If you’re new to the firewood supply market, you’re likely unfamiliar with the industry jargon. One of the most frequently used terms in the firewood industry is “cord.” So, what is a cord of wood anyway? Show
A cord is the primary unit of measurement for selling wood. Understanding this term is essential to ensure you purchase the appropriate supply for your specific home. Follow along with the sections below to learn what you need to know about firewood terms and measurements! Table of Contents
What Does Cord of Wood Mean?Firewood has its own units of measure, similar to a foot of rope or how we measure gasoline in gallons. To understand how much of your dollar is going for a woodpile, you should know what to ask for and how to compare prices. We sell and purchase firewood by volume. Picture a stack of wood logs piled four feet high and eight feet long by four feet deep. This is known as a cord. Even if it ends up as four feet high, two feet deep, and sixteen feet long, it works out the same since it is measured by volume.
Since many wood stove inserts and prefab fireplaces have limited room on the firebox grate, most firewood logs are only 16 to 18 inches long. With a bit of calculation, you will know how much wood you’re getting for your dollar. Firewood Cord SizeA common question among homeowners is, “what is the size of a cord of wood?” In the United States, a full cord of wood size is 4’ x 8’ x 4’ (4 feet tall, 8 feet long, 4 feet deep), which equals 128 cubic feet. A cord of firewood and a full cord is, in most cases, the same thing. A few other common synonyms for a full cord is “bush” and “stove.” To summarize:
For many, a full cord is significantly too large. The logs would need to be split to fit in their firebox. So, various other sizes are available to fit their needs, such as a face cord, half cord, and rick. Face Cord vs Full CordThe face cord vs. full cord debate is a confusing one. Like full cords, a face cord measures the same in length and height; however, the depth is the difference. Face measures out to 4’ x 8’ x 16” (16 inches). It’s a third of the full cord’s depth. Which means it’s a third of the logs. Sometimes certain sellers will use face and full interchangeably. Meaning the face cord has the same wood volume as a full. One way to ensure you’re getting the full amount you paid for is to count the logs. Let’s use basic mathematics to help us out. If 4 feet is equal to 48 inches, and a typical log is cut to 16 inches, then you should have three full rows of 16” firewood in a full one. As mentioned earlier, the length of the logs also occasionally varies from 16 to 18 inches. Again, it’s dependent on the seller! The half cord is another term similar to face, which is 4’ x 8’ x 24” (4 feet tall, 8 feet long, 24 inches wide-deep). Face and Full Cord dimensions compared. What is a Rick of Firewood?A rick of wood is another team used to measure firewood, but the bad news is, it varies. Some sellers will tell you a rick is the equivalent of a face cord, while others say it’s equal to a full cord. Don’t worry about this confusing terminology. If the seller is using this term, be sure to ask them how they measure it. Even if they don’t use ricks, to avoid confusion, it’s always a good idea to ask the seller about the dimensions and be sure to measure it yourself before you buy! Cord of Wood CostAccording to the Chainsaw Journal, the average price for a cord of wood in the United States in 2020 was $296. But because firewood measurements are not 100% definitive, the price to buy firewood definitely varies. You’re probably tired of hearing us say this, but it’s true: The cost and the amount of wood truly depend on the seller. Heat ValuesGetting usable heat output from your fireplace or wood stove is important, especially on cold winter evenings. Not all wood types have the same heat values. Some actually give more noticeable heat than others. Depending on the types of wood available in your area, try to find seasoned wood for maximum heat from your fireplace. To understand the available heat from one kind of wood species vs. another, the heat value is calculated in BTU’s (British Thermal Unit). BTU’s are the amount of heat necessary to raise one pound of water, one degree Fahrenheit. Using the listed BTU’s available in a cord of stove wood, you’ll know how much heating value you’re getting and at what cost. For more on the best type of wood to use, check out this blog post: i Suggested ReadingIf you’re interested to learn more about the best types of wood to burn in your fireplace, then visit our post that explains it in great detail. How to Store and SeasonOnce you’ve acquired your firewood, there are a few more important steps to take! Burning unseasoned logs results in an inefficient fire and increases the likelihood of creosote build-up. This means proper storage and seasoning is imperative. To learn how, check out the two blog posts listed in the suggested box below: ▼ i Suggested ReadingIf you’re interested to learn more about how to season wood properly, visit our How to Stack Wood for Seasoning post that explains it in great detail. Looking for inspiring ways to store the logs? Visit our 10 Best Firewood Storage Ideas post. Warning: This is an example of how not to store wood. It’s recommended that it should be a minimum of 5 feet away from your home. Read more about storage recommendations here. SummaryFirewood is measured by a unit called a “cord.” But since there is various cord of wood sizes, such as face, half, and ricks, you need to understand the terms to ensure you purchase an adequate amount for your home. We understand that the terminology is slightly confusing at first, but once you fully understand it, you’ll be prepared for many warm and crackling fires this Winter. Request a Call
← How to Prime a Chimney Before Using Fireplace Raccoons in Chimneys and Fireplaces → Check out more great blog posts… Why You Should Never DIY a Chimney Masonry Project YourselfWith the advent of YouTube and self-help blogs, do-it-yourself (DIY) projects have proliferated in recent years. Not only can DIY projects... Read More Everything You Need to Know About Chimney Cap InstallationSeveral qualities are necessary to keep a chimney safe. One way to make sure your chimney stays in great shape all year is to install a... Read More Summer Months are Best for Chimney WorkFor most people, the spring and summer months are reserved for relaxing around a pool, spending time in the backyard, and enjoying the... Read More Prefab Chimney Chase Cover InstallWill a new chase cover installation help stop leaks and structural damages on a prefab chimney? Yes, and we discuss it further in this... Read More How a Leaning Chimney Could Mean Foundation ProblemsA chimney can be a beautiful and functional piece of a home. The classic look gives the house a certain charm, while the chimney itself... Read More What is a Fireplace Firebox?To the inexperienced fireplace owner and operator, understanding the anatomy of their chimney system is complex. From the confusing... Read More Roof Rust and Your ChimneyChimneys are robust, tenacious, and highly beneficial home features; however, they’re susceptible to wear and tear over time like any... Read More The Problem with Stucco ChimneysThe choice of stucco as a home, chimney, and wall building material is increasingly growing in popularity. This is understandable,... Read More Chimney Crown Seal vs New ConstructionChimney tops, otherwise known as crowns, must protect the home, as do all exterior surfaces of a chimney. Since it acts as the shield... Read More Chimney Crickets on Your RoofIn the chimney industry, “crickets on your roof” isn’t a term referencing flying insects or the internationally beloved sport. It’s a... How many pieces of wood are in a full cord?The standard length for a piece of firewood is 16 inches. But some companies use 14-inch pieces and others use 18 inches. Here at Lumberjacks, we always cut our kiln-dried firewood to the standard 16 inches. Typically, a full cord will contain somewhere between 600 and 800 pieces of firewood.
How big is a full cord of wood?Firewood is sold by a measurement called a "cord." A cord must equal 128 cubic feet. To be sure you have a cord, stack the wood neatly by placing the wood in a line or row with individual pieces touching and parallel to each other, making sure that the wood is compact and has as few gaps as possible.
How many pieces of wood is a half cord?Today a typical cord of wood is cut to 16" lengths of wood. So a half cord is made up of 3 rows of sixteen in pieces of wood to make it 4' deep. A half cord of wood 4' X 4' X 4' results in 64 cubic feet of wood by volume.
How much wood is a face cord vs full cord?Face cords often measure 4' high x 8' long x 16" deep. Yes, that's 16 inches. This means that your typical face cord contains only one-third the amount of wood as a full cord. If you find a face cord that measures 4' high x 8' long x 24" deep, then you're getting a half-cord of wood.
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