What's the best way to stack firewood?

The best way to stack firewood outdoors is on a dry surface, preferably slightly raised off the ground. You'll want to avoid packing the logs too tightly together—a Tetris-style stack isn't the goal—to encourage airflow. "Stack the wood in level, even rows with enough space between pieces to allow air in," says Micetich. We also recommend facing the cut ends out toward the sun, as that will help dry them out quickly. Pay special attention to any wood that looks green. "Greener pieces of wood mean it’s freshly cut and will contain a good amount of moisture, so try to place any green firewood in a sunny spot to help dry it out," says Micetich. If you're storing wood indoors, you can have a little more fun with the configuration. "You can opt for a more unexpected method, like placing logs vertically in an oversized woven basket, doubling as functional decor," says Goerzen.

Why do you need a firewood rack?

A firewood rack makes it easy to keep your logs and kindling in a tidy stack. But beyond appearing neat and organized, most models are slightly elevated from the ground. That is vital, as it encourages air circulation that keeps the wood dry. "Stacking firewood on the ground can lead to pests and wet wood, while firewood racks provide an elevated place for logs to sit until ready for use," says Micetich. Wet wood doesn't burn efficiently and may smoke heavily, making for an unpleasant time around the fire. And don't forget about the added benefit of making a stylish statement with your rack. "For designers, firewood racks fall into that magical category of both form and function. If you have a fireplace, they provide a very necessary purpose of corralling wood nearby, creating easier access to a warm fire on a winter night," says Goerzen.

Where should I place a firewood rack?

You can place a firewood rack either outdoors, ideally not too far from the exterior door that you would be using when you bring in wood, or indoors near your fireplace. Larger models are typically designed for outdoor use. "Most people tend to store their firewood outdoors to keep any debris and pests out of the home . Try to keep your firewood rack a good distance away from your home, and never place it directly against a building. Keep it away from trees and shrubs to reduce fire risk," says Micetich. For indoors, look for a smaller log holder, such as a hoop or a sling, and be sure to check the measurements to confirm that it can fit in your space. Some people opt to get both an indoor and outdoor firewood rack, replenishing the indoor holder with logs from the outdoor holder after one or two fires. There are durable baskets, handled bins, and canvas bags that you can use to transport logs that help prevent debris from dropping on your floors. "When storing a rack inside, it helps to keep it close to your fireplace for easy access, but be sure it has its own designated space. You’ll want to make sure it’s in a sturdy location so pets and children don’t have the opportunity to knock it over," says Micetich.

What size firewood rack do you need?

The size you need is determined by two main factors: the physical space you have to put the rack, whether it's indoors or outdoors, and the amount of wood you need to store, which depends on how often you build fires and whether you use wood burning as a primary heat source during winter. If you're planning for a firewood holder indoors, you'll need to work around the other furniture in the room. "Choose the size that works best within your given floorplan. If you have a small living room, a leaner, vertical firewood rack could save precious real estate and help draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of a larger space. If you have a grand fireplace, perhaps a low, round fireplace rack might balance the scene nicely and add a contrasting shape," says Goerzen.

How tall should a firewood rack be?

Firewood racks should keep your logs at least a few inches off the ground. "It’s usually best to keep it below 4 feet to prevent the firewood from being at risk of being knocked over," says Micetich.

The 7 Best Firewood Racks of 2023

A firewood rack keeps your fireplace logs organized and well-ventilated, while also making a stylish statement either inside or outside of your home.

"The most important things to keep in mind are choosing heat- and weather-resistant materials like steel or wrought iron, and taking into account the height and capacity, which will depend on how much wood you're using," says Mallory Micetich, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Angi and an expert in consumer protection and small home living.

We researched dozens of firewood racks and evaluated them based on their durability, material, size, and capacity.

Here are the best firewood racks.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

L.L. Bean Wood Storage Rack at L.L.Bean

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Best Budget:

Juvale Firewood Storage Rack at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Terrain Log Holder at Shopterrain.com

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Best Oversized:

Frontgate Log Racks at Frontgate

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Best Indoor:

Pottery Barn Vail Suede Fireplace Log Holder at Pottery Barn

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Best Indoor/Outdoor:

Crate & Barrel Frame Indoor/Outdoor Log Holder at Crate & Barrel

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Best With Tools:

Amagabeli Large Firewood Rack at Walmart

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

4.9

L.L. Bean

View On L.L.Bean

What We Like

Simple, elegant design
Fairly high capacity
Made from durable steel
Rust-resistant coating

What We Don't Like

No cover
Some buyers reported missing hardware

L.L. Bean is known for its excellent customer service—all products have a one-year guarantee, and beyond that, the company considers requests for returns due to defects or poor craftsmanship. This rack from L.L. Bean rack gets high marks for being especially durable and is our top pick if you want to store your wood outside. It holds about a half-cord of firewood, which should get you through at least several weeks of winter, depending on your usage. Assembly is required, but users found the process easy. There were some complaints that boxes were missing hardware, but L.L. Bean refunded the cost for customers who had to purchase their own.

The rack is made from tubular steel with a rust-resistant coating and should last for several years, despite harsh winter conditions. One big downside of this rack is that a cover isn't included. L.L. Bean sells a compatible one, but it was sold out at press time. If you need one, you'll have to go with a universal firewood rack cover from a company like ShelterLogic. However, the design of this rack is clean and basic, and at just over a foot deep, it's an ideal size for storing under an awning or eave.

Price at time of publish: $149

_{Dimensions: 46 x 87 x 15 inches | Material: Tubular steel | Intended Use: Outdoor | Weight: Not Listed | Cord Capacity: Not Listed}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Target

What We Like

Space for kindling
Ventilation holes and side cutouts
Stylish design
Durable

What We Don't Like

Small capacity

If you only build the occasional fire, you don't need to go all out on a huge firewood holder. A small, simple rack like this will work well and has the added bonus of being a nice accent piece for your living room or patio that won't hurt your budget. It's made from rugged iron, and there are ventilation holes at the bottom that help the wood stay dry. We're also fans of the flame-shaped cutouts on the sides that add a bit of whimsy.

You will need to assemble the rack yourself, but it's an easy process. Some users said they were concerned that the rack would be flimsy, but their worries subsided after they opened it and put it together. Some were even able to stack as many as a dozen logs without issues.

Price at time of publish: $40

_{Dimensions: 10.5 x 16 x 11.6 inches | Material: Iron | Intended Use: Indoors and outdoors | Weight: 7.3 pounds | Cord Capacity: 5 to 10 logs}

Terrain

View On Shopterrain.com

What We Like

Comes in multiple sizes
Stylish and unique look
Extremely weather-resistant
No assembly required

What We Don't Like

May be difficult to pull out wood when full

A true statement piece, the Terrain Weathering Steel Log Holder reminds us more of an attractive bookshelf than a typical firewood rack. It's made from a mix of raw steel and sheet metal, and each piece is forged by hand. The steel is called COR-TEN, and it's designed to resist corrosion from rain, snow, ice, fog, and other elements by forming a dark brown coating over the metal that eliminates the need for maintenance.

It's sold in three different sizes, ranging from just under 2 feet high to nearly 7 feet high, but each one is only about 14 inches deep. It can either be used on its own or paired with Terrain's matching planed outdoor fireplace. Although the cord capacity is not listed, from the photos we would estimate that the smallest size holds around 40 logs, and the largest maybe 150. No assembly is required.

Price at time of publish: $458 (medium)

_{Dimensions: Small, 39.5 x 15.75 x 13.75 inches; medium, 59 x 23.5 x 13.75 inches; large, 79 x 35.5 x 13.75 inches | Material: Raw steel and sheet metal | Intended Use: Outdoor | Weight: Not listed | Cord Capacity: Not listed}

Frontgate

View On Frontgate

What We Like

Impressive appearance
Holds lots of wood
Separate kindling section

What We Don't Like

Heavy
Some found assembly tricky

This generously sized steel log rack from Frontgate comes in two different sizes: standard and estate. The standard size holds an eighth of a cord of firewood and can support 1,700 pounds, while the estate holds a quarter cord and supports up to 2,200 pounds. Each size has a separate kindling section designed to hold smaller logs and sticks, keeping them separate and easy to access. Plus, the open design at the bottom makes it less likely for small animals to hide out underneath during the winter.

We have read some reports about assembly, including missing pieces, confusing instructions, and misaligned holes. Others had no issues and said they assembled it easily within 30 minutes, so it may depend on how handy you are. To help keep it stable, the rack comes with a set of bolts you can use to anchor it to the ground.

Price at time of publish: $400 (standard size)

_{Dimensions: Standard, 70.75 x 23.5 x 39 inches; estate, 94 x 23.5 x 51.5 inches | Material: Steel | Intended Use: Outdoor | Weight: Standard, 78 pounds; estate, 95 pounds | Cord Capacity: Standard, 1/8 cord; estate, 1/4 cord}

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Pottery Barn

View On Pottery Barn

What We Like

Mix of textures
Low profile
Available in two finishes
Stylish decor piece

What We Don't

Not much capacity
Leather may stretch over time

This beautiful holder has a 22-pound weight capacity, so it's best for just corralling a small amount of firewood (probably about eight logs maximum) inside your home. We love the way the simple frame and the woven leather complement each other. At just 14 inches high, it has a low profile, so it's easy to tuck away, but it's also pretty enough to show off next to a living room fireplace.

Besides keeping wood looking neat, a log holder like this one can also make a decor statement. "A firewood rack can make for a beautiful vignette in your space, adding much-needed depth, dimension, and contrast to a scene—they’re a practical piece that acts like a sculptural element," says Heather Goerzen, Havenly design editor. Note that this piece also comes in two finishes, either black or brass.

Price at time of publish: $249

_{Dimensions: 20 x 18 x 14 inches | Material: Iron, leather | Intended Use: Indoor | Weight: 11.25 | Weight Capacity: 22 pounds}

Crate & Barrel

View On Crate & Barrel

What We Like

Vertical and space-saving
Dividers help separate logs
Simple, modern design

What We Don't Like

Stacking wood can be tricky

If you're looking for a space-saving solution that can work either indoors or outdoors, we recommend the Crate & Barrel Frame Indoor/Outdoor Log Holder. With a smaller footprint, this vertical rack can hold about 25 logs (or less, depending on the size). While it’s not optimal for storing a large amount of firewood, it's perfect for keeping logs handy next to a fireplace.

We love this rack’s simple, modern design that can blend into your living room decor, or complement outdoor furniture, fireplaces, or firepits. The rack features movable cross supports that divide the wood into four sections, helping to keep the logs a bit more organized. It’s worth noting that we have read some reports that moving the supports and stacking the wood is a bit tricky.

Price at time of publish: $249

_{Dimensions: 48 x 18 x 12 inches | Material: Mild sheet steel | Intended Use: Indoor or outdoor | Weight: Not listed | Cord Capacity: About 25 logs}

Walmart

View On Walmart

What We Like

Multipurpose piece
Includes a brush, shovel, poker, and tongs
Separate sections to help organize

What We Don't Like

On the smaller side
Broom could be better quality

This rack from Amagabeli is great for small spaces, since it stores firewood and your fireplace tools as well. To help keep your fireplace clean, this rack includes a brush, shovel, poker, and tongs, all with integrated hooks. The frame is made from powder-coated tubular steel and can be used either inside or outside. Despite the size, it holds about a day's worth of wood or about 70 to 80 pounds.

The rack has an open, curved shelf in the middle, and you can choose to either fill the entire thing with wood or place regular logs in one half and smaller pieces of kindling and newspaper in the other half to better organize things. The solid base is raised about 2 inches from the ground, which will help with ventilation. Assembly is required, but most users find it relatively simple.

Price at time of publish: $66

_{Dimensions: 15.7 x 11.8 x 31.6 inches | Material: Powder-coated steel | Intended Use: Indoor or outdoor | Weight: Not listed | Cord Capacity: 1 bundle}

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Final Verdict

Simple, well-designed, and utilitarian, the L.L. Bean Wood Storage Rack was our winner, because it's built to last for years and fairly affordable, given the size and solid construction. That rack is meant to be used outside, so if you're looking for an indoor option, try the low-slung, classy-looking Pottery Barn Vail Suede Fireplace Log Holder, which has a woven leather sling, or the larger and more vertical Crate & Barrel Frame Indoor/Outdoor Log Holder, which has dividers that separate the wood into sections.

Intended Use

When buying a firewood rack, the first thing you'll want to think about is the intended use. Will you be using it outdoors or inside your home? Outdoor models are typically a bit larger and made of weather-resistant materials, like our best overall option, the L.L. Bean Wood Storage Rack. Indoor wood holders tend to be smaller and are generally more visually appealing, like our best indoor option, the Pottery Barn Vail Suede Fireplace Log Holder. For more multipurpose options, consider designs that are made for both indoor and outdoor use. "Indoor firewood holders are smaller and typically more stylish, while outdoor firewood racks have less variation in design. Some indoor racks will have unique touches like leather slings or cute kindling storage. Think about the space you’ll be storing the firewood in and what design style will work best for it," says Mallory Micetich, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Angi and an expert in consumer protection and small home living.

Size

Next, you'll want to consider the size. Firewood racks range from about 18 inches wide to upwards of 100 inches across and come in varying heights and depths. To figure out what size you need, think about how much wood you need to fit, how often you'll be refilling it, and where you plan to place it. Some products specify cord capacity, which tells you how much wood volume a container can hold. "If you use a wood stove or fireplace as the main source of heat during cold weather, you’re going to need a lot of wood—a full cord, which is 128 cubic feet of stacked dry firewood, can usually last six to 12 weeks. On the other hand, if you only use firewood for camping or a handful of times during winter, you might opt for a bundle or quarter cord of wood," says Micetich. Our best covered option, the Arlmont & Co. Metal Log Rack, is designed to store a cord of wood outdoors.

Style

Firewood holders come in a variety of styles. Standard rectangular racks have more of a utilitarian appearance and are usually placed on a deck, patio, or next to a shed. Then there are hoop-style racks, which are functional and aesthetically pleasing, as well as options with leather or canvas slings. Consider where you're planning to put the firewood rack and how it will complement the rest of your interior or exterior decor. "There are so many different options from low-slung leather numbers to circular brass pieces and even taller iron frames. Determine the best location and the optimal visual footprint, whether you want something tall to draw the eye up or low to add balance, and then you can lean into varying stylistic features like texture and shape," says Heather Goerzen, Havenly design editor.

FAQ

What's the best way to stack firewood?

The best way to stack firewood outdoors is on a dry surface, preferably slightly raised off the ground. You'll want to avoid packing the logs too tightly together—a Tetris-style stack isn't the goal—to encourage airflow. "Stack the wood in level, even rows with enough space between pieces to allow air in," says Micetich. We also recommend facing the cut ends out toward the sun, as that will help dry them out quickly. Pay special attention to any wood that looks green. "Greener pieces of wood mean it’s freshly cut and will contain a good amount of moisture, so try to place any green firewood in a sunny spot to help dry it out," says Micetich. If you're storing wood indoors, you can have a little more fun with the configuration. "You can opt for a more unexpected method, like placing logs vertically in an oversized woven basket, doubling as functional decor," says Goerzen.
Why do you need a firewood rack?

A firewood rack makes it easy to keep your logs and kindling in a tidy stack. But beyond appearing neat and organized, most models are slightly elevated from the ground. That is vital, as it encourages air circulation that keeps the wood dry. "Stacking firewood on the ground can lead to pests and wet wood, while firewood racks provide an elevated place for logs to sit until ready for use," says Micetich. Wet wood doesn't burn efficiently and may smoke heavily, making for an unpleasant time around the fire. And don't forget about the added benefit of making a stylish statement with your rack. "For designers, firewood racks fall into that magical category of both form and function. If you have a fireplace, they provide a very necessary purpose of corralling wood nearby, creating easier access to a warm fire on a winter night," says Goerzen.
Where should I place a firewood rack?

You can place a firewood rack either outdoors, ideally not too far from the exterior door that you would be using when you bring in wood, or indoors near your fireplace. Larger models are typically designed for outdoor use. "Most people tend to store their firewood outdoors to keep any debris and pests out of the home. Try to keep your firewood rack a good distance away from your home, and never place it directly against a building. Keep it away from trees and shrubs to reduce fire risk," says Micetich. For indoors, look for a smaller log holder, such as a hoop or a sling, and be sure to check the measurements to confirm that it can fit in your space. Some people opt to get both an indoor and outdoor firewood rack, replenishing the indoor holder with logs from the outdoor holder after one or two fires. There are durable baskets, handled bins, and canvas bags that you can use to transport logs that help prevent debris from dropping on your floors. "When storing a rack inside, it helps to keep it close to your fireplace for easy access, but be sure it has its own designated space. You’ll want to make sure it’s in a sturdy location so pets and children don’t have the opportunity to knock it over," says Micetich.
What size firewood rack do you need?

The size you need is determined by two main factors: the physical space you have to put the rack, whether it's indoors or outdoors, and the amount of wood you need to store, which depends on how often you build fires and whether you use wood burning as a primary heat source during winter. If you're planning for a firewood holder indoors, you'll need to work around the other furniture in the room. "Choose the size that works best within your given floorplan. If you have a small living room, a leaner, vertical firewood rack could save precious real estate and help draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of a larger space. If you have a grand fireplace, perhaps a low, round fireplace rack might balance the scene nicely and add a contrasting shape," says Goerzen.
How tall should a firewood rack be?

Firewood racks should keep your logs at least a few inches off the ground. "It’s usually best to keep it below 4 feet to prevent the firewood from being at risk of being knocked over," says Micetich.

This article was researched and written by Lexi Dwyer, who has been writing for The Spruce since 2019 and has covered topics such as furniture, gardening tools, and fireplace tools. To make this list, she aimed to choose a mix of firewood racks that could be used either indoors or outdoors and are made from durable materials. She also tried to include a mix of different sizes, styles, and price points. She consulted Mallory Micetich, who is Vice President of Corporate Communications at Angi and also an expert in consumer protection and small home living, as well as Heather Goerzen, Havenly design editor, for tips on choosing a firewood rack and setting it up in a safe, attractive way.

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