5 Sturdy Scrap Wood Firewood Rack Plans

Elevate Your Firewood Storage

There is nothing cozier than a crackling fire in December. But there is nothing less cozy than a pile of dirty logs dumping bark and spiders onto your living room floor. A proper scrap wood firewood rack is the solution to keep your fuel organized, dry, and aesthetically pleasing.

You don’t need to buy an expensive metal holder. If you have some leftover 2x4s or plywood from previous projects, you have everything you need. In this guide, we share 5 robust plans to build a scrap wood firewood rack that handles the heavy load with style.

1. The “X-Frame” Folding Holder

Best for: Small spaces and modern aesthetics.

This clever design uses two rectangular frames that slot into each other.

• The Material: Leftover 1×3 or 2×2 strips.
• The Build: Construct two identical rectangles, but make one slightly narrower so it fits inside the other. Drill a hole through the center of both and connect them with a carriage bolt.
• The Result: A scissor-style scrap wood firewood rack that folds flat when not in use in the summer.

2. The Rolling “Wood Caddy”

Best for: Moving wood from garage to living room.

Firewood is heavy. Stop breaking your back carrying armfuls across the house.

• The Base: Use a thick piece of plywood (3/4 inch) for the base.
• The Sides: Attach vertical 2x4s to create a “U” shape or a box.
• The Secret Weapon: Install heavy-duty Swivel Caster Wheels on the bottom.
• Benefit: You can roll the entire rack right up to the hearth for reloading.

3. The Modern Concrete & Wood Bench

Best for: Industrial style.

Combine scrap wood with cinder blocks for a zero-tool project.

• The Setup: Place two cinder blocks on the ground (holes facing up).
• The Wood: Insert four 2x4s vertically into the holes.
• The Stability: Place two more cinder blocks on top to lock the wood in place.
• Function: Stack the logs between the vertical posts. It’s the strongest scrap wood firewood rack you can build in under 5 minutes.

4. The Wall-Mounted “Floating” Stack

Best for: Vertical storage.

If you have zero floor space, go up the wall.

• The Build: Build a tall, narrow ladder-like frame using 2x4s.
• Mounting: Screw it securely into the wall studs (crucial for weight!).
• Style: Paint it matte black to make the wood logs “pop.” It turns your fuel into a piece of wall art.

5. The Outdoor Pallet Shed

Best for: Bulk storage.

Keep your main supply dry outside.

• The Material: Two free shipping pallets.
• The Assembly: Stand one pallet on its side. Cut the second pallet in half to create a roof and a floor.
• Protection: Cover the roof with a scrap of tin or heavy plastic. This scrap wood firewood rack ensures air circulation, which is vital for seasoning wood.

PRO TIP: The Secret to Strength (Pocket Holes)

Firewood is incredibly heavy. A simple nail will pull out under the pressure of stacking.
To ensure your scrap wood firewood rack doesn’t collapse:

• The Joint: Use Pocket Hole Joinery. It creates a incredibly strong bond between boards.
• The Tool: The Kreg Pocket Hole Jig is the standard. It hides the screws and doubles the structural integrity of your rack.

FAQ: Storing Firewood