Let me tell you about the first time I bought firewood. I called up a local supplier and said "I need wood for the winter." The guy said "Sure, I'll drop off a cord tomorrow." When that truck dumped a mountain of logs in my driveway, I just stared. What is a cord of firewood anyway? Turns out I'd massively underestimated how much space that would take. My garage looked like a lumberjack convention for weeks.
Honestly? That first experience left me frustrated. Some sellers take advantage when you don't know the rules. Ever hear someone say "Oh, that's a cord" when it's clearly not? Yeah, happens more than you'd think. I learned the hard way that understanding firewood measurements saves money and headaches.
The Real Definition of a Cord of Firewood
So what is a cord? Officially, a full cord measures 4 feet high × 4 feet wide × 8 feet long. That's 128 cubic feet of stacked wood. But here's the catch – it must be properly stacked with minimal gaps. Throwing logs in a pile doesn't count.
| Measurement Type | Dimensions | Total Volume | Visual Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Cord | 4' H × 4' W × 8' L | 128 cubic feet | Standard pickup truck bed filled to brim |
| Face Cord (Rick) | 4' H × 8' W × 16"-24" D | 42-64 cubic feet | ⅓ to ½ of full cord |
| Truckload (Varies) | Depends on vehicle | 60-100 cubic feet | Often less than true cord |
Notice how the face cord (sometimes called a rick) isn't standardized? That's where things get shady. I've seen sellers call anything from 12-inch deep stacks to 24-inch stacks a "cord" – huge difference. Always ask depth measurement.
Watch out: In some states like Maine and New Hampshire, misrepresenting a cord is illegal. But enforcement? Rare. Better to arm yourself with knowledge.
Why Stacking Method Changes Everything
Here's something most blogs don't mention: How you stack affects actual wood volume. When I helped my neighbor stack his "cord," we did tight rows versus his usual haphazard throw. We gained nearly 15% more wood in the same space! Air gaps matter:
- Neat stack: Logs parallel, minimal spacing
- Messy pile: 30-40% air space (seller's favorite)
- Crooked wood: Creates unavoidable gaps
Practical Questions About Firewood Cords
How much heat does a cord provide?
Depends entirely on wood type. Hardwoods like oak burn hotter and longer than pine. My maple woodstove gets about:
- 1 cord oak = 24-28 million BTUs
- 1 cord pine = 15-18 million BTUs
- 1 cord mixed hardwood = 20-24 million BTUs
Translation: A full cord of oak could heat my 1,500 sq ft home for 6-8 weeks in winter. Pine? Maybe 4 weeks tops.
How much does a cord weigh?
Ever tried moving green oak? Felt like lifting concrete. Dry wood weighs way less:
| Wood Type | Green Weight (lbs/cord) | Seasoned Weight (lbs/cord) |
|---|---|---|
| Oak | 4,800-5,200 | 3,400-3,800 |
| Maple | 4,300-4,600 | 3,200-3,500 |
| Pine | 3,600-4,000 | 2,500-2,800 |
Why does this matter? Delivery costs. Some suppliers charge by weight. Others by volume. Know what you're paying for.
Buying Tips I Learned the Hard Way
After that first cord disaster, I created a buyer checklist:
- Ask for dimensions in inches - "About 4 feet" often means 42 inches
- Demand stacked measurement - No "dump and go" pricing
- Check moisture content - Bring a moisture meter (should read below 20%)
- Verify wood species - Oak costs more than pine for good reason
Smart hack: Request delivery on a pallet. Standard pallet is 48"×40". Stack wood to 48" height and you've got a visual cord reference.
Seasoning Timeline Most Sellers Won't Tell You
Got burned (pun intended) buying "seasoned" wood that hissed in my fireplace. Real drying takes:
| Wood Type | Minimum Seasoning Time | Optimal Moisture Level |
|---|---|---|
| Softwoods (pine, fir) | 6-9 months | 15-20% |
| Hardwoods (oak, maple) | 12-24 months | 15-20% |
| "Kiln Dried" | Artificial drying | Under 15% |
Rule of thumb: If the seller claims "fully seasoned oak" cut last spring? Walk away. Impossible.
Cord Variations Across Regions
Traveling taught me measurement chaos. In Montana, they sell by "truck cords." In Vermont, it's "furnace cords." Even asking "what is a cord of firewood" gets different answers:
- Southern U.S.: Often sell by "rick" (1/3 cord)
- Pacific Northwest: "Load" means whatever fits in their vehicle
- Canada: Sold by cubic meters (1 cord ≈ 3.62 m³)
My advice? Stick to cubic feet. Convert everything. That guy saying "This truckbed is one cord"? Measure it yourself.
Storage Solutions That Actually Work
Storing a full cord takes serious space. My failed attempts taught me:
- Ground contact = Rotted bottom layer (lost 20% first year)
- Tarp cover = Trapped moisture if not vented
- Metal racks = Best $150 I spent (allows air flow)
How much space does a cord need?
For proper stacking? At least 4'×8' with 2-foot clearance for air circulation. My garage corner fits exactly one cord stacked neatly against the wall.
Can I burn a cord monthly?
In my Vermont winters? Absolutely. Modern EPA woodstoves burn efficiently, but drafty old houses chew through wood. My friend's cabin uses 5 cords per winter!
Final Reality Check
After 10 years heating with wood, here's my blunt advice: If a seller hesitates to define their cord measurement, leave. Reputable dealers welcome inspections. Last month I made a supplier unload and restack before paying. He grumbled but did it. Good wood isn't cheap, and cheap wood isn't good.
Knowing exactly what is a cord of firewood saved me hundreds yearly. Measure twice, pay once. Your back and wallet will thank you.
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