Log Rack Accessories: Covers by Tonya Kerniva

Whether camping in the woods, having a backyard cookout, or enjoying sitting around the fireplace, everyone loves the pleasant charm of a warming fire. Many people own fireplaces and fire pits, or prefer building their own bonfires. Whatever kind you prefer, you have to take into account certain accessories including to optimize convenience, safety and to just have a better time overall. Of particular importance, log rack covers keep firewood dry and prevent your outdoor party from going south.

Function

Aside from the obvious (keeping wood dry), log rack covers also serve a few other key purposes. Dry logs are important for complete combustion, meaning you get the most out of your wood and don’t spend extra dough burning more than needed. Dry wood also makes for less smoke produced, and no one likes smoke. To add to that, covers help prevent insect infestations, as well as inhabitation by other critters, like snakes, who prefer the cool dark environment of log piles.

Material

There isn’t too much variation when it comes to the material out of which log rack covers are produced. For starters, you’ll need something which is durable, waterproof and relatively flexible so as to be able to conform around wood. In particular, vinyl and reinforced canvas are ideal materials. Covers come in a variety of sizes that are built to fit around most standard sizes of log racks. For larger racks and freestanding log piles, a large tarp might be needed as an alternative. When using a tarp, secure the edges with weights so that the tarp does not fly off and nothing is able to get beneath it.

Design

As far as design goes, one tends to see a lot of log rack covers with a front flap opening. It’s the most common sense option, and more convenient than, say, a zipper opening, especially when you’re carrying an armful of logs. Some models of cover do not actually cover the entire rack, but rather fit around the tops of racks to cover the uppermost regions of the log pile. If you’re at home and have your log rack placed against the side of the house or garage, the building can act as a windbreak on the one side, so often times a full cover is not necessary. Also bear in mind that although the lower portions of wood might get damp if it is both windy and raining, you will mainly be pulling wood from the top of the pile (aka the dry wood). Thus, unless you’re throwing a huge bonfire requiring copious amounts of firewood, the top row of wood is probably all that you will need. In addition to the shape, log rack covers come in a few different colors, but in general keep within a black or neutral-toned palette. Obviously, a bright yellow or pink block of color in the backyard might be considered somewhat garish.

Woodhaven

When it comes to quality log racks and log rack covers, the name Woodhaven comes up more often than not. Their metal outdoor racks are rectangular in shape with a black powder coating, and come in a variety of sizes that hold between 1/8 to a full cord of wood. Virtually all of their models come with a matching log rack cover which is black and fits tightly over the top of the racks. Made from a commercial grade canvas, they’re extremely durable and hold up against rain, snow and tearing.

About The Author

Tonya Kerniva is an experienced research and free lance writing professional. She writes for outdoor and patio web sites including http://www.instylepatio.com.