DIY Network

Blog Cabin '08: Custom Firewood Holder Matt Blashaw creates a firewood storage rack from salvaged lumber. Get all the info on DIY's Blog Cabin '08. From "Blog Cabin" episode DBLG-204

The firewood rack, custom-built by Matt Blashaw, is faced with rough-hewn cedar logs and capped with metal roofing material.

With the build on the 2008 Blog Cabin well under way, focus shifts toward installing some of the winning options that were voted upon by the online voters. The projects in this phase include installing wood-burning fireplaces, the metal roof, double-hung windows and stone fireplace surround.

Matt Blashaw, host of DIY's Deconstruction drops by the Blog Cabin with a couple of custom projects of his own in mind, including a rustic log holder so that firewood is always handy for both the indoor and outdoor fireplaces.

Enlisting the help of cabin contractor Chris Hodshon for this quick and easy project, and using mainly some scrap lumber and salvage roofing material from other construction projects, Matt creates this handy cabin amenity in mere minutes.

Below is a summary of the basic steps as seen in the Blog Cabin project, along with a list of tools and materials used.

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Rustic Log Holder

Tools and materials:

table saw
cordless drill
level
measuring tape
cedar logs
pressure-treated lumber
metal brackets
galvanized nails

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Steps:

• Measure your space and determine the dimensions of the log holder that will work for you. You may want to sketch out a basic design to help visualize the components.

• Based on your chosen dimensions, and using a table saw or chop saw, cut the pressure-treated lumber to form the elements of the log-holder frame.

• With the lumber cut to the proper dimensions, assemble the frame using galvanized screws and metal brackets (figures A and B). For a design like the one featured here, install 45-degree braces in the upper corners of the frame to add stability as well as a decorative pocket cove.

• Round cedar logs, cut in half lengthwise, serve as the decorative facade on this firewood holder. After cutting the pressure-treated lumber, mark the measurements needed for the facade on the cedar logs, cut them to length, then rip the logs lengthwise using a table saw.

  Tools Tip: Ripping through large logs like the ones used in this project, or any dense wood, can be hard on blades. Be sure your blade is sharp before you begin. It's good practice to replace blades regularly to ensure smoother cuts.

• With the wood frame assembled and sturdy, secure the cedar facade onto the pressure-treated lumber frame using galvanized screws.

• Secure roofing material onto pitched pieces with galvanized roofing nails.

• For the finishing touch, cap the firewood rack with roofing material. In this case, Matt used some of the leftover stone-coated steel roofing — the same material that was used on the cabin roof — to visually tie the look of the piece together with the overall appearance of the cabin (figure E).

Return to Blog Cabin 2008 home page.