Building a wooden firewood storage rack with a weatherproof cover is a practical and straightforward project that will help you keep your firewood dry, organized, and easily accessible. A proper storage rack ensures your firewood stays seasoned and ready for use, while the weatherproof cover will protect it from rain, snow, and other harsh weather conditions.
Materials Needed:
- Pressure-treated wood (for the frame and slats)
- Galvanized screws
- Weatherproof tarp or heavy-duty fabric (for the cover)
- PVC pipes or metal rods (for the frame of the cover, optional)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
- Paint or wood sealant (optional)
- Saw (miter saw or circular saw)
- Drill and bits
- Staple gun or heavy-duty staples
Step 1: Plan and Measure the Size of Your Rack
Before you begin cutting wood, it’s essential to decide on the size of your firewood storage rack. A common size for a firewood rack is about 4 to 6 feet long, 2 feet deep, and 4 feet high. Adjust these measurements based on how much firewood you typically need to store.
- Length: How many logs do you need to store?
- Depth: How much space do you need for air circulation between rows?
- Height: How much wood do you want to stack? It should be high enough to avoid contact with the ground to prevent moisture buildup.
Step 2: Cut the Wood to Size
Once you’ve determined your dimensions, cut the pressure-treated lumber to the required lengths. You’ll need:
- Four vertical posts for the corners of the rack (two at the front and two at the back)
- Several horizontal cross supports to hold the firewood (these will go between the vertical posts, spaced around 12 inches apart)
- Two additional pieces for the base or slats to keep the wood off the ground
For a 4-foot-long rack, for example, you would cut:
- Four 4-foot vertical posts
- Four to six 2-foot horizontal slats for the front and back supports
- Two 4-foot horizontal slats for the base (optional but recommended for airflow)
Step 3: Assemble the Frame
Start by attaching the vertical posts to the horizontal supports. Use screws and wood glue for added durability. For each corner, attach a 4-foot vertical post to two 2-foot horizontal pieces, forming a rectangular frame. Repeat this for the front and back parts of the rack.
Once the front and back sections are assembled, attach the horizontal cross supports across the middle. Space them about 12 inches apart. These will hold the firewood in place and allow airflow to prevent mold or rot.
Step 4: Install the Base or Slats
If you haven’t already, install the base slats across the bottom of the frame. These slats should be about 4 to 6 inches apart, allowing air to circulate beneath the firewood and preventing it from touching the ground.
Attach them securely with screws, ensuring they are spaced evenly.
Step 5: Sand and Finish the Wood (Optional)
If you want a smoother surface or a more finished look, use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges or surfaces on your wood. You can also paint or stain the wood for extra protection, especially if you’re using non-pressure-treated lumber. Be sure to use outdoor-rated wood finish or sealant.
Step 6: Build the Weatherproof Cover
To keep your firewood dry, you need a weatherproof cover. You can either build a custom frame to hold the tarp or use PVC pipes or metal rods to create a simple roof-like structure. Here’s how to do it:
- PVC Frame: Cut four PVC pipes to form the skeleton of the cover. These pipes will create the shape of the roof and can be assembled into a rectangular frame on top of the firewood rack.
- Tarp Cover: Purchase a weather-resistant tarp or heavy-duty fabric that’s large enough to cover your firewood rack completely. The tarp should extend down the sides of the rack to prevent rain or snow from getting under the cover.
If using PVC, assemble the pipes into a frame over the rack. Attach the fabric to the frame by draping it over and securing it with zip ties, staples, or a heavy-duty staple gun.
- Alternative Method: You can also build a simple wooden roof for the cover, attaching slats of wood over the top to create a sloped design that sheds water. This option requires a bit more construction, but it will provide a solid and durable roof.
Step 7: Secure the Cover
Once your cover is in place, ensure it is secure by attaching it to the wooden frame using clips or heavy-duty ties. If you used a tarp, make sure the edges are tied down well so the cover doesn’t flap around in strong winds. If you’ve used PVC or wood for a roof, make sure it’s securely attached and able to withstand wind and weather.
Step 8: Final Touches
Finally, check your work and ensure everything is tight and secure. Make sure there is ample ventilation around the firewood and that the cover is waterproof and sturdy enough to last through different seasons. You can add a weatherproof sealant to the wooden frame to help protect it from the elements.
Step 9: Stack the Firewood
Once your rack is finished and the cover is in place, you can begin stacking your firewood. Be sure to stack the logs off the ground to allow airflow between the pieces. You can stack them neatly in rows for easy access or in a crisscross pattern for stability.
Conclusion
Building a firewood storage rack with a weatherproof cover is an excellent project to ensure your firewood stays dry, properly seasoned, and ready for use when you need it. With some basic carpentry skills and the right materials, you can create a sturdy, long-lasting storage solution. The added weatherproof cover will ensure your wood is protected from the elements, giving you peace of mind during wet or snowy conditions.
For more woodworking projects and detailed plans, consider checking out Teds Woodworking Course here.