wood dry is to ensure there is enough airflow in the rack it is placed. Racks that are designed to provide adequate airflow usually store the wood in a horizontal position, with the wood placed above the ground with an open back and front. This helps provide a lot of air ventilation in the rack. 

However, one thing that is important to know is that all wood species have their own pace for seasoning. For example, it takes nearly two years for oak and maple trees to season; softwood on the other hand tends to season within a year.

Price

The price of the unit depends on its quality and the material it is made from. Naturally, the unit that is made from better quality metal naturally costs more than the one made from cheaper materials. Since firewood racks are not something you head out to buy every other week, it is better to choose a high-quality model once and for all. Though it will cost you more than the cheaper one, it will last longer comparatively.

Durability

The durability of the rack depends on the material it is made from. Racks made from iron and steel tend to last the longest since they are strong and sturdy. However, their frames should be coated with a powder coating finish to ensure that it does not rust or scratch. In short, durability is a factor that must not be ignored while looking for the ideal firewood rack for yourself. Though frames made from sturdy materials cost more than the rest, these are definitely worth the purchase since they tend to last for years.