Maybe when you have bought firewood, you have probably come across the term “cord” and wondered how much wood you are getting, the exact amount. This term is not only a random stack, it is a precise measurement that helps all buyers and sellers ensure fair pricing and consistent supply, but all this, what does it really mean? And how can you be sure that you are getting what you pay for?
You can be stocking up for winter or you just need some logs for a cozy backyard fire, so when you understand firewood measurement is key to making a good and smart purchase. This article will guide you to break down what a cord is, how it is measured, and what factors affect its price. This way, you can buy with confidence and be sure that the amount of firewood is exact.
Breaking it down: How firewood is measured
A cord of firewood is a standardized unit of measurement, still, many people are surprised to learn just how much wood it actually contains. In official terms, a full cord is a tightly stacked pile measuring 4 feet high, 4 feet wide and 8 feet long, with a total of 128 cubic feet. However, the actual volume of burnable wood inside that space can be affected by the way the wood is split and stacked.
Many sellers also offer firewood in smaller quantities, like half cords,face cords, or even bundles. For example, a face cord is normally one third of a full cord, but this can vary depending on the lengths of the logs. If you understand these variations, it can help you as a buyer to know exactly how much wood you are getting and avoid confusion when you are comparing prices.
Full cord vs. face cord: what is the difference
One of the most common confusions in firewood sales is the difference between a full cord and a face cord. A full cord includes logs stacked to a depth of 4 feet, while a face cord simply a single row of logs, normally 16 inches deep. This means that a full cord contains more wood than a face cord, even though they both appear very similar at first sight.
All this makes it important to be sure what you are buying before making a purchase. Sometimes sellers can use the term “cord” loosely, so always check the actual dimensions of the stack. If you know the difference, this will help you to get the right price for the amount of firewood you are selecting.
How firewood is stacked and why it matters
A major role in how much usable wood you are actually getting is the way firewood is stacked. When a cord is properly stacked, it should be neatly arranged with minimal gaps, allowing for a precise measurement, but if the logs are thrown together loosely, there will be more empty space between them, and this can reduce the amount of actual burnable wood.
Many buyers normally don’t ask how the wood is stacked before the purchase, but seasoned buyers sure do, very often. Tightly packed firewood gives you more value for your money, while loosely stacked haphazardly thrown wood can give you less value. Sometimes you could check the stack yourself before buying to ensure you are getting a fair deal.
Seasoned vs. Green firewood: why it affect pricing
Many people want to burn the wood right after the purchase, but not all firewood is ready to burn right away. Seasoned firewood has been dried for months, allowing a hotter and cleaner fire with less smoke. Green firewood, the one that has been freshly cut, contains a high moisture content that makes it hard to light and many times inefficient to burn.
The thing about pricing between these two types of firewood is that seasoned wood is more convenient and burns more efficiently, which makes it cost more than green wood. If you are looking for firewood that is ready to use right away, expect to pay a higher price. Green firewood is a more convenient purchase if you talk about a regular budget option and you have time to let it dry.
Stacking and storing your firewood the right way
After you purchase your firewood, the best way to keep it in good condition is proper storage. Firewood needs to be stacked in a way that allows for proper airflow, this helps it continue drying and prevents mold growth. A woodshed that is well ventilated or a simple raised stack with a tarp cover can protect your wood from the element.
Don’t stack firewood directly against your home, because this can attract pests like termites. Instead, pick a location a few feet away from your house, and the best area is a sunny spot. When you store your firewood the right way, it will stay dry and ready when you need to burn it.
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