Inside: Make this easy diy firewood holder to add some modern charm to your fireplace and add warmth to your space.
Since I started working on this project I have had several people ask me if we have a wood-burning fireplace. We don’t actually it’s gas…but for some reason having firewood next to a fireplace even if it never gets used, makes a space more inviting and warm.
I wanted to add some more modern touches to my otherwise rustic farmhouse style so when I saw these Iron House Log Holders, I was inspired to create my own for FREE.
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*Before you get started make sure you have your Safety Gear. For this project, I recommend safety goggles, ear protection and a P100 mask.
The way I built this firewood holder is purely meant for decoration. It is not meant to hold a lot of firewood or even take a beating from the movement of adding and taking away firewood. If you want something more stable consider using thicker wood.
TOOLS FOR DIY FIREWOOD HOLDER
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Miter saw
- Pin nailer – I use this Ryobi Pin Nailer
- Sander or sandpaper
- Wood clamps
- Paintbrush
SUPPLIES FOR DIY FIREWOOD HOLDER
I used a few narrow long pieces of 3/4 inch plywood to build the log holder. I wanted my piece to look like metal and modern so I opted for thin pieces of wood. The amount of wood needed depends on the size of your project.
- Thin pieces of wood such as plywood, ripped cut 1 x 2, 1 x 3, 1 x 4, etc. (enough to make your desired size)
- Wood glue
- 1 inch 23 gauge pin nails
- Black flat paint
- Polyurethane Sealer – I use this Triple Thick Poly
CUTS FOR DIY FIREWOOD HOLDER
My log holder measured 27 3/8 L 12 1/8 W x 13 7/8 D inches and the pieces of wood were 5/8 inch thick. Cut your wood to your sizing preferences or with what scrap wood you have available. Due to imperfections and minor errors in miscuts I recommend cutting your pieces as you go instead of cutting everything in the beginning. Remember to measure twice cut once.
- 4 – 21 inches plywood (sides)
- 2 – 10 3/4 inches plywood (front and back bottom)
- 5 – 13 3/8 inches plywood (bottom sides, top sides, top middle)
- 4 – 9 inches plywood cut at a 45 degree angle on each end (roof)
*You will notice that the end of the slants stick out about a 1/4 inch from the side pieces. I marked this point and cut it off at a 45-degree angle so it will sit flush with the sides.
STEPS TO MAKE DIY FIREWOOD HOLDER
Step 1) Assemble the roof and sides. To do this apply wood glue to the end of one 45 degree roof piece and attach it to a long side using pin nails. Use a clamp to hold the side in place. Repeat this for all the roof slants and sides.
Step 2) Attach one assembled side and roof slant to another assembled side and roof slant. Again using wood glue and pin nails to attach. A square helps with alignment.
Repeat until you have the front and back of the house complete.
Step 3) Assemble the bottom pieces. To make legs I created clearance by putting a piece of scrap plywood under the bottom horizontal pieces while attaching them to the sides.
Step 4) Add the final three pieces to the top. Apply wood glue to the ends, clamp in place then attach with pin nails.
Step 5) Sand and add paint or stain. I sanded using an orbital sander and 220 grit sandpaper. I used flat black latex paint.
Step 6) Add a sealer. I used a triple thick poly to protect it from the logs sitting on it. Then finally I put it next to the fireplace and set several logs on it.
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