Wood Rack for Firewood (DIY Cinder Block Setup Tips)

Would you rather spend your winter shivering and wishing you had prepared earlier, or feel the cozy warmth of a crackling fire knowing you’re well-stocked with perfectly seasoned firewood?

I’m guessing you chose warmth. And that’s where this guide comes in. Building a wood rack is a fundamental step in ensuring you have a ready supply of dry, burnable firewood when you need it most. We’ll focus on a DIY cinder block setup because it’s affordable, durable, and surprisingly easy to customize.

But before we dive into the nitty-gritty of cinder blocks and lumber, let’s talk about the bigger picture.

The State of Firewood: A Global Perspective

The world of firewood is more dynamic than you might think. According to recent data from the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), fuelwood remains a primary energy source for millions globally, particularly in developing countries. However, even in developed nations, firewood enjoys a resurgence, fueled by a desire for energy independence, a connection to nature, and, let’s be honest, the sheer pleasure of a real fire.

Here are a few key data points to consider:

• Global Fuelwood Consumption: Estimated at over 3.5 billion cubic meters annually. This highlights the continuous demand for firewood.
• Residential Heating in the US: Firewood accounts for a significant portion of residential heating, especially in rural areas. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that wood is used as a primary or secondary heating source in millions of households.
• Seasoning Impact: Properly seasoned firewood can increase heating efficiency by up to 25% compared to green wood. This directly translates to using less wood and saving money.
• Firewood Businesses: The firewood industry supports countless small businesses and independent loggers worldwide.

The trends highlight the importance of efficient and sustainable firewood preparation, and that’s where a good wood rack comes in!

Why a Wood Rack? More Than Just Neat Stacking

You might be thinking, “Why bother with a wood rack? Can’t I just pile the wood in a corner?” Well, you can, but you won’t be doing yourself any favors. Here’s why a wood rack is essential:

• Air Circulation: A rack elevates the wood off the ground, allowing air to circulate freely. This is crucial for drying (seasoning) the wood.
• Moisture Control: By keeping the wood off the ground, you prevent it from absorbing moisture from the soil, which can lead to rot and mold.
• Pest Prevention: A raised rack makes it harder for insects and rodents to take up residence in your woodpile.
• Organization: A well-organized wood rack keeps your firewood tidy and accessible. No more digging through a messy pile!
• Faster Seasoning: A wood rack can drastically reduce the seasoning time.

Green Wood vs. Seasoned Wood: The Fundamental Difference

Before we build our rack, let’s define two key terms:

• Green Wood: This is freshly cut wood. It has a high moisture content (often over 50%) and is difficult to burn. It produces a lot of smoke, less heat, and can contribute to creosote buildup in your chimney.
• Seasoned Wood: This is wood that has been properly dried. It has a moisture content of 20% or less, burns easily, produces more heat, and less smoke.

The Goal: You want to burn seasoned wood.

Why? Seasoned wood releases significantly more heat per log. Think of it like this: green wood spends a lot of energy boiling off the water before it can actually burn. Seasoned wood skips that step.

Data Point: As mentioned earlier, burning seasoned wood can increase heating efficiency by up to 25%.

The Cinder Block Wood Rack: A DIY Project

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: building your own cinder block wood rack. This is a fantastic project for several reasons:

• Affordability: Cinder blocks and lumber are relatively inexpensive.
• Durability: Cinder blocks are incredibly strong and weather-resistant.
• Customization: You can easily adjust the size and configuration of your rack to fit your needs.
• Simplicity: The construction is straightforward, requiring minimal tools and skills.

Materials You’ll Need

• Cinder Blocks: The number will depend on the size of your rack. I recommend using solid cinder blocks for the base, as they are more stable. For a standard 8-foot rack, you’ll need at least 6 blocks (two stacks of three).
• Lumber: Pressure-treated lumber is essential for outdoor use. 4×4 posts are ideal for the uprights. For an 8-foot rack, you’ll need two 8-foot 4x4s. 2x4s can be used to create a base within the cinder blocks if you want to keep the wood further off the ground.
• Gravel or Crushed Stone (Optional): To create a well-draining base under the rack.
• Shims (Optional): For leveling the cinder blocks.
• Wood Screws (For securing the lumber): Exterior-grade screws are a must.
• Wood Preservative (Optional): To further protect the lumber.

Tools You’ll Need

• Level: Essential for ensuring your rack is level.
• Shovel (If using gravel): For preparing the base.
• Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements.
• Circular Saw or Hand Saw: For cutting the lumber.
• Drill: For pre-drilling holes and driving screws.
• Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes!
• Work Gloves: To protect your hands.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose Your Location: Select a well-drained area with good sun exposure and airflow. Avoid low-lying areas where water tends to accumulate.
   • Personal Story: I once made the mistake of building a wood rack in a slightly depressed area of my yard. After a heavy rain, the bottom layer of wood was sitting in a puddle! Lesson learned: drainage is key.
2. Prepare the Base (Optional): If the ground is uneven or prone to waterlogging, spread a layer of gravel or crushed stone to create a level and well-draining base. This will help prevent moisture from wicking up into the wood.
3. Position the Cinder Blocks: Place two stacks of cinder blocks at the desired distance apart. For an 8-foot rack, space the stacks about 8 feet apart (measure from inside edge to inside edge).
   • Tip: Use a level to ensure the blocks are sitting evenly. If necessary, use shims to level them.
4. Insert Lumber into Cinder Blocks: This is where the 4×4 posts come in. Insert the posts vertically into the holes of the cinder blocks.
   • Tip: Ensure the posts are securely seated in the blocks. You might need to wiggle them a bit to get them in.
   • Alternative: If you want to keep the wood further off the ground, cut 2x4s to fit inside the cinder blocks horizontally. This creates a raised platform inside the blocks.
5. Secure the Lumber (Optional but Recommended): While the weight of the wood will help hold the posts in place, I recommend securing them to the cinder blocks for added stability, especially if you live in a windy area.
   • Method 1: Use construction adhesive to glue the posts to the inside of the cinder block holes.
   • Method 2: Drill pilot holes through the cinder blocks and into the posts, then drive screws to secure them.
6. (Optional) Add a Roof: For maximum protection from rain and snow, consider adding a simple roof to your wood rack. This can be as simple as a sheet of plywood or metal roofing material supported by additional lumber.
   • Case Study: A friend of mine built a wood rack with a sloped roof using reclaimed metal roofing. He noticed a significant reduction in seasoning time compared to his previous rack without a roof.
7. Stack Your Firewood: Now for the fun part! Stack your firewood neatly between the posts.
   • Stacking Tips:
     • Leave gaps between the rows of wood to allow for air circulation.
     • Crisscross the ends of the stacks for added stability.
     • Don’t stack the wood too high, as this can make the rack unstable.
     • Consider covering the top of the stack with a tarp to protect it from rain and snow. Make sure the sides are open for airflow.

Cost Breakdown

Here’s a rough estimate of the costs involved in building a cinder block wood rack:

• Cinder Blocks: $2-5 per block (depending on size and type)
• Lumber: $10-20 per 4×4 post; $5-10 per 2×4
• Gravel/Crushed Stone: $5-10 per bag
• Screws/Adhesive: $5-10

Total Cost: $50-150 (depending on the size and complexity of your rack)

This is significantly cheaper than buying a pre-made metal wood rack, which can easily cost $200 or more.

Wood Species and Firewood Quality: Not All Wood is Created Equal

The type of wood you burn also plays a significant role in the heat output and burning characteristics. Here’s a quick guide to some common wood species and their firewood qualities:

• Hardwoods: Generally denser and burn longer and hotter than softwoods.
  • Oak: Excellent firewood. Burns long and hot, produces good coals. Takes a long time to season (12-24 months).
    • Data Point: Oak has a BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating of approximately 27 million per cord.
  • Maple: Good firewood. Burns well, produces good heat. Seasons in 6-12 months.
    • Data Point: Maple has a BTU rating of approximately 24 million per cord.
  • Ash: Excellent firewood. Easy to split, burns clean, produces good heat. Seasons in 6-12 months.
    • Data Point: Ash has a BTU rating of approximately 24 million per cord.
  • Beech: Excellent firewood. Burns long and hot, produces good coals. Seasons in 12-18 months.
    • Data Point: Beech has a BTU rating of approximately 27 million per cord.
  • Birch: Good firewood. Burns quickly, produces good heat. Seasons in 6-12 months. Has a pleasant aroma.
    • Data Point: Birch has a BTU rating of approximately 20 million per cord.
• Softwoods: Generally less dense and burn faster than hardwoods.
  • Pine: Burns quickly, produces a lot of smoke and sparks. Not ideal for indoor fireplaces, but can be used for outdoor fires. Seasons quickly (3-6 months).
    • Data Point: Pine has a BTU rating of approximately 16 million per cord.
  • Fir: Similar to pine. Burns quickly, produces smoke. Seasons quickly.
    • Data Point: Fir has a BTU rating of approximately 18 million per cord.
  • Spruce: Similar to pine and fir. Burns quickly, produces smoke. Seasons quickly.
    • Data Point: Spruce has a BTU rating of approximately 17 million per cord.

Key Takeaway: Hardwoods are generally the best choice for firewood, but softwoods can be used if seasoned properly and burned in appropriate settings.

Chainsaws vs. Each has its pros and cons:

Chainsaws:

• Pros:
  • Fast and efficient for felling trees and cutting logs to length.
  • Can handle large logs with ease.
  • Less physically demanding than using an axe.
• Cons:
  • Require maintenance (sharpening, cleaning, fuel).
  • Can be dangerous if not used properly.
  • Noisy.
  • More expensive than an axe.

Axes/Splitting Mauls:

• Pros:
  • Simple and reliable.
  • Relatively inexpensive.
  • Quiet.
  • Good exercise!
• Cons:
  • Slower than a chainsaw.
  • More physically demanding.
  • Can be difficult to split large, knotty logs.

My Recommendation: For most homeowners, a combination of both is ideal. Use a chainsaw to fell trees and cut logs to length, then use an axe or splitting maul to split the logs into firewood.

Unique Insight: Consider investing in a hydraulic log splitter if you process a large amount of firewood each year. While they are more expensive, they can save you a lot of time and energy.

Felling Trees Safely: A Primer

If you plan to harvest your own firewood, it’s crucial to understand the basics of safe tree felling. This is a complex topic that requires proper training and experience, but here are a few key principles:

1. Assess the Tree: Before you start cutting, carefully assess the tree for lean, wind direction, and any dead or broken branches.
2. Plan Your Escape Route: Identify a clear escape route that is at a 45-degree angle away from the direction of the fall.
3. Make the Notch Cut: This is the first cut you make in the tree. It should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter and angled downwards.
4. Make the Back Cut: This cut is made on the opposite side of the tree from the notch cut. It should be slightly higher than the notch cut and should leave a hinge of wood to control the direction of the fall.
5. Wedge (If Necessary): If the tree is leaning in the wrong direction, use a felling wedge to help push it over.
6. Shout “Timber!”: Give a warning shout before the tree falls.
7. Retreat to Your Escape Route: As the tree falls, retreat quickly and safely to your escape route.

Warning: Tree felling is a dangerous activity. If you are not experienced, consider hiring a professional arborist.

De-limbing Procedures: Turning Trees into Logs

Once the tree is on the ground, it’s time to remove the branches (de-limbing). Here are a few tips:

• Work from the Base to the Top: Start at the base of the tree and work your way towards the top.
• Use a Chainsaw or Axe: A chainsaw is faster for larger branches, while an axe is better for smaller branches.
• Be Careful of Kickback: Chainsaw kickback can be dangerous. Always maintain a firm grip on the saw and be aware of the position of the tip of the bar.
• Cut Branches Flush: Cut the branches as close to the trunk as possible without damaging the trunk.

Splitting Logs: From Log to Firewood

Splitting logs is the final step in preparing firewood. Here are a few tips:

• Choose the Right Tool: A splitting maul is best for larger, tougher logs, while an axe is better for smaller, easier-to-split logs.
• Use a Splitting Block: A splitting block provides a stable surface for splitting logs and protects your axe or maul from hitting the ground.
• Aim for the Center: Aim for the center of the log and swing with a smooth, controlled motion.
• Use Wedges (If Necessary): If a log is particularly difficult to split, use splitting wedges to help break it apart.
• Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and work gloves when splitting logs.

Seasoning Firewood: The Art of Drying

As we’ve discussed, seasoning firewood is crucial for efficient and clean burning. Here’s a breakdown of the seasoning process:

1. Split the Wood: Splitting the wood increases the surface area exposed to air, which speeds up the drying process.
2. Stack the Wood Properly: As we discussed earlier, stack the wood in a way that allows for good air circulation.
3. Allow Time to Season: The length of time required for seasoning depends on the species of wood, the climate, and the stacking method. Generally, hardwoods require 6-12 months of seasoning, while softwoods require 3-6 months.
4. Monitor Moisture Content: Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood. Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less.

Data Point: A study by the University of Maine found that properly seasoned firewood can reduce emissions by up to 50% compared to burning green wood.

Troubleshooting and Common Pitfalls

• Problem: Wood is not drying properly.
  • Solution: Ensure the wood is stacked properly with good air circulation. Consider relocating the wood rack to a sunnier location.
• Problem: Wood is rotting.
  • Solution: Ensure the wood is not sitting directly on the ground. Consider adding a layer of gravel or crushed stone under the rack.
• Problem: Wood is infested with insects.
  • Solution: Inspect the wood regularly for signs of infestation. Consider treating the wood with an insecticide.
• Problem: Difficulty splitting logs.
  • Solution: Use a splitting maul instead of an axe. Consider using splitting wedges. If you are still having trouble, consider renting a hydraulic log splitter.

Next Steps and Additional Resources

Now that you’ve built your wood rack and understand the basics of firewood preparation, here are a few next steps you can take:

• Start Harvesting Firewood: If you have access to trees, start harvesting your own firewood.
• Invest in Quality Tools: Invest in a good chainsaw, axe, and splitting maul.
• Learn More About Tree Felling: Take a course on safe tree felling techniques.
• Join a Firewood Forum: Connect with other firewood enthusiasts online.

Here are some additional resources:

• Local Arborists: For tree felling and removal services.
• Hardware Stores: For cinder blocks, lumber, and tools.
• Chainsaw Dealers: For chainsaws, parts, and service.
• Firewood Forums: For online discussions and advice.
• University Extension Offices: For information on firewood preparation and wood species.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can build a durable and effective wood rack and prepare a ready supply of perfectly seasoned firewood for years to come. So, get out there, get your hands dirty, and enjoy the warmth of a real fire this winter! You’ll be glad you did. Remember, “well begun is half done,” and having that wood rack ready is half the battle. Now go get ’em, tiger!

Learn more