These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (2024)

These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (1)

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Whether you’re feeding a pot-belly stove, using wood to smoke meat, or keeping a backyard fire going, you must have ample firewood on hand. To keep that wood dry and ready to burn, a firewood rack is essential. These racks ensure your stacked firewood stays off the ground and dry so it can burn evenly (and without harsh, sappy smoke). Outdoor firewood racks also allow the sun, air, and time to dry out any damp logs for perfect fire pits.

We chose firewood racks of all shapes, sizes, and styles to help you find the perfect outdoor firewood racks to fit your needs.

For more ideas for your fireplaces and fire pits, check out our guides to the best fireplace accessories and great fireplace tools we recommend.

The Best Firewood Racks

What to Consider

Having a surplus of stacked firewood is essential if you regularly gather around a fire pit or need to heat your home or cabin. You can build your own firewood rack, but most of the options we recommend are inexpensive, easy to assemble, and can last decades with proper care.

Size

Bundles of firewood are measured in cords. One full cord is 128 cubic feet a.k.a. a stack 4 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 8 feet long. A face cord—more commonly used to measure firewood racks—is a stack 4 feet high, 12 inches wide or more, and 8 feet long (depending on the firewood length).

Smaller firewood racks hold a quarter-face cord of wood—approximately 32 cubic feet of firewood or less—while larger racks wider than 8 feet can hold a two-thirds-face cord of wood or more. A small rack for a fire pit or fireplace may only hold enough wood to get you through the night, but it is still more convenient than storing a full cord by the pit or stove.

If you need help figuring out how much firewood you have to store, this nifty cord calculator can help.

Rust and Covers

If you’re worried about rust on your firewood rack, rest assured: Most firewood racks come standard with rust-resistant, powder-coated steel. This helps weatherproof your outdoor firewood rack so it can better withstand the elements, though the quality and gauge of rust-resistant powder can affect a rack’s price.

Racks made of steel and wrought iron can withstand heat and fire, so you won’t have to worry much about its proximity to fire save for the wood on top. Most racks aren’t sold with protective covers, but a few brands sell them separately for a fit tailored to your firewood rack—these are necessary if you plan on storing your wood outside without a ceiling or eave hanging over it.

We recommend buying the cover second, since it’s important to know the dimensions of your fully stocked rack before purchasing a firewood rack cover.

How We Selected

We evaluated each firewood rack for its quality, style, and cost, and considered hands-on feedback based on user and critic reviews. We read through customer comments and product guides from home improvement publications to identify potential issues before making our final choices. Our selections span from the inexpensive and practical to pricier, more hardy racks, spanning various styles and uses.

1

Best Overall

Woodhaven 5-ft. Outdoor Firewood Rack

These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (3)

Pros
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (4)Very durable
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (5)Includes cover
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (6)Available in several sizes
Cons
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (7)Some say assembly is difficult

Woodhaven is a boldface name for outdoor firewood racks, and while it may be pricier than other options, you get what you pay for. It’s made in the U.S.A. and constructed of 16-gauge steel and all-stainless steel hardware, with arc-welded end sections and a rust-resistant, powder-coated finish.

This rack also has protective feet to prevent it from damaging decks and patios, precision-drilled holes for easy assembly, and covers to keep the top foot of wood dry.

Many users note the partial cover being an asset, which keeps the rain off and allows the wood to season. Other popular sizes available include 4-foot, 6-foot, and 8-foot racks.

Key Specs

Dimensions60 x 14 x 48 in.
Weight37 lbs.
Capacity1/4-cord
Pros
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (10)Simple design is easy to place
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (11)Extra support in the middle of its rack
Cons
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (12)Not as sturdy when empty compared to other options on this list

This 4-foot-tall outdoor firewood rack has a basic and minimal design. It’s made of alloy steel and has a rust-resistant powder-coated finish.

It holds a quarter-face cord of firewood several inches off the ground to prevent bugs and dampness and is a good choice if you’re looking for something inconspicuous to set against the house, shed, or fence.

It’s narrow, with a 15-inch width. Several customers say it’s sturdy and affordable, though few users say it’s not as upright as other options they’ve tried despite the middle support beam adding extra reinforcement.

Key Specs

Dimensions48 x 48 x 15 in.
Weight16 lbs.
Capacity1/4 face cord

3

Best Small Outdoor Rack

Amagabeli Garden & Home Outdoor Firewood Rack

These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (13)

Pros
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (14)Tough and weather-resistant
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (15)Available in several sizes
Cons
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (16)Covers are only sold for 4- and 8-foot versions

This sturdy, 4-foot-tall option is constructed of strong, rust-resistant, powder-coated steel, and holds a quarter-face cord of firewood more than 6 inches off the ground to keep it dry. It has a 330-pound weight capacity, and assembly is easy, with only eight screws to complete the job.

If you’re looking for something wider, it’s also available in 5-, 6- and 8-foot versions. User reviews say installation is incredibly easy and sturdy, though some note that it must be planted on a hard surface to stay evenly rigid.

You can grab a cover for this, but they’re only available for the 4- and 8-foot models.

Key Specs

Dimensions48 x 48 x 14 in.
Weight16 lbs.
Capacity1/4 face cord

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4

Best Premium

ShelterIt Outdoor Firewood Rack

These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (17)

Pros
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (18)Elegant design that looks great when stocked
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (19)Durable, rust-resistant steel
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (20)Comes with slots to organize and stock kindling
Cons
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (21)Brand doesn't make a cover specific to this model

This outdoor firewood rack holds logs and kindling, organizing them in a neat, aesthetically pleasing stack and making it handsome enough for a patio beside a fire pit. It’s 4 feet tall, and the rust-resistant powder-coated steel frame is assembled with bolts rather than screws to add extra strength and sturdiness.

The rack holds a quarter-face cord of firewood about 4 inches off the ground and gets high marks from customers across the board.

Key Specs

Dimensions48 x 48 x 14 in.
Weight35 lbs.
Capacity1/4 face cord

5

Best Hoop Firewood Rack

Goplus Outdoor Firewood Rack

These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (22)

These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (23)

Now 11% Off

Pros
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (24)Nice style
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (25)Space for kindling as well as firewood
Cons
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (26)Screws protrude, posing a risk of scratching

This outdoor firewood rack has a double-ring set on a base with angled feet, made of tubular steel with a rust-resistant finish. It stands just over 3 feet high and holds a full quarter-face cord of firewood several inches off the ground, with space for kindling.

The rack is also available in a smaller 32.5-inch diameter. It supports up to 440 pounds and according to several users, it’s a relatively simple install. Several users say that its included screws are a hazard, though, as they protrude well beyond each hole and pose a risk of scratching your knuckles when retrieving wood.

Key Specs

Dimensions41 x 38 x 14 in.
Weight10 lbs.
Capacity1/4 face cord

6

Best for Fireplaces

Doeworks Outdoor Firewood Rack

These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (27)

Now 53% Off

Pros
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (28)Elegant design
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (29)Has nooks for kindling
Cons
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (30)May be too small for some users
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (31)Cover may be an awkward fit, as the brand doesn’t sell its own

This elegant half-arc firewood rack has an eye-catching design featuring two intersecting arches. Its crescent outdoor design will add visual interest to your patio or even beside the fireplace.

The rack is made with powder-coated tubular steel, and the space above the base can be used for kindling or left open for a sleeker look. It holds less than a quarter-face cord, so it’s ideal for those who make two to three weekly fires. You’ll have to buy a cover separately.

Key Specs

Dimensions40 x 20 x 13 in.
Weight10.7 lbs.
CapacityLess than 1/4 face cord

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7

Best with Kindling Shelf

Doeworks Outdoor Firewood Rack

These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (32)

Pros
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (33)Included kindling shelf
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (34)Sturdy, attractive design
Cons
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (35)Doeworks doesn't sell its own branded cover, so your cover may have an awkward fit

This small, attractive outdoor firewood rack has a separate cradle for kindling that hooks to the top and is finished with decorative scrollwork for small branches and other kindling. It can be removed for more room for stocking firewood, or placed on the exterior for additional storage. It also has a sturdy black tote for hauling your firewood to the nearest pit.

The rack stands roughly 3 feet high and is made of powder-coated steel to withstand rust and withstand the elements. A cover must be purchased separately, though Doeworks doesn’t sell a custom-fit one.

Key Specs

Dimensions33 x 30 x 13 in.
Weight17 lbs.
CapacityLess than 1/4 face cord

8

Best Large

Sunnydaze Decor Steel Full Face Cord Firewood Rack

These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (36)

Pros
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (37)Large capacity
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (38)Includes a waterproof cover with Velcro and cinch
Cons
  • These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (39)Cover doesn’t fit well with full rack

This Sunndaze Decor firewood rack is an affordable and durable firewood rack best for spaces with a need for constantly fueling fires, like a cabin. The 8-foot rack has a full cord capacity and is made of powder-coated tubular steel.

It comes with a PVC cover that engulfs a fully stocked rack with Velcro and a toggle cord, making it waterproof. The firewood rack also comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. While the firewood rack comes with its own cover, one user says that it doesn’t fit well enough and is too snug to fully zip when it’s loaded up.

Key Specs

Dimensions38 x 22 x 97 in.
Weight21 lbs.
CapacityFull face cord

These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (40)

Kevin Cortez

Commerce Editor

Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.

These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (41)

Chris Meehan

Chris Meehan is an internationally published writer, author, and editor with more than two decades of professional experience. He has authored multiple adventure guidebooks with Falcon Guides and his work focusses primarily on the nexus between sustainability and outdoor adventure. He is an experienced gear reviewer, tester, and travel writer who has explored multiple continents.

These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (42)

Rachel Klein

Deputy Editor

Rachel Klein is the Deputy Editor of Popular Mechanics.

These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons (2024)

FAQs

These Best Outdoor Firewood Racks Keep Your Logs Seasoned Through the Seasons? ›

2. Give Outdoor Firewood Space to Breathe. Green and seasoned firewood needs outdoor storage. Kiln-dried firewood is safe to store either outdoors or indoors.

Can you store seasoned firewood outside? ›

2. Give Outdoor Firewood Space to Breathe. Green and seasoned firewood needs outdoor storage. Kiln-dried firewood is safe to store either outdoors or indoors.

What makes a good firewood rack? ›

Outdoor firewood racks should be made of weather-resistant materials or coated with rust-preventing finishes. You may also want a cover to keep wood protected from the elements.

Should I cover my firewood to season it? ›

We recommend a relaxed cover over the top to shed moisture away from your wood during seasoning. Some sort of overhanging top cover is often necessary to shed water away from the logs. Think of it like an open-styled roof covering for your wood.

Is it OK if seasoned firewood gets rained on? ›

While rain-soaked firewood can be a bit of a nuisance, it's by no means a disaster. With a bit of care and patience, your wood can recover and be ready to burn brightly once more. However, it's always a good idea to try and prevent your firewood from getting wet in the first place.

Where is the best place to put a firewood rack? ›

Firewood racks should be placed at least three feet from home and never in the house; however, five feet is recommended. Placing wood too close to your house may invite pests into your home. Wood-boring pests especially like to tunnel from wood into a house, so stacking any wood against your home is a bad idea.

What's the fastest way to season firewood? ›

The sunlight and wind exposure will speed up the drying process, and you'll avoid the possibility of insect infestations where you least want them. Even in a rainy climate, know how to cover firewood outside. Your best bet is storing firewood in a barn or shed where it can still get proper air circulation.

Can logs be seasoned outside? ›

Seasoning your wood outside is best, ideally in a location that gets plenty of sunlight. If you live in an area with high levels of rainfall, keeping it outside but covered (like in a barn or shed) is an option, so long as there is plenty of airflow around the wood.

How long is too long to season firewood? ›

Our best advice: Season your wood as long as possible. As long as your wood is seasoning properly and you don't need to burn it right away, there's no harm in waiting two, three or even four years. (After four years, the wood may start to decay.)

Does firewood dry better stacked or piled? ›

It's all about stacking your wood so it'll dry the quickest.

Should firewood rack be covered? ›

A good cover over the top of your woodpile will protect it, and be sure the cover is slanted to shed moisture away from the pile's base. The cover should be broad enough to provide a good overhang, but the sides of the pile should remain open so air can thoroughly circulate.

How big should a firewood rack be? ›

The simple definition is that a cord represents 128 cubic feet (2ft W x 4ft H x 16ft L) of stacked firewood. The rule of thumb for firewood racks is that a rectangular rack that is 45 inches to 48 inches long will hold 1/4 cord. For 1/2 cord, the standard is 87 inches to 96 inches, while 1 cord will need 16 feet.

How long to let logs sit before splitting? ›

Leaving wood exposed to the outdoor air will typically dry it out within six to 12 months, assuming it's properly stacked and covered. Splitting wood, however, can speed up this process so that wood dries more quickly.

What is the best thing to cover firewood with? ›

Damp wood is slow to ignite, slow burning, doesn't burn as hot as it should, and causes more smoke than is necessary or healthy to breathe. Your firewood cover can be as simple as using a tarp or plastic secured with bungees, rocks, bricks or wood. Or you can get creative with PVC, EMT, pallets or racks.

What happens if you don't season firewood? ›

It makes it difficult to start a fire

Additionally, unseasoned wood will not burn as long as dry wood will, which means that you will need to add more wood to the fire more frequently. This can be both inconvenient and wasteful.

Is it OK to store firewood on the ground? ›

With this in mind, you should invest in a good cover to place over the top of your woodpile that will protect it from the elements when needed. Can you store firewood on the ground? As a general rule, firewood should always be stored off the ground to allow for proper ventilation.

Can I store firewood on my porch? ›

Store Firewood in a Dry Place

To keep firewood dry, it's important to store it in a place that is protected from the elements. A garage or shed is a great place to store firewood, as long as it is dry inside. If you don't have a garage or shed, you can also store your firewood under a porch or awning.

Where do you store seasoned logs? ›

A good wood store needs ventilation, so don't rush for one that's fully enclosed either. You need a way for air to keep flowing through your logs to help ensure they stay as dry as possible. Look for a log store that has some open slats built into its design, or specifically mentions airflow and ventilation.

Does firewood season better inside or outside? ›

A dehumidifier indoors can help, but you should always season your firewood outdoors when possible. The sunlight and wind exposure will speed up the drying process, and you'll avoid the possibility of insect infestations where you least want them. Even in a rainy climate, know how to cover firewood outside.

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