Building a firewood rack is a great way to store your firewood neatly and keep it off the ground. It can also help protect your firewood from insects and dampness. In this article, we will go through step-by-step instructions on how to build a firewood rack.
Materials
Before we begin, you need to gather the necessary materials:
- 16 cinder blocks
- 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber, each 8 feet long
- 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber, each 8 feet long
- 24 pieces of 1×4 lumber, each 3 feet long
- 48 wood screws, 2.5 inches long
- Electric drill
- Saw
- Tape measure
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Site
Choose a flat and level spot where you want to build your firewood rack. Clear the area of any debris or obstacles. You want to make sure that the rack is stable and won’t tip over.
Step 2: Build the Base
Place two cinder blocks on the ground, about 3 feet apart. Place another two cinder blocks on top of the first two, perpendicular to them. Repeat this process until you have four rows of cinder blocks. This will be the base of your rack.
Step 3: Add the Legs
Take one of the 4×4 pieces of lumber and cut it in half, so you have two pieces that are each 4 feet long. These will be the legs of your rack. Place each leg inside a cinder block, so that it is perpendicular to the base cinder blocks. Repeat this process on the other side of the base so that you have two legs on each side.
Step 4: Add the Crossbeams
Take the 2×4 pieces of lumber and place them on top of the legs, perpendicular to them. These will be the crossbeams of your rack. Make sure they are level and secure them to the legs with wood screws.
Step 5: Add the Braces
Take the 1×4 pieces of lumber and place them diagonally between the legs and the crossbeams. These will be the braces of your rack. Secure them with wood screws.
Step 6: Repeat the Process
Repeat steps 3 to 5 to build another identical frame. Place this frame on top of the first frame, so that the legs of the top frame are resting on the crossbeams of the bottom frame.
Step 7: Add the Wood Supports
Take the remaining 4×4 piece of lumber and cut it into 4 equal pieces, each 2 feet long. These will be the wood supports of your rack. Place them on top of the crossbeams, perpendicular to them, so that they are evenly spaced. Secure them with wood screws.
Step 8: Add the Wood
Finally, stack your firewood on top of the wood supports. Make sure the wood is stacked neatly and securely, so that it won’t fall over.
FAQ
Q: How much firewood can a firewood rack hold?
A: The amount of firewood a rack can hold depends on its size. The rack we just built can hold approximately 1/3 cord of firewood.
Q: Can I build a firewood rack without cinder blocks?
A: Yes, there are many different ways to build a firewood rack. You could use bricks, metal pipes, or even wooden pallets.
Q: Can I leave my firewood rack outside?
A: Yes, you can leave your firewood rack outside. However, it’s a good idea to cover the wood with a tarp to protect it from rain and snow.
Conclusion
Building a firewood rack is a simple and practical DIY project that can be completed in just a few hours. With the right materials and tools, you can easily build a rack that will keep your firewood organized and ready to use whenever you need it.