Brick Dry Storage Ideas for Firewood

Firewood Rack

• A firewood rack is an open storage unit that allows you to stack firewood vertically. Lay a bottom row of bricks outside on a level surface to equal the width of your rack. Stack bricks on the end to form side walls. One possible layout would have a width of 8 feet, a height of 4 feet for the side walls and a width of 13 feet for the side walls. Firewood should be stacked at 90-degree angles to the next layer, and there should be 6 inches of space between each row so that air can circulate for faster drying. Add a tarp on top of the rack to protect against rainwater or place the rack under the porch roof.

Wood Box

• Another way to store firewood is to make a brick wood box for your porch. While a firewood rack has a bottom and tall sides on the ends, the box will have three walls of the same height all around the firewood. To construct the box, simply lay your first row of bricks in a rectangular shape to the desired dimensions; use a 1/2-inch-thick layer of mortar on the top and sides of the bricks as you set them in place. Continue stacking the bricks and applying mortar until you achieve the desired height. Don't underestimate the weight of the bricks and firewood. Since the box will be on the porch, it should contain just enough wood for short-term use.

Shed

• Making a shed just for your firewood can increase your wood storage space dramatically. Use bricks to form a dry floor for the shed. Sweep sand into the areas between the bricks for additional stability. Stack bricks along three sides of the floor then apply a 1/2-inch-thick layer of mortar to the top and sides of the bricks as you set them in place. Add a plywood roof with masonry screws.

Outdoor Fireplace Storage

• If you have an outdoor brick fireplace, consider creating an adjacent firewood storage area. You will need to extend the same brick work to the side of the fireplace and form an open area where you can store excess firewood. Apply masonry paint to new bricks so all of the bricks match in appearance. Construct a three-sided storage area roughly the same height as the existing fireplace, with either the opening on the end or facing the same direction as the fireplace. Apply sealant to a large piece of hardwood then set it over the storage unit and glue it in place. This will cover the firewood and serve as a cutting board and food prep area.