To have a powder coat finish or not?

Powder coat finish, is the process by which fine particles of plastic are applied to metal by using electostatiscally methods. The metal and the plastic is then baked to set the plastic onto the metal.

The benefits of this method is the plastic gets into every nook and cranny on the metal. When the powder coat finish is baked it sets very hard and almost fuses with the metal forming a very strong bond. This is better than most solvent application techniques.

You are probably asking “what has the benefits of powder coat finish got to do with me buying a new firewood rack?”

Well, typically most racks both indoor and outdoor are made from steel. Steel has the horrible property of rusting over time especially when put in contact with wet salty environments.

Now I’m guessing at this point that where you live, is likely to be cold and wintery in the winter and rainy in the spring and autumn. All of which will turn a steel firewood rack into rust within a couple of years.

So in answer to your question, powder coat finish could be the difference between replacing your expensive firewood rack in a few years or not. At the very least it could be the difference between an unsightly dangerous rusty rack and a smooth safe rack.

Alternative options I have come across are painting you rack with outdoor paint to protect it. Unfortunately paint is about half the thickness of powder coat finish. It also has a higher chance of flaking off when a log is dropped against it. The process of powder coating also achieves a 100% coating whereas painting, you are likely to miss spots.

I am not suggesting you have to buy your racks with powder coat finish. When you compare firewood racks I strongly suggest this is on your list as a want. If after picking a rack based on size, shape, price, design and company etc you still haven’t decided. Picking a rack that has powder coat finish versus paint or nothing, will benefit you in the long run.

Powder coat finish also gives the extra benefit in that it can be dyed, this means some companies can offer colours other than black e.g. Brown.

When buying a firewood rack- powder coat finish should be considered for:

1. Increasing the life of your rack
2. Look and colour of your rack
3. Safety in your garden, rusty steel goes well with a tetanus shot
4. Keeping your wood stack looking appealing without rust stains.

IF you have comments on whether powder coat finish is a good idea or not for your firewood rack please comment below