DIY Firewood Rack for a Cozy Porch
Why We Love a Handmade Firewood Rack
There’s just something about a tidy stack of firewood that feels instantly cozy. Whether it’s beside the hearth or tucked into a porch corner, it says: this is a home that’s ready for crisp air, slow mornings, and fires that crackle long into the evening.
Building your own DIY firewood rack is a simple weekend project that adds both beauty and practicality—especially if you’re leaning into that rustic, New England spirit Applewood Way is all about.
What You’ll Need
Materials:
- 1×3 or 2×4 boards (cedar or pine work great)
- Wood screws
- Wood glue (optional)
- Sandpaper
- Wood stain or outdoor sealant (if it’s going on the porch)
Tools:
- Saw (hand saw or circular)
- Drill
- Measuring tape
- Clamps (helpful, but not required)
Step-by-Step: How to Build a DIY Firewood Rack
- Measure & cut your boards
- Two side panels: ~18″ tall
- Two base rails: ~30″ long
- Two short stabilizers for the bottom: ~10″ each
(Feel free to adjust depending on your space)
- Assemble the base
Lay your base rails parallel, and attach the short boards across them to form a rectangle. Screw in from the bottom to hide fasteners. - Add the side supports
Stand your vertical boards upright at each end and screw them into the base corners. These are what your firewood will rest on. - Sand it down
Smooth edges to prevent splinters and give it that clean, finished look. - Stain or seal (optional)
Go with a deep walnut or weathered gray for a classic, colonial look—or leave it raw for a softer cottage vibe.
Best Wood to Use for a Firewood Rack
- Cedar: Rot-resistant and great for outdoor porches
- Pine: Budget-friendly, takes paint/stain beautifully
- Oak or maple: Heavier and ultra-sturdy, if you want it to last forever
If your rack will stay outside, seal it with an outdoor finish to keep the moisture out and the character in.
What Kind of Wood Should You Store in Your DIY Firewood Rack?
Let’s talk firewood. If you’ve gone to the trouble of building a beautiful rack for your porch or hearth, it’s worth being a little choosy about what you stack in it. Not all firewood burns the same—and some kinds are better suited for a slow, steady fire on a chilly evening than others.
Here are a few types we love and why they work so well:
Oak
This one’s a classic. Oak burns hot and slow, which makes it ideal for long fires that don’t need constant tending. Just make sure it’s been seasoned for at least six months—it’s dense and needs time to dry out properly.
Maple
Maple gives you a clean, reliable burn with a steady flame. It’s not too smoky, easy to split, and it smells faintly sweet when it’s burning. We like it for both fireplaces and outdoor pits.
Birch
Birch is quick to catch, which makes it a great starter log. It burns a bit faster than oak, so it’s perfect for layering on top of something heavier. Plus, the bark looks beautiful stacked on your porch—especially in winter.
Ash
Ash is a solid all-around choice. It burns well even when it’s not perfectly seasoned, which is handy if you’re a little behind on your wood prep. It splits nicely and doesn’t give off a lot of smoke.
Cherry or Applewood
These are our go-tos when we want a fire that feels a little special. They don’t burn as hot as oak, but they give off a lovely scent and that gentle crackle that makes everything feel cozier. Perfect for date night or slow Sunday mornings.
A Few Helpful Tips
- Keep your firewood off the ground. Elevating it slightly—on bricks, pavers, or even scrap wood—helps keep moisture from creeping in.
- Stack it loosely so air can move through the pile. Firewood needs time to breathe and dry out properly.
- Avoid pine indoors. It burns fast and hot, but it can leave behind sticky residue in your chimney.
The best part? Mixing woods gives you options. Start your fire with birch or cherry, then settle in with a long-burning oak log that carries you well into the evening.
Styling Your Firewood Rack
Once built, this piece becomes more than functional—it’s decor, too. A few styling tips:
- Stack birch logs for a light, wintry look
- Add a wool blanket or flannel throw folded on top
- Set a lantern, basket, or vintage crate beside it for a welcoming fall feel
- Use it inside by the hearth for a classic New England living room moment
Final Touches (and a Few Extras)
- Add felt pads if using indoors to protect floors
- Drill a few small holes in the base if storing wet wood (outdoors)
- Want to personalize it? Add a stenciled family name or barn star emblem for a homespun look
Want more cozy DIYs for your porch and home? Subscribe to Applewood Way and get a seasonal project guide delivered straight to your inbox—plus exclusive printables and checklists for fall living.
