Wood Racks

Choose the right firewood for wood rack

It is a popular misconception that all firewood is more or less the same. People just go ahead and store any kind of wood in their wood racks. But this is not the appropriate approach to go about using the right firewood rack. You must choose the firewood that suits your intended purpose. If you are buying wood solely for the purpose of burning it in the fireplace then you must consider the type of atmosphere the burning wood would generate. Choose a type of wood that would produce a nice and warm fire instead of just burning and smoldering and basically making things uncomfortable for you.

Purpose of firewood racks

The purpose of a wood rack is not just the organized arrangement of your firewood. It serves certain other purposes too.

• Wood racks protect wood from elements
  The firewood racks protect your valuable firewood from the onslaught of the elements. Without the protection of a wood rack the firewood could be damaged by the prolonged effects of wind, snow, rain or just sheer humidity.

• Wood racks preserve firewood
  Moisture is the most formidable adversary of firewood. The moisture that wood retains can lead to the growth of mold thus causing the wood to rot from within. Once the dry rot starts it will slowly but surely ruin the firewood. Firewood racks ensure that your firewood is not subjected to an attack by moisture.

• Wood racks keep away pests
  A haphazardly arranged pile of firewood can be a haven for all kinds of pests. Bugs, rodents and other vermin love to make such dark and isolated nooks their home. Firewood racks help in rectifying this problem by keeping the firewood out of reach from pests and insects.

• Wood racks keep wood dry
  Damp fire wood when lighted can produce very unpleasant smoke. Firewood racks are useful in keeping your firewood dry and clean. It is always a pleasure to light up wood that is dry and crisp. Drying out the firewood over a period of time will help prevent any mildew growth and decrease the build up of harmful creosote in your chimney. The overtime build up of creosote can ignite and cause a major fire in your chimney. To ensure the safety of your home take care that the firewood is seasoned for at least a period of six months.

• Wood racks for safety
  A pile of woods that is not properly arranged is a potential threat to curious kids and pets. So to prevent any untoward incidents you must ensure that your firewood is neatly stacked in an appropriate firewood rack.

• Wood racks keep the surroundings clean
  Wood racks prevent the falling embers from making the surrounding area of your fireplace filthy and dirty.

• Portability of wood racks
  Some firewood racks come with wheels which makes it easier to transport firewood from one place to another.

• Firewood racks keep wood away from ground
  A pile of wood casually placed on the ground can also cause moisture to seep in and rot the wood. A wood rack helps in keeping the firewood off the ground. It also prevents the pile of wood from becoming a potential refuge for snakes and mice. It is very essential to dry out the firewood. This drying out also known as seasoning is fundamental to the processing of wood. The way wood rack stores firewood ensures that the firewood is aired and died out for future use. The firewood drying out in a wood rack also prevents the formation of fungus and mold and inhibits the infestation by termites.

• Improve home d�cor with wood racks
  Firewood racks are available in styles and designs that can enhance and complement any kind of home decor. An elegantly designed wood rack stocked with a systematic pile of wood looks elegant and chic and lends an old world charm to the surroundings.

• Wood racks help economically
  During the chilly winter months it would be a wise idea to use the fireplace more frequently than the heating system. It will prevent your electricity bills from sky rocketing. Buying a wood rack will also protect your investment in firewood by saving them from damage. You could also opt to install another smaller wood rack beside the bigger one to save you from frequent trips outside where there would be several unpleasant feet of ice and snow.

• Other benefits of wood racks
  There is nothing more enjoyable than curling up on a comfortable chair with a nice book while your fireplace is exuding a warm and cozy flame. Or better still you could indulge in a witty game of cards while sitting on a rug placed close to a burning fireplace. A wood rack can help make such experiences more enjoyable and convenient. A slowly burning fire could also have a positive impact on our minds. Apart from relieving stress it can also impart relaxation. And what better way to indulge in some conversation on a cold evening than in front of a warm fireplace.

Indoor wood racks

Indoor wood racks are also synonymously known as log racks. These indoor wood racks apart from proving their functionality can also act as an additional piece of furniture. Indoor wood racks are available in a wide variety of designs, materials and styles. You could opt for indoor wood racks made of wood, acrylic or metal. These racks are available in varied textures thus enabling you to match them with the general d�cor of your home. So you can choose metal or cedar, black or bronze finish, curved or basic design, ornamental, traditional and contemporary. Indoor wood racks are mostly constructed in steel or wrought iron. Some top of the line models have hand made accents and designs which make them very singular in style. Wood racks with a coated finishing also help in preventing fragmenting, staining, rotting, and rusting of the racks and prolongs their life. Some versions of indoor wood racks come equipped with a reservoir which can be filled with a certain amount of fumigant for the purpose of repelling insects and pests. An indoor wood rack is relatively smaller in size compared to its outdoor counterpart, but still is very functional. Indoor racks are meant more the purpose of convenience rather than storage of large amount of firewood. They are often equipped to hold only a night's supply and also contribute in beautifying your fireplace. The indoor racks can save you from the trouble of scurrying out for firewood every time you want to light up the fireplace. Some models of indoor racks come with accessories like pokers and kindlers which facilitate in lighting and maintaining the fire.

Outdoor wood racks

An outdoor wood rack is purely functional in nature. It is used to stock a large amount of firewood. When you buy an outdoor wood rack you must ensure that they have a rack cover. You do not want your neatly stacked pile of firewood to be ruined by a sudden shower or snow.

How to choose a wood rack

• Size of the wood rack
  The most important factor to consider when investing in a wood rack is to determine the amount of firewood you will be using through the year. If you invest in a rack that is too large for your needs it will be a waste of valuable space. Conversely buying a rack that is unable to hold all your firewood will expose the surplus wood to the elements. If you are into burning logs frequently or feed your barbecue grill with wood then you will need a large wood rack to accommodate the amount of wood you intend to use. But if you burn wood only rarely then a small and ornate wood rack would be ideal for you. Here are a few typical terms that can help you decide on the size of your wood rack.

  • For a full cord of wood you will need a wood rack that is 8 ft in length, 4 ft in depth and 4 ft in height.

  • For a face cord you will need a wood rack that is 8 ft in length, 2 ft in depth and 4 ft in height.

  • A wood rack that is 8 ft in length, 1ft in depth and 1 ft in height will can suitably accommodate a half face cord of wood.

  • A rick of wood will need a wood rack that is 8ft in length, 1 ft in depth and 1 ft in height.

  The measurement of a cord of wood is taken by stacking the wood as closely as possible. The concept of a cord of wood originated in the seventeenth century when the wood was measured literally with a cord. This standard measure created a unit of measurement that reflected a general configuration of wood Wood is also measured in partial cords. For instance a rick of wood is measured as a third of a cord. 'Face cord' is a term that is indicative of the amount of wood that an outdoor wood rack can contain. The unit of measuring according to this term is generally a pile of wood that is 8' wide, 4' high and 4' deep.

• Quality of the wood rack
  When choosing a wood rack the quality of the construction should be foremost in your mind. Wooden logs can be very heavy and the wood rack you choose should be able to sustain the weight of the firewood. A poorly designed, flimsy wood rack could very well give away under the weight. So you must pay due attention to the quality of structure when investing in a wood rack. Look for wood racks that have been constructed from a good gauge of steel and that are strong when finally assembled.

• Material of the wood rack
  Wood racks come in many varieties of materials and designs. If you are thinking of buying an outdoor wood rack you must consider a metal version. Metal is preferable because when treated correctly it can resist the dirt, moisture and the elements better than other materials. If your wood rack is for indoor use, try a small ornate looking wood rack that will also complement the d�cor of your home.

• Cover for your outdoor wood rack
  Your outdoor wood rack would not be complete without a rack cover. The wood you store in the outdoor wood rack can be damaged if exposed to rain, snow or even plain moisture from the atmosphere. Since moisture and the consequent dampness can sound the death knell for your precious firewood, a rack cover for the outdoor rack is absolutely essential. Some models of outdoor wood racks come with an inbuilt cover. You will have to shop separately for a cover if you are buying a model that does not come with a cover.

• Location of the wood rack
  The place where you intend to keep it determines the kind of wood rack you must buy. If it is for indoor use buy an indoor wood rack that would be accessible in lovely designs. The availability of many variants will ensure that you get the ideal wood rack to match the d�cor of your home. If you have an outdoor fireplace or want to just store firewood, look for a nice, sturdy wood rack that is built for the outdoors. Using an outdoor fireplace even during the summers can add enjoyment to an evening or just 'fire' up the ambience.