There’s a certain romanticism to stacking firewood. It’s a primal, satisfying task that promises warmth and cosy evenings by the fire. But the reality, as I’ve learned over many seasons, is often less idyllic. It usually involves a sprawling, disorganised pile of logs at the bottom of the garden, slowly succumbing to the damp British weather. It becomes a haven for slugs and spiders, the lower layers turning to mulch before they ever see a fireplace. For years, my routine was the same: cover a pile with a standard tarpaulin, weigh it down with bricks, and hope for the best. The result was inevitably a frustrating game of unearthing semi-dry logs from a damp, messy stack. This is the problem that a dedicated log store is meant to solve, and why the VOUNOT Firewood Log Rack with Cover, with its promise of organised, dry, and seasoned wood, immediately caught our attention.
- Large storage capacity,200 x 115 x 40 cm
- Excellent quality ,metal tubes are sturdy and durable
What to Consider Before Buying a Firewood Rack
A firewood rack is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for properly seasoning and protecting your fuel investment. The primary goal is to keep logs off the ground, away from moisture and pests, while allowing air to circulate freely. This process, known as seasoning, reduces the moisture content of the wood, resulting in a cleaner, hotter, and more efficient burn with less smoke and creosote buildup in your chimney. A well-organised rack transforms a messy pile into a tidy, accessible resource, ensuring you have perfectly dry wood ready whenever you need it. It’s an essential tool for anyone serious about using a wood burner, fireplace, or outdoor fire pit.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner who needs to store a substantial amount of firewood for the season but lacks a permanent, built-in log store. They value organisation and want to maximise the efficiency of their firewood by ensuring it’s properly seasoned. It’s perfect for those with a garden, patio, or even a spacious garage. However, it might not be suitable for those who only use a handful of logs occasionally and prioritise aesthetics over volume; they might be better served by a smaller, more decorative indoor log holder. Likewise, individuals needing to store multiple cords of wood might find this size insufficient and should consider larger, more heavy-duty solutions.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: First and foremost, measure the space where you plan to place the rack. Consider not only the footprint (115 x 40 cm for this model) but also the height (200 cm). Ensure there’s enough clearance and, crucially, adequate space around the unit for air to circulate, which is vital for the drying process. A rack placed too close to a wall or fence can trap moisture and hinder seasoning.
- Capacity/Performance: Capacity is often measured in weight (this model holds 200 kg) or by the volume of wood, such as a fraction of a “cord.” Think about how much wood you typically use in a season. This VOUNOT rack is a generous size for most casual users, holding enough wood for many weeks of regular use, but heavy users might need a larger alternative or even a second rack.
- Materials & Durability: The frame is typically metal. The VOUNOT uses powder-coated steel tubes, which offer good resistance to rust for a time. However, the quality of this coating varies between brands. The other critical component is the cover. This rack includes a polypropylene cover, which is lightweight and waterproof initially, but can become brittle and tear with UV exposure and weather. More premium models often feature heavier 600D Oxford fabric, which offers far greater longevity.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Assembly should be straightforward, but as we discovered, this isn’t always the case. Long-term maintenance involves checking that bolts remain tight and inspecting the frame for any signs of rust, which can be treated with paint. The cover will be the component that requires the most attention, as it bears the brunt of the weather and may need replacing every couple of years.
Understanding these factors will help you choose a rack that not only fits your space but also meets your long-term needs for dry, perfectly seasoned firewood. It’s about finding the right balance between size, durability, and price for your specific situation.
While the VOUNOT Firewood Log Rack with Cover is an intriguing budget-friendly choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Durable black powder coated finish to help log rack withstand weather conditions
- 🌞FOLDABLE ：Firewood racks small size and large capacity, have ample storage space. With a dimension of 19.7in(L) x 11(W)x 16.8(H)inches [50cm*28cm*42.5cm] when expanded.
- 【2-in-1 Portable Firewood Rack】HFHOME's unique design allows for stackable double-layer storage or separation into two units. Ideal for both indoor fireplaces and outdoor fire pits, it's easy to...
First Impressions: A Promising Concept with Immediate Questions
The VOUNOT Firewood Log Rack with Cover arrived in a surprisingly compact and lightweight box; at just over 5 kg, it was easy to handle. Upon opening, we found a collection of green powder-coated steel tubes, a bag of nuts and bolts, a single-sheet instruction manual, and the folded polypropylene cover. One user’s experience rang true immediately: the three small cross-support bars for the base were tucked away inside the cover, a detail easy to miss if you’re not looking carefully, which could lead to thinking parts are missing.
The initial feel of the components was mixed. The powder coating provided a smooth, consistent finish, but the metal tubes themselves felt thin and exceptionally light. This raised an immediate question about its sturdiness, especially considering its large 2-metre height. The assembly process, quoted as taking just 10 minutes, seemed optimistic. As we laid out the parts, it became clear that while the design was simple, the quality of the hardware and the clarity of the instructions would be the deciding factors in the setup experience. The promise was clear: a large-capacity, covered storage solution at a very accessible price point. The reality, however, hinted at a few potential compromises, which you can see in its full feature set and user reviews online.
What We Like
- Generous storage capacity for its price point
- Keeps firewood elevated off the damp ground
- Includes a waterproof cover to protect wood from rain and snow
- Lightweight and relatively easy to move when empty
Drawbacks
- Critically flawed base design requires modification for most log sizes
- Cover is of poor quality with weak stitching and limited durability
Performance In-Depth: A Hands-On Analysis of the VOUNOT Log Rack
A product’s true worth is only revealed through hands-on testing. We assembled the VOUNOT Firewood Log Rack with Cover, loaded it with wood, and left it to face the elements to see if it lived up to its promises. Our experience was a journey of initial optimism, followed by practical frustration, and ultimately, a series of DIY solutions. It’s a product that can be made to work, but not without significant caveats.
Assembly and Initial Setup: A Test of Patience
The manufacturer’s claim of a 10-minute assembly is, frankly, ambitious. While the design is not complex—essentially two large U-shaped ends connected by crossbars—the execution is hampered by quality control issues. We, like many users, found the instructions to be rudimentary diagrams that lacked clarity. The first hurdle was the hardware. The included nuts and bolts feel low-grade, and several users reported that screws would lose their thread and fail to tighten properly, resulting in a wobbly frame. We highly recommend using your own spanner or pliers to get the nuts properly tight, as no tools are included.
We also encountered an issue reported by others: slightly misaligned holes and bent connecting sections that required a bit of force—and in one user’s case, a hammer—to fit together. The structure is comprised of multiple tubes that slot and bolt together, not solid U-shaped poles as some product images might imply. This creates joints that are potential weak points. Once assembled, the empty frame feels alarmingly lightweight and somewhat rickety. It doesn’t inspire confidence until it’s loaded with the weight of the firewood, which provides the necessary rigidity. The process took us closer to 30 minutes, and that was without any major defects like the missing bolts or incorrectly sized parts that some unfortunate buyers have experienced. The assembly is a lottery; you might get a perfect kit, or you might be in for a frustrating afternoon. For those considering this rack, it’s worth a look at the latest price and availability, but be prepared for a potentially tricky setup.
The Achilles’ Heel: A Rack Without a Proper Floor
This is, without a doubt, the single biggest design flaw of the VOUNOT Firewood Log Rack with Cover. The “floor” of the rack consists of just three thin metal support bars spaced widely apart. The depth of the rack is 40 cm. The problem is that a vast majority of commercially sold firewood logs in the UK are cut to standard lengths of around 25-30 cm. When we began to load our standard logs onto the rack, they simply fell straight through the gaps. The rack can only function as designed if you are using logs that are precisely 40 cm long or longer, or if you painstakingly cross-hatch the first layer of wood to create a makeshift base—a tedious and unstable solution.
This issue was the most common complaint among users, and it renders the product unfit for purpose straight out of the box for many. To make it functional, a modification is not just recommended; it is essential. We followed the advice of other resourceful owners and laid two long scaffold planks along the bottom supports. This created a solid, stable base and solved the problem instantly. Others have successfully used rolls of wire mesh attached with cable ties or cut pieces of timber to size. While these fixes work perfectly, it’s a significant oversight that the consumer has to provide their own floor for a log rack. This fundamental issue is something potential buyers must be aware of before purchasing.
Storage Capacity and Structural Integrity Under Load
Once we addressed the floor problem, we could finally appreciate the rack’s primary strength: its size. With dimensions of 200 x 115 x 40 cm, it holds a very generous amount of firewood. It easily swallowed a large delivery of logs, transforming a messy pile into a neat, towering stack. The 200 kg weight capacity seems accurate, and as mentioned earlier, the sheer weight of a full load of wood makes the entire structure far more stable and rigid. The flimsy feeling of the empty frame disappears, and it feels solid and secure.
The raised design is effective, keeping the bottom layer of wood a good few inches off the ground, which is crucial for preventing moisture from wicking up from the soil and promoting airflow. In terms of pure storage volume for the price, the VOUNOT Firewood Log Rack with Cover offers excellent value. If you have a large quantity of wood to season and are willing to implement the DIY base, you will be pleased with how much it can hold. It’s a feature that really sets it apart from smaller, more expensive racks, provided you can overcome its initial shortcomings.
The “Waterproof” Cover: A Temporary Shield at Best
The inclusion of a cover is a major selling point, but its quality is a significant letdown. Made from thin, green polypropylene, it feels more like a cheap tarp than a durable, long-term solution. The most immediate issue we found, echoed in numerous user reviews, is the incredibly poor stitching, particularly on the Velcro closures that run down the sides for access. We heard the tell-tale sound of stitches ripping on just the second or third time we opened it. One user resorted to a stapler to reinforce the seams, which speaks volumes about the build quality.
Furthermore, the cover is not well-designed to handle weather. There are only two eyelets at the bottom front to secure it, meaning a strong gust of wind can easily lift it up and off the rack. We had to use cable ties on all four corners to hold it down securely. Another problem is its flat top. When it rains, water pools in the centre, causing the material to sag dramatically and creating a miniature pond that puts immense strain on the fabric. Over time, this will inevitably lead to leaks and tears. Users who have owned the product for over a year report that the cover becomes brittle from sun exposure and develops holes, completely negating its “waterproof” feature. It’s best to view the cover as a short-term, temporary bonus rather than a reliable, long-lasting component. You will likely need to replace it with a more robust, heavy-duty tarpaulin within a season or two. If a durable cover is a top priority, we strongly suggest you explore other options before committing.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general consensus online mirrors our own experience perfectly, painting a picture of a product that is “good for the money, but…” The feedback is sharply divided between those who appreciate its size and low price, and those who are frustrated by its fundamental flaws.
On the positive side, many users are pleased with the end result after their modifications. One happy customer noted, “This item is fantastic for keeping a log pile neat and discreet!” Another agreed, saying it’s “easy enough to put together, good size… once done stacks many logs… happy with my purchase.” These comments highlight that if you’re prepared for a small project, the rack can serve its purpose well.
However, the negative feedback is consistent and specific. The lack of a proper base is the most cited issue: “unless your wood is the exact length it will fall through the gap. I put a scaffold plank along the bottom to stop this.” The cover’s poor quality is the second major complaint, with one user stating, “The stitching on the cover isn’t great, I’m not sure how it’ll cope with the changeable weather,” and another being more blunt: “Cheaply made and ripped already just by opening the velcro.” Issues with quality control, such as missing bolts and bent parts, also feature prominently, leading to a frustrating experience for some right from the start.
How Does the VOUNOT Rack Compare to the Alternatives?
The VOUNOT Firewood Log Rack with Cover operates in a crowded market. To understand its value, it’s essential to see how it stacks up against other popular options with different designs and price points.
1. AMAGABELI GARDEN & HOME Fireplace Log Rack Steel Wood Cradle
- Sturdy & Heavy Duty: Durable firewood basket holder with dimensions of 35*32*32cm (L x W x H). Thick steel material and heavy duty construction design makes this firewood rack sturdy and durable for...
- Tidy & Portable: Premium thick bottom base tray design with 2 open 12.4inch high side boards make this indoor log holder perfect to have the wood stacked neatly, especially the base tray which is...
This Amagabeli log rack serves a completely different purpose. It’s a small, stylish, and portable cradle designed for indoor use, sitting right next to your hearth. Its capacity is tiny compared to the VOUNOT, holding just enough wood for an evening or two. This isn’t for seasoning or bulk storage; it’s about convenience and aesthetics. If you’re looking for an attractive way to keep a small amount of wood tidy indoors, the Amagabeli is an excellent choice. However, for anyone needing to store and dry a significant quantity of firewood outdoors for the season, the VOUNOT, despite its flaws, is the far more practical option.
2. VEVOR 8.5FT Firewood Rack with Cover
- More Room to Stack: Measuring 102" x 14.2" x 46.1", this large rack can store a whopping 1/2 cord of woods and bear up to 661.3 lbs. Whether you're looking to stack and dry wood on your porch, garden,...
- Tough Materials, Tough Results: Protected by a black powder spray that guards against fragmentation, peeling, rust, and corrosion, this heavy-duty firewood holder also features a 140 mm raised bottom...
The VEVOR rack represents a significant step up in both size and quality. It’s a heavy-duty unit capable of holding half a cord of firewood, far exceeding the VOUNOT’s capacity. More importantly, the included cover is made from 600D Oxford fabric, a material vastly superior in durability and weather resistance to the VOUNOT’s thin polypropylene. The VEVOR is built for serious, long-term outdoor storage. It costs more, but that investment buys you a much larger capacity and, crucially, a cover that will actually last. For someone who relies heavily on their wood burner through winter, the VEVOR is a much wiser long-term investment.
3. AMAGABELI GARDEN & HOME 8ft Heavy Duty Log Rack
- Firewood organized: Fireplace log rack measures 244 x 122 x 36 cm, 17cm off ground. Heavy Duty firewood storage rack can hold up to 1 face cord log. Perfect size to fit outdoor porch, backyard deck,...
- No Rust: Heavy tubular steel construction of fire place log rack, black power-coated finish wood holder, rust resistant for optimal durability and wood log support.Can withstand 650lb of firewood.
This 8ft Amagabeli rack is perhaps the most direct competitor to the VOUNOT’s concept, but with a focus on a stronger frame. It is larger and generally regarded as having a more robust tubular steel construction. The key difference is that it does not include a cover. This presents a different value proposition: you’re paying for a better-quality frame and are expected to source your own cover or place the rack in a sheltered location. This is an ideal choice for someone who is already disappointed by the quality of included covers and would rather spend their money on a sturdier structure, then buy a separate heavy-duty tarp that will truly withstand the elements.
Final Verdict: A Budget Rack for the DIY Enthusiast Only
The VOUNOT Firewood Log Rack with Cover is a product defined by a great idea and a flawed execution. Its generous size and affordable price are incredibly appealing, offering a seemingly perfect solution to the messy woodpile problem. However, its effectiveness is severely undermined by two critical issues: a base that cannot hold standard-sized logs without modification, and a cover so flimsy it’s unlikely to survive more than one or two seasons.
Can it be made to work? Absolutely. With the addition of some wooden planks for a base and a few extra cable ties for the cover, it becomes a functional, high-capacity log store. Therefore, we can only recommend this product to a specific type of buyer: the budget-conscious DIYer who understands the product’s limitations and is willing and able to spend a little extra time and money to fix them. If you enjoy a small project and see this as a budget-friendly starting kit, you may be satisfied with the result.
For everyone else, we believe your money would be better spent elsewhere. The frustration of receiving a product that doesn’t work as intended out of the box is significant. Investing a little more in a rack with a more intelligent base design and a durable, heavy-duty cover will provide a far better and more reliable experience in the long run. If you still feel the low price and large capacity are worth the trade-offs, you can check the current price and make your own decision.
Last update on 2025-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API