As I was cleaning the garage over the weekend I rooted through the pile of building materials I have acquired through the past few years. I tend to save things that may have use for a project in the future. Though I keep it orderly things can get out of hand and finding a certain item can be difficult.

So, I decided to make something I have needed for a while- a firewood rack. I had treated 4x4 posts, many 2x4's of various lengths, a can full of reclaimed lag bolts, and cedar deck boards that were removed from a deck. I did not want to purchase anything, just make it from materials I had salvaged from jobs and projects.

The hardest thing to do was design a woodshed from existing materials and making it big enough for a full cord of wood. I looked at some forums I belong to and got some good ideas on what to do. I had a couple things I needed to accomplish- keeping the wood dry, easily accessible in the winter, and good air circulation for seasoning fresh cut wood.

I came up with a long rack that wood could be stacked two rows deep. I could fit four face cords and have it so I could easily "rotate" the stock. I also wanted it to blend in with my back yard- somewhat pleasing to look at.

A few hours later I had things plum, square, and lag bolted together. In a few more hours I had oak and cherry I split stacked. I still need to install a roof to keep the wood dry but now I have room to move around, making it easier to install.

There is a sense of accomplishment making something useful from reclaimed or left over materials. It may take a little longer, be a little more work, and the design may not be perfect- but having saved space in the landfills is well worth the effort.