A beautiful firewood rack can be an excellent element that complements the hearth, if it is properly placed next to the fireplace or in the summer cottage. In modern design, there are many different types of firewood, which have not only an aesthetic, but also an applied purpose. Thus, this element of applied decor should competently fit into the overall interior of both the interior space and not be superfluous when it is located outdoors.
Woodcutter, woodcutter or woodcutter
- "Woodshed" is called exactly the room, i.e. the shed where firewood is stored. Such a room is always made in the form of a separate structure. The same term in the old days in Rus' was used to refer to sellers of firewood, as well as river vessels (barges and boats) that transported firewood along the Volga River.
- "Drovnik" - such a word, in fact, does not exist (at least it is absent in dictionaries), it is only one of the variations of "woodcutter". Nevertheless, some experts consider a covered extension to the house, where logs are stored in a small volume, as a "woodcutter".
- "Drovnitsa" - this is usually called a stand for keeping and carrying firewood in a small amount.
IMPORTANT! In principle, according to the latest rules of the Russian language, any of the above elements can be called each of these terms, because in the modern world the main thing is to verbally convey the functional purpose of the described object.
Modern types of firewood and features of their application
Each type of device described is made from a specialized material. It is selected depending on the dimensions of the future structure, the required amount of storage and location. The most common are three options:
- Wood firewood - is the most popular option, made from the most affordable material - wood. Wood is one of the most environmentally friendly materials and can perfectly complement almost any interior of a country house. These samples for saving logs are characterized by an increased volume, they are able to accommodate a fairly large supply of fuel. Wooden models may not have large dimensions and can be made in the form of small stands that are conveniently placed near the fireplace.
- Firewood rack metal - most often has small dimensions and volume. Perfectly able to complement the overall picture of the interior with a fireplace. If it is supposed to be installed on the street, then its body must be treated with anti-corrosion substances. The outdoor version will look the best next to a wrought-iron table or a massive outdoor grill / barbecue.
- Wicker firewood rack - this model is in most cases used for carrying firewood. It is not recommended to place them near fireplaces, because. Bast, on the basis of which these samples are often made, is an extremely combustible material. It is quite difficult to find wicker products on sale and they are usually made by craftsmen on private orders.
Constructions for outdoor storage of firewood
Outdoor firewood is considered the most dimensional option for storing wood fuel. Its main function is to create proper conditions for saving and storing logs. The entire structure must be built in such a way that there is protection from strong sunlight, rain and other precipitation, as well as from wind, which can affect the quality of firewood.The standard humidity level for wood fuel should not exceed 15 percent, and outdoor storage is perfectly capable of handling this.
Before arranging such a firewood shed, it is necessary to choose the proper place and prepare the building material. Next, you should make a columnar base and outline the perimeter of the future structure, for which it is necessary to dig small holes in the corners in which the base will be fixed. For the base it is possible to use small logs or metal poles. At the bottom of the holes, you need to pour a sand cushion, which will support the base, and the remaining volume should be poured with concrete.
Then you need to create walls and a frame, for which boards are attached to the base, thereby binding. As a wall material, it is possible to use slabs, boards or planks. The walls do not have to be airtight, even more so between the boards it is even worth leaving some gaps in order to maintain the necessary ventilation.
It is desirable to make the roof of this wood-burning structure according to the single-pitched method, so that the water flow occurs in the rear direction. In order to accomplish this task, it is necessary to select roof elements with different lengths: long ones are installed at the back, and short ones at the front. A strapping is created along the perimeter, on which the crate is attached. It is desirable to cover the top with roofing material - roofing paper or slate.
Firewood for a bath
As a rule, a sauna firewood rack is also set up on the street, but its size is much smaller than that of the common house version. Moreover, its peculiarity is that it is installed in the immediate vicinity of the bath, so that there is no need to go far if you need a new portion of firewood for the sauna stove.Traditionally, a bath modification is a regular canopy, in which the back wall is the wall of the bath.
Firewood rack
This option is the most interesting in terms of functionality and design, and it can be made to a high aesthetic level. Original models are widely distributed on the market, they are made by both Russian and foreign manufacturers. It is also possible to manufacture by individual order from private craftsmen. Forged samples are especially popular, which differ in mobility, convenience and compactness.
Features of firewood for suburban areas
These variations should always be arranged taking into account the design of the garden area or adjacent plot. The volume of the firewood itself will depend on the frequency of visiting the suburban area, seasonality and general livability. The following varieties are considered the most common:
- In the form of a canopy, in which one of the three walls is adjacent to another building, and the base is somewhat raised from the ground;
- In the form of a box with a slate roof, which is placed separately and is sufficiently blown by the wind;
- In the form of a gazebo (with or without a door), in which, in addition to firewood, it is possible to place garden tools;
- In the form of a separate part, attached (in compliance with fire safety) to a stationary barbecue or grill.
If long-term residence in the country is expected, regardless of the season, then for permanent stove heating and storage of firewood it is preferable to use the first two building options. For example, a canopy placed near a wall is recommended to be installed in areas with a mild climate, when no more than 2-3 cubic meters of firewood are used during the winter.It is better to install such a hinged structure on the south side of a residential building; the slope of the canopy should not let water flow down from the roof of the house during rain or melting snow.
IMPORTANT! It is advisable not to use a hinged structure if the walls of a residential building are made of wooden beams. Wood pest beetles are easily able to get over the firewood on wooden walls.
For a free-standing firewood rack with a large volume for storing wood fuel, it is necessary to take into account its overall dimensions. If year-round living is expected, then the building should be spacious. For example, in order to maintain normal heating for the winter season for a room of 200 square meters, the woodshed should hold from 15 to 20 cubic meters of logs. At the same time, from 2 to 4 cubic meters for a bath and a fireplace should be added to this calculated value, plus one more cubic meter - in reserve (for example, for cooking barbecue in nature). However, the entire space should not be filled completely - a small space must be left under the ceiling for reliable ventilation. The total height can reach two meters.
If the dacha is used exclusively during the warm period, then firewood for 2-4 cubic meters of logs will be enough. Optimally, such a “summer” variation should be placed on a separate elevation, next to which there will be a platform for transport access. So it will be more convenient to unload a new batch of firewood for each season. The immediate distance from the residential house itself should also not be very large - it is best when the summer woodshed is located equally close to the house, and from the recreation area (barbecue area), and from the bath.
The best ways to stack firewood
The very construction of a stack of logs begins with the preparation of the foundation - the main thing here is to exclude direct contact of the lower first layer of firewood with the ground. Next, you should install small limiters in the form of stakes. It is possible to lay firewood in a straight line in one row or in two rows with several strips. Also popular is the “circular” method - it involves the arrangement of firewood in the form of a haystack in a circle. For all methods, the main rule should apply - all logs are stacked ONLY bark up. The end ends on straight strips can be arranged in the form of a kind of "wells" - you get perpendicular rows of logs in height. Naturally, if there is no experience, then it is better to try all the options on small stacks.
Basic rules for storing firewood and storage devices for them
First things first, the wood fuel in the woodshed should never be allowed to become damp during the preservation process. At the same time, you should not place the woodshed with all its contents under direct sunlight. If a tree is exposed to powerful ultraviolet radiation, then the few water reserves in its structure evaporate and when burned in a firebox, it will burn out too quickly.
It is desirable that any firewood rack, both large and small, consists of at least two compartments - in one to contain dry firewood prepared for the current firebox, and in the second - raw firewood that requires additional drying (after all, it is impossible to foresee even such a situation, as excessive water ingress on a new portion of logs during transportation). It is always worth remembering that firewood will be effective for kindling when stored in a firewood shed for no more than two years.Thus, a large firewood shed should traditionally contain a two-year supply of firewood - no more and no less.
The home firewood rack should fit neatly into the interior of the living room, just as the street structure should be suitable for the general landscape of the suburban area. In principle, for all types of the described devices, it is possible to use stone, wood, and metal. However, wood is most often used, because in all cases it can equally well complement the environment, especially since it is not particularly expensive, while being considered an extremely environmentally friendly material. Although it is possible to make street structures on the basis of metal sheets, their overheating in sunny weather can damage storage facilities. Excessive heating of the walls will lead to overdrying of firewood and they will lose their useful properties (although not completely).
Rating of the best firewood for 2022
Budget options
3rd place: "ESSE FWH-03"
This model is made of metal, has a very simple design, painted black with a special anti-corrosion paint. Perfectly will be suitable both for placement on the street (but only for a warm and dry season), and indoors. Designed for neat and compact storage of logs for the stove, barbecue, grill. Features a laconic design. The metal has a thickness of one millimeter, and the bottom and handle are made of durable wood. Comes with metal legs. The approximate volume is 0.6 cubic meters of firewood. The recommended cost for retail chains is 2100 rubles.
firewood rack ESSE FWH-03
Advantages:
- Practical and minimalistic design;
- Adequate price;
- Sufficient capacity;
- Anti-corrosion coating.
Flaws:
2nd place: "ESSE FWH-02"
A beautiful and roomy model will allow you to easily store wood fuel for a bath, sauna, fireplace. It has an original design and is able to fit into almost any interior, complementing its uniqueness. The design includes two small rear wheels designed to facilitate the transport of goods. The front base is supplemented with stop stops. The body is made of metal, painted brown with anti-corrosion materials. It is delivered unassembled, however, the assembly process does not cause any problems. Country of origin - Canada. The recommended cost for retail chains is 3500 rubles.
firewood rack ESSE FWH-02
Advantages:
- Special mobility;
- Large storage space;
- Anti-corrosion coating.
Flaws:
1st place: "Delta-Park WH 3007005"
This firewood rack is particularly versatile and can easily turn into a woodpile - for this, it is enough to buy several separate modules and put them together in the form of honeycombs. A single module is perfect for use in residential premises, but several modules can be used to fold a full-fledged outdoor structure. The body is made of galvanized steel, therefore it is not subject to corrosion and is able to withstand significant mechanical loads. The base has a dense protection, so the firewood will not come into contact with the ground, remaining constantly dry, which is also facilitated by natural air circulation. When assembling the structure according to honeycombs, they will be provided with additional stability. Country of origin - Russia. The recommended cost for retail chains is 4300 rubles.
firewood rack Delta-Park WH 3007005
Advantages:
- With a honeycomb assembly, the height is practically unlimited, as is the volume;
- Rugged housing;
- Adequate cost;
- Easy assembly.
Flaws:
Middle price segment
3rd place: "Lumberjack with hemp handle XL GRILLUX VZR2361"
This model is more suitable for the purpose of transporting firewood, although storage in it is also possible, but only in a dry room, and not on the street. The body consists of several dense galvanized strips connected by jumper bases. Stability is provided by small metal legs placed on the base. The model features an original and concise design, and a handle made of hemp rope will sufficiently ensure the convenience of transporting fuel material. Country of origin - Russia. The recommended cost for retail chains is 4350 rubles.
woodcutter Woodcutter with hemp handle XL GRILLUX ВЗР2361
Advantages:
- A light weight;
- Small dimensions;
- Extreme ease of transport.
Flaws:
- There is no possibility for long-term outdoor use.
2nd place: "Vesuvius D120B a-352742"
This sample from a Russian manufacturer is characterized by visual aesthetics and massiveness of the entire structure. Directly designed for use for fireplace heating. The whole structure is made of high-strength steel, the shape provides for convenient placement of logs. The model is able to fit into any classic or traditional interior, adding to its uniqueness. The firewood rack itself is a capacious stand, and its legs have a special coating designed to protect the floor from dirt and scratches. Country of origin - Russia. The recommended cost for retail chains is 5500 rubles.
firewood rack Vesuvius D120B а-352742
Advantages:
- Massive construction;
- Classic design;
- Floor protection from dirt and scratches.
Flaws:
- Only home use is possible.
1st place: "ESSE FWH-05"
This example of a firewood storage device has a dual purpose. Its body has two shelves for logs - it is supposed to put large chocks on the lower one, which are more suitable for making large fires in the open air (or for drying and subsequent cutting or sawing), and wood ready for kindling is stored on the upper one. The kit also includes a fireplace set, which includes: poker, shovel, brush and tongs. All these accessories are conveniently placed on special hooks located on the side walls. The kit also comes with special fasteners for assembly. Country of origin - Canada. The recommended cost for retail chains is 5600 rubles.
firewood rack ESSE FWH-05
Advantages:
- original design;
- The presence of a shelf for drying;
- Fireplace set included.
Flaws:
- Not suitable for permanent outdoor use.
Premium class
3rd place: "Vega (500x500 mm) PKF Maral 0019"
This forged product is made in a classic style and is intended for storing and carrying firewood. Carrying is carried out with the help of a hand made in the form of a round rim. Due to its minimalistic design, it is possible to carry a sufficient amount of logs in the woodshed. The frame is particularly durable, its components are made on the basis of a solid bar using the method of hot and cold forging. Country of origin - Russia. The recommended cost for retail chains is 5700 rubles.
firewood rack Vega (500x500 mm) PKF Maral 0019
Advantages:
- Rugged construction;
- Convenient handle for transportation;
- Light weight.
Flaws:
- Impossibility of long-term use on the street.
2nd place: "Drovnitsa Cannon Steel Solutions DRPUSH"
This product has an extremely original design and is suitable for decorating a fireplace room. With it, it is convenient to transport a significant weight of firewood. The design provides special bumpers that do not allow logs to roll off the lodgement. The lodgment itself is made of solid wood, securely screwed to the work surface. Overall stability is ensured by the tail of the gun carriage. Country of origin - Russia. The recommended cost for retail chains is 6200 rubles.
firewood shed firewood cannon Steel Solutions DRPUSH
Advantages:
- Extremely unique design;
- The tail of the carriage provides special stability;
- The cradle is made of solid wood.
Flaws:
- Impossibility of long-term use on the street;
- Requires careful movement across the floor.
1st place: "Vitaluce V7107/1"
The design of this device may seem very simple, but at the same time its cost is very high. The thing is that such models are made exclusively on an individual order and manually by European masters of the Vitaluche trading house with a long history. The particular model in question has a large volume, can be used both at home and on the street. It has a bottom shelf for drying large firewood, on the top there are logs ready for kindling. The entire body is covered not only with an anti-corrosion compound, but also has non-stick properties, so it is not afraid of smoke and soot.In general, the body can be described as not very heavy, which allows it to be easily moved when empty. Country of origin - Italy. The recommended cost for an individual order is 7200 rubles.
firewood rack Vitaluce V7107/1
Advantages:
- Hand made;
- Multifunctional coating;
- Has two separate shelves.
Flaws:
- Extremely overpriced with relatively little functionality.
Instead of an epilogue
The analysis of the market of the considered devices established that it can be characterized as "extremely saturated". Offers exist in all available forms, for all circumstances - from more functional designs to designs that have a greater aesthetic purpose. In any case, it is possible to make the desired type of firewood on your own, but you will need to follow the basic rules for the manufacture of these products. It is gratifying that most Russian-made models do not differ at all from Western ones either in quality or in the magnificence of design. In some cases, foreign samples even lose to domestic ones. However, it should be noted that there is an extremely deep price gap between factory-produced firewood racks and custom-made and hand-made models. Moreover, the latter are often simply inferior to the former in terms of functionality by 70-80%. From this we can conclude that it is not worth chasing the mythical quality of manual production, because the design of the products in question is not very complicated and there is simply nothing to break.