It’s pretty tough to beat kicking back in front of a warm fire on a cold night. Whether you burn wood in a fireplace, wood stove, or fire pit, the relaxing sounds of crackling firewood and the cozy atmosphere that a real fire creates is something you can’t replicate with forced hot air or a hot water heater.
Keeping a neat stack of firewood nearby is a must if you want to keep your fireplace ready for those cold winter nights. Not to mention, it also adds a rustic touch to your home—inside or out. Continue reading to learn about the features you should consider when shopping for a firewood rack and to find out why these are among the best firewood rack models available.
- BEST OVERALL: Amagabeli Firewood Rack Fireplace Tool Rack
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Amagabeli Fireplace Log Holder with Firewood Rack
- BEST ROUND: Goplus Firewood Log Hoop, Tubular Steel Wood Rack
- BEST DECORATIVE: Amagabeli Fireplace Log Holder Wrought Iron Basket
- BEST OUTDOOR: The Woodhaven 8 Foot Firewood Log Rack with Cover
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Firewood Rack
For storing wood in the house, on the porch, or in the yard, a firewood rack keeps your logs organized and easily accessible. This section shares the important considerations to keep in mind while shopping for a new firewood rack.
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Most firewood racks are created to pull double duty as an indoor or outdoor rack. Typically made from wrought iron or powder-coated steel, many firewood racks can be decorative and weather resistant. However, certain features might make them better suited for one environment over another.
Some racks have features that make them extremely convenient for indoor applications. Built-in hooks for fireplace tools, kindling holders, a shelf for fire starters, and compact sizes make these ideal for including in a room with a hearth or wood stove.
Racks with covers and overhangs are often designed for outdoor situations. Larger capacities make them better suited for holding a sizable cache of wood that would take up too much space inside many homes.
Material
Most manufacturers of the best firewood rack options use wrought iron to build their racks. This iron is created as a result of puddling pig iron while it’s incredibly hot. Wrought iron is heavy, incredibly durable, and weather resistant, making it an ideal material for a rugged outdoor firewood rack that will be left in place for longer periods of time.
Some firewood racks are made from steel tubing with a powder-coated finish. These racks are usually lighter than wrought iron and aren’t typically as long lasting. However, the powder coat adds durability to the steel tubing and helps it resist chips and corrosion. The lighter weight makes these racks more portable than wrought-iron models, so they’re easier to move around when redecorating or placing the rack in storage during the warmer months.
Other options include firewood rack kits, which are essentially brackets that attach to 2x4s to create a rack. The brackets are usually powder-coated steel. They tend to be thicker than tubing, so they’re suitable for outdoor use.
While wrought-iron and powder-coated firewood racks are ideal for outdoor use, they’re also well suited for indoor use. Even indoor racks take a bit of a beating during loading, so these durable finishes can help the indoor rack last longer, too.
Size and Capacity
The best firewood rack for your home or cottage also depends on how a fire-burning fixture is used. If firewood is burned occasionally for a relaxing evening, there are different needs than when someone uses a wood stove as the primary source of heat.
If wood is stored for only occasion use, a smaller rack that holds enough wood to start a fire may be more suitable. The smaller racks look great and don’t take up a lot of space. If it comes with matching fireplace tools, the rack also can add to a home’s decor and provide additional storage.
The opposite is true for homes that use a wood stove as the primary source of heat. A larger rack with plenty of capacity is key, with aesthetics as a bonus. The main goal is to keep plenty of wood on hand so there is no need to walk outside to a woodpile in the middle of the evening or in cold weather to keep the stove going.
Firewood is quantified by the cord or face cord. A cord measures 4 feet wide, 4 feet tall, and 8 feet long. A face cord measures 4 feet tall by 8 feet long, with each of the logs measuring between 12 inches and 20 inches. Cords focus on volume, while face cords focus on area. A large firewood rack might hold between a quarter and a third face cord of wood, while a smaller rack might only hold an armful of wood.
Airflow
In order to get the best possible burn out of wood, it needs to be dry and seasoned—something airflow does naturally. While it’s possible to purchase kiln-dried firewood from some woodcutters, it tends to be very expensive.
The good news is that the best firewood racks can help wood season more efficiently. These racks are open in the front and back, storing wood horizontally and off the ground. They allow air to pass through the chunks of firewood, drying them out for an efficient burn.
Not all wood seasons the same. Different wood species season at different rates. Softwoods such as pine and cedar might season in under a year, while oak and maple can take up to two years.
Portability
Filling a firewood rack by the armful can take a while, and it’s a lot of work. One arm has to hold the pile while the other stacks the wood on top. Many racks have portable features that make them easier to fill.
Some of the best firewood racks feature removable slings or totes with handles for easier carrying. These slings are often heavy-duty canvas or nylon, making them lightweight and durable. Simply take the empty sling out to the woodpile, fill it, and then carry it back in. The handles often attach to a set of heavy-duty hooks, providing a convenient way to hang the tote while it’s full.
Aesthetic
For some people, it’s important to find a wood rack that fits a home’s style and decor, or simply looks good on the front porch. Luckily, there are numerous designs available.
If you’re looking for a rugged rack to leave outside, wrought iron is worth some serious consideration. These racks tend to get better with age, taking on a weather-induced patina with plenty of character. If you don’t like the patina, scuff the surface with a wire brush and protect the surface with an oil-based paint.
The style of the rack may be a more important factor inside a home. A circular or hoop-style rack can act as an attractive accent for modern, minimalist, and midcentury modern decor. On the other hand, firewood racks with vintage design elements, like leaf patterns and curled feet, can add a classic look to traditional, rustic, country, and farmhouse decor.
Installation
Installing or assembling a firewood rack is usually pretty straightforward. In some cases, manufacturers will include the tools necessary to assemble the rack, meaning the process is a matter of following the instructions.
If the manufacturer doesn’t supply tools, most can be constructed with a basic adjustable wrench. All of the hardware to assemble the rack will come in the package. These kits rarely include more than a handful of nuts and bolts to build a sturdy, durable rack.
Keep in mind that many racks don’t use any hardware. If you prefer a rack that just slides together, there are models available to meet this need.
Our Top Picks
Now that you know more about firewood rack features, you’re ready to start comparing the top products on the market. These recommendations are among the best firewood rack options for indoor and outdoor applications to help keep firewood neat and organized.
Photo: amazon.com
Whether for indoors or out, finding a firewood rack that keeps wood, tools, and kindling neatly organized is the goal. This Amagabeli firewood rack offers that organization in a space-saving vertical design. This firewood rack features quality wrought-iron construction suitable for outdoor use while being attractive enough to use inside. The set also comes with a set of fireplace tools, including a poker, a shovel, a broom, and a pair of tongs.
The firewood rack measures roughly 29 inches tall by just under 16 inches wide and just under 12 inches deep, providing sufficient storage for a day’s worth of firewood. It also comes with a rack for separating wood from kindling. Assembly is easy, requiring just eight bolts (included) to put it together.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 29 by 16 by 12 inches
- Material(s): Wrought iron
- Suitable for Outdoor Use: Yes
Pros
- Compact design
- Tools hook on the side
- Rack separates wood from kindling
Cons
Get the Amagabeli tool rack on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
When it comes to portability and flexibility, this Amagabeli log holder and tote carrier is exceptional. This powder-coated steel rack features an easy-to-assemble frame and a fabric tote, providing wood carrying and storing capabilities in one affordable holder.
The Amagabeli doesn’t require any hardware to assemble. Simply slide the powder-coated tubes over each other to create a rack that measures 20½ inches tall, 18 inches wide, and 16½ inches deep. The included canvas tote has nylon straps that slide over the frame to hold it upright. Simply fill the tote outside and cradle it in the metal rack, creating an easy, mess-free firewood storage solution.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 20.5 by 18 by 16.5 inches
- Material(s): Powder-coated steel and canvas
- Suitable for Outdoor Use: Yes
Pros
- Highly portable
- Effortless assembly
- Canvas storage area limits mess
Cons
- Less robust compared to others
Get the Amagabeli firewood rack on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
This hoop-style Goplus rack offers great storage capacity while complementing modern, minimalist, and midcentury decor. This stainless steel rack is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, with a powder coating to increase longevity.
The Goplus firewood rack has a circular two-hoop design that matches contemporary and minimalist aesthetics, and it holds just about ¼ face cord of wood. It measures 37½ inches long, 41 inches high, and 14 inches deep. While that size might be a bit large for a small room, the amount of wood it holds could be a fair trade-off. There are only six pieces and 11 fasteners, so assembly shouldn’t take long.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 37.5 by 41 by 14 inches
- Material(s): Stainless steel
- Suitable for Outdoor Use: Yes
Pros
- Unique design
- Large capacity
- Attractive price
Cons
Get the Goplus wood rack on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
This elegant firewood rack features curled feet and an antique leaf design, fitting well with traditional, rustic, country, and farmhouse interiors. It also measures 21½ inches wide and 15½ inches tall, offering storage for up to 25 medium-cut pieces of firewood.
The firewood basket has two hinged side walls that fold up for storing firewood and fold down when not in use. These hinges also make the Amagabeli entirely assembly-free. Simply remove the rack from the packaging, stand the walls up, and start storing firewood.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 21.5 by 15.5 by 15.5 inches
- Material(s): Wrought iron
- Suitable for Outdoor Use: Yes
Pros
- Rustic design
- No assembly required
- Foldable
Cons
Get the Amagabeli iron basket on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
This Woodhaven rack is dedicated to the outdoors. It features a tough powder-coated, 16 gauge steel frame that resists corrosion, with a removable, reinforced vinyl cover to protect wood from rain and snow. The rack offers a spacious 8 feet of wood storage, ideal for long-term storage and users who burn wood frequently.
The Woodhaven log rack measures 48 inches tall, 96 inches long, and 14 inches deep, capable of handling a half cord of wood. The necessary pieces and tools for assembly are included with this rack.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 48 by 96 by 14 inches
- Material(s): 16 gauge steel
- Suitable for Outdoor Use: Yes
Pros
- Rain and snow protection
- Great for long-term storage
- Welded frame for ultimate strength
Cons
Get the Woodhaven log rack on Amazon.
Our Verdict
If looking for a great all-in-one wood storage solution, the Amagabeli Firewood Rack can keep everything organized in a neat little unit thanks to the tool storage and dual shelving. For an upgrade to an outdoor storage setup, consider investing in the Woodhaven Log Rack for the ultimate storage solution, with a durable cover to protect against harsh weather.
How We Chose the Best Firewood Racks
This group of firewood rack recommendations aims to provide the full range of features shoppers most often look for in a firewood storage rack. With airflow being a vital aspect of storage to keep wood dry and seasoned, every product on our list provides a degree of airflow. In terms of capacity, we made sure to provide a wide range of sizes to meet most needs, from small indoor spaces all the way up to huge outdoor storage operations.
In addition to function, due consideration was also given to aesthetics—since firewood racks can add a sense of style and charm to a home, our product picks span a range of styles, from modern geometric designs for minimalist spaces to the more traditional rustic look for timeless farmhouse decor.
Lastly, all our recommended products are either very easy to put together or require no assembly whatsoever.
FAQs
If you’re still unsure about choosing suitable wood storage, read on for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about firewood racks.
Q: What is the difference between an indoor and outdoor firewood rack?
Racks that are suitable for outdoor use are typically powder-coated steel or wrought iron. Racks meant for indoor use might not have as durable of a finish, which can lead to corrosion or chipping if used outside.
Q: Where is the best place to store firewood?
It’s best to place a firewood rack outside to avoid bringing bugs and messes into a home. For ideal wood seasoning conditions, choose a dry and breezy area. Keep the wood about 20 feet from the door of your house to discourage insects.
Q: What are fireplace tools called?
There are four main fireplace tools:
- Tongs: Long-handled tools that operate like pliers, allowing a burning log to be safely grabbed.
- Poker: A metal rod with a heavy-duty hooked tip for adjusting burning logs.
- Brush or hearth brush: A short broom for sweeping ash and wood fibers from a hearth.
- Shovel or spade: A short scooper for removing ash from a fireplace or wood stove.
When using an indoor fireplace, it’s also important to keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
