How are cords measured?

Measuring a "cord" usually means measuring stacked firewood, which is a volume of 128 cubic feet (4ft x 4ft x 8ft), requiring tight, parallel stacking for accuracy; for rope or string, measure its length with a tape, ensuring it's straight, or for thickness, wrap it around a pencil 10 times and measure the wrap.

How is a cord measured?

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.

Is a cord of wood 4x4x4?

No, a cord of wood is not 4x4x4 feet; it's a volume of 128 cubic feet, typically measured as a stack 4 feet high by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long (4' x 4' x 8'). While the 4x4 base is correct, the length is double that, creating the standard 128 cubic feet, though it can be stacked in other dimensions as long as the total volume is 128 cubic feet.
 

Is 2 face cords a full cord?

A face cord is about a third of a cord, usually one of a full cord's three rows.

How big is a cord of wood in Canada?

A cord is equal to 128 cubic feet of firewood. Legal units of measurement for firewood are: a cord, fractions of a cord, cubic feet, a stacked cubic metre, and fractions of a stacked cubic metre. Beware of units of measurement that are not recognized in Canada (illegal).

Calculate Firewood

Is it cheaper to buy logs in bulk?

Buying firewood in bulk is generally cheaper than buying in smaller quantities, so if you have a large, easily accessible log store, this may be your best option.

Is a cord of wood 4 ft by 4 ft by 8 ft?

Yes, a standard cord of wood is defined as a neatly stacked pile measuring 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet, which includes the air space between the logs, as explained by the US Forest Service and Wisconsin Firewood. While the dimensions are standard, the actual volume of solid wood can vary depending on how tightly it's stacked and the size of the pieces, according to Wisconsin Firewood and Northern Woodlands magazine.
 

Is it better to buy a full or half cord?

A half face cord of firewood is equal to a single stack of firewood that measures four feet high by four feet long and is great for a few burns. A full cord of firewood is an amount of wood that fills a space equal to eight feet long by four feet high by four feet deep and is enough to stock up for the winter season.

What does a full cord of firewood look like?

We have put together the video on this page to help show what a cord of wood looks like and explain it here. A full cord of wood has the following measurements of firewood; is densely-stacked, squared, and leveled firewood that fills an area that is stacked 8 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 4 feet deep.

Are 2 by 4s actually 2x4?

No, a 2x4 is not actually 2 inches by 4 inches; its standard actual size after drying and planing is 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches, a difference from its "nominal" name that comes from historical rough-cut lumber dimensions, which were reduced for uniformity, weight savings, and smoother finishes in modern milling.
 

Will a cord of wood fit in a pickup truck?

You generally cannot fit a full cord (128 cubic feet) of wood in a standard pickup truck; most beds, even long beds, hold about half a cord, while smaller beds hold even less (a third or less). While some experienced loaders claim they can stack a full cord high enough in an 8-foot bed by building makeshift walls with large logs and using straps, it's very heavy, risks suspension damage, and is often better suited for trailers.
 

Can you burn unseasoned firewood?

Uncured Firewood Can Lead to Creosote

If you're burning unseasoned firewood in a fireplace, a wood stove, a wood furnace, or any other wood heating appliance that utilizes a chimney, you'll quickly wind up with creosote buildup in the appliance's flue.

How do I calculate a cord of wood?

A cord of firewood measures 4′ x 4′ x 8′ and contains 128 cubic feet. A “face cord” is 1/3 of a cord of wood, with the idea being that many folks cut their firewood into 16″ pieces. There will be three rows of 16″ pieces in 1 cord. 3 rows*16″=48″ or 4′ wide.

Is it OK to burn wet wood?

Burning wet wood is a waste of fuel. Because of its high moisture content, extra energy is required to turn the excess water into steam, using up to 30 percent of the heat you are trying to create in the first place. At the same time, it cools the combustible gases—those gases must be hot to burn and create more heat.

What's the worst firewood to burn?

The worst firewood to burn includes treated/painted wood, driftwood, and wood from poisonous trees (like Oleander, Poisonwood) due to toxic fumes, while softwoods (pine, fir) create dangerous chimney creosote buildup, and wet/green wood burns inefficiently and smokily; also avoid mouldy or rotten wood for pollutants and poor heat. Sweet gum, sycamore, elm, and willow are also disliked for burning poorly or leaving much ash.
 

What is the average cost of a full cord of wood?

A cord of wood typically costs $150 to $500, averaging around $300, but prices vary greatly by location, wood type (hardwood more expensive), seasoning, and delivery; a full cord is a stack 4ft x 4ft x 8ft (128 cubic feet) of neatly stacked wood. Expect to pay more for premium seasoned hardwood, delivery, and stacking, potentially reaching $900+, while softwood or smaller "face cords" are cheaper.
 

Why is it called a Rick of wood?

A "rick" of firewood is a regional unit of measurement (4'x8'). It also refers to a style of stacking (crisscrossed ends). The crisscrossed ends can be referred to as "ricked" or "ricked up". The wood is stacked in a row 4' tall and 8' long.

How long should firewood season?

Seasoning firewood typically takes 6 to 12 months, but can range from 3 months for softwoods to 1-2 years for dense hardwoods like oak, depending heavily on wood type, splitting, and proper stacking with good airflow and sunlight. Softwoods like pine season faster (3-6 months), while hardwoods need longer (6-12+ months) to reach the ideal moisture content below 20% for efficient, clean burning. 

Is buying wood by the cord economical?

Buying larger amounts usually reduces the cost per unit. A full-face cord is a more cost-effective per-log option than buying lots of smaller bags.

What is the best type of firewood to burn?

The best firewood is seasoned hardwood like oak, hickory, ash, and maple, offering dense, long-lasting, and hot fires with minimal smoke, with hickory and oak being top choices for heat. Softwoods like pine and cedar are great for kindling or quick, vibrant outdoor fires but create more creosote indoors. Always use dry, seasoned wood and never burn treated or painted wood for safety.
 

What is the cheapest time of year to buy lumber?

The cheapest time to buy lumber is typically in the winter (December-February), due to lower demand as construction slows down, leading to excess stock and lower prices, with the best deals often found at industry buying shows before the spring rush. Prices tend to rise in spring and peak in summer (high demand), then gradually fall again in the fall, but winter remains the sweet spot for savings if your project allows for it. 

What does C16 and C24 mean on timber?

Both C16 and C24 timber are types of kiln-dried softwood, which are graded to show their strength and quality. The higher the number, the stronger the wood. C24 timber offers higher strength when compared to C16 but it's still a durable wood for construction.

What size logs do sawmills buy?

Generally 6 inch diameter for softwood stud lumber. But I've put 5 inch on the mill sometimes. Depends on how much work it was to get the log and what your milling goals are. I tell customers the minimum is 10" at the small end, except I do a lot of tapering red cedars.