Log baskets are ornamental and functional accessories you can use for your fireplace. They are otherwise known as log holders while other people may even refer to them as fireplace racks. Log holders will be quite useful even if you don’t really use your fireplace, these receptacles will have their uses especially if you’re decorating for the fall season.
Aesthetic and Decorative Purposes
Other than its usual function, which is as a receptacle for firewood, log baskets also have aesthetic and decorative purposes. Even if you have a faux fireplace, adding a firewood receptacle will add to the general ambience you are trying to set up. Some people find the fragrance of chopped firewood to be quite appealing especially when the cold months are nearing.
Construction and Material
Fireplace racks are constructed using a variety of materials. Many of the receptacles you’ll find on display in the stores will be made of wicker. Some are made of metal, either iron, or wrought iron at times, or copper. There are also baskets that are made of leather. You will also find firewood receptacles that are made of a combination of materials. Given the type of material used to construct these receptacles, the amount and weight of wood you can store indoors will vary.
There are a few things you have to consider when choosing what material a log basket should be made of. First off you should consider the material’s durability. No doubt metal trays or baskets will be far sturdier than wicker baskets. But if you won’t be moving the basket around a lot or if you’re just using it as a decoration for your fireplace then a wicker basket will make your setting look more down to earth.
You should also inspect the construction of the basket you intend to buy. If you’re planning to have a functional use for it then it should be tough enough to hold the weight of the wood you will use in the fireplace. A low quality log holder will just be battered easily and will be useless to you pretty soon.
Functionality and Advantages
The primary function of a log basket is to keep your firewood organized. Arrange your chopped wood in the basket well and you won’t have to walk too far to have a steady supply of firewood. Storage-wise, these firewood receptacles are practical tools to keep your wood dry especially at the onset of the winter months. They also provide a nice place to store and keep your firewood away from bugs and other critters that might infest your logs.
Other Tips
If there is one piece of advice that will definitely save you some money when buying log baskets is that to buy them when the demand for firewood isn’t so high. Since there isn’t a lot of clamor for firewood receptacles, the prices will be low even for good quality wood holders. Buy them during the fall and you’ll be surprised just how high the prices have been jacked up.
Take note of the dimensions of the log basket you want to buy. Make sure that you have ample space by your fireplace for it. Make sure that you’re getting a basket that is the right size for the size of wood you usually use. This way you don’t have to chop your wood even smaller than usual. The prices will range from $20 for the simple wicker basket types to $150 for the elegant looking log holders.