Contents
Introduction
Winter is coming, and there is nothing quite like a crackling fire. It makes your home feel cozy and warm. But before you can enjoy that heat, you need to get the wood. If you are new to buying firewood, the terms can be very confusing. Sellers might talk about ricks, face cords, or truckloads. It is easy to get overwhelmed. You might worry about paying too much or getting less wood than you promised.
The most important term you need to learn is a “cord of firewood.” This is the standard measurement for selling wood. Knowing exactly what this means protects your wallet. It ensures you have enough fuel to last through the cold months. Nobody wants to run out of heat in the middle of a snowstorm.
In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know. We will explain measurements in simple terms. We will talk about the different types of wood you can buy. You will also learn how to stack and store your wood correctly. By the time you finish reading, you will be an expert on firewood. You will feel confident calling a seller and placing an order.
What Exactly Is a Cord of Firewood?
A cord of firewood is a specific volume of wood. It is not based on weight. It is based on how much space the wood takes up. To be a legal full cord, the wood must be tightly stacked. The pile must measure four feet high, four feet wide, and eight feet long.
When you multiply these numbers, you get 128 cubic feet. That is the magic number. If the total volume is less than 128 cubic feet, it is not a full cord. This measurement includes the wood and the air gaps between the logs.
However, the wood must be stacked neatly. If the wood is just thrown into a pile, it takes up more space. This means a loose pile of 128 cubic feet actually contains less wood than a stacked cord. This is why you should always measure the wood after it is stacked. It helps you verify that you got what you paid for.
Visualizing the Size: How Big Is It?
It can be hard to picture 128 cubic feet in your head. Let’s try to visualize it. Imagine a stack of wood that is as tall as a standard kitchen counter. Now, imagine that stack is eight feet long. That is about the length of a small car. Finally, imagine it is four feet deep. That is a very large pile of wood!
A full cord of firewood is a lot of material. It is usually too much to fit in a standard pickup truck in one trip. Most pickup trucks with an eight-foot bed can only hold about half a cord. If a seller tells you they can bring a full cord in one pickup load, be careful. They might be exaggerating.
Knowing the physical size helps you plan. You need to know where you will put it all. Do you have enough space in your backyard? Do you have a shed? You do not want to have a giant pile of wood dumped in your driveway with nowhere to put it.
The Difference Between a Cord and a Face Cord
This is where things get tricky. Many people confuse a full cord with a “face cord.” A face cord is also a stack of wood that is four feet high and eight feet long. But there is a big difference. The depth of the pile is much smaller.
In a face cord, the depth is just the length of one log. Most firewood logs are cut to be 16 inches long. So, a face cord is usually 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and only 16 inches deep.
Since a full cord is 4 feet (48 inches) deep, a face cord is basically one-third of a full cord. If you buy a face cord thinking it is a full cord of firewood, you will run out of wood very fast. Always ask the seller to clarify. Ask them, “Is this a full cord or a face cord?” This simple question can save you a lot of money and frustration.
Watch Out for Other Confusing Measurements
Firewood sellers use many different terms. Some of these terms are not standard. They can vary from town to town. You might hear terms like a “rick,” a “run,” or a “truckload.” These are not precise measurements.
A “rick” is usually the same thing as a face cord. But in some places, it might mean something else. A “truckload” is the most confusing term of all. Is it a big dump truck? Is it a small pickup truck? Is the wood stacked in the truck, or just thrown in loosely?
Because these terms are vague, it is hard to compare prices. One seller might offer a “truckload” for $100. Another might offer a “cord” for $300. The truckload sounds cheaper, but you might get very little wood. Always insist on using the standard cord measurement. If a seller refuses to use standard terms, that is a red flag. You might want to buy from someone else.
Why Buying by the Cord Saves You Money
Buying in bulk usually saves money. Firewood is no different. When you buy a full cord of firewood, you often get a better price per log. Buying small bundles at the grocery store is very expensive. Those small bundles are convenient for a one-time campfire. But they are terrible for heating your home.
When you buy a full cord, you also save on delivery fees. Most sellers charge a fee to bring the wood to your house. If you buy small amounts, you have to pay that fee multiple times. One big delivery is more efficient.
Having a full cord also gives you peace of mind. You know you have a large supply. You do not have to worry about running out when the temperature drops. You can relax and enjoy the warmth of your home. It is a smart investment for the winter season.
Hardwood vs. Softwood: Which Should You Buy?
Not all wood burns the same way. Trees are divided into two main categories: hardwoods and softwoods. Hardwoods include trees like oak, maple, ash, and birch. Softwoods include pine, spruce, and fir.
Hardwoods are generally better for home heating. They are denser and heavier. This means they contain more energy. A cord of firewood made of oak will burn much longer than a cord of pine. Hardwoods create hot, long-lasting coals. This is perfect for keeping your house warm overnight.
Softwoods burn very fast. They also have a lot of resin or sap. This can cause the fire to crackle and pop. It can send sparks flying out of your fireplace. Softwoods are good for starting a fire because they catch fire easily. But for the main heat source, you usually want hardwood. It might cost a little more, but it is worth it for the extra heat.
The Importance of Seasoned Firewood
You cannot just cut down a tree and burn it immediately. Freshly cut wood is full of water. This is called “green” wood. If you try to burn green wood, it will hiss and smoke. It will not produce much heat because the fire has to boil off the water first.
You need “seasoned” wood. This is wood that has been cut, split, and dried for at least six months. Some hardwoods, like oak, need a year or more to dry properly. Seasoned wood looks different. It usually has cracks in the ends. It is lighter in weight than green wood. When you knock two pieces of dry wood together, they make a hollow sound. Green wood makes a dull thud.
Burning green wood is also dangerous. It creates a lot of smoke. This smoke creates creosote in your chimney. Creosote is a sticky, flammable substance. If too much builds up, it can start a chimney fire. Always ask your seller if the cord of firewood is fully seasoned.
How to Stack Your Cord of Firewood Correctly
Once the wood is delivered, you have some work to do. You need to stack it properly. Stacking is not just about making it look neat. It is about keeping the wood dry and ready to burn.
First, pick a good spot. You want a place that gets some sun and wind. The sun and wind help keep the wood dry. Do not stack the wood directly on the ground. The moisture from the soil will rot the bottom layer. Use old pallets or long boards to keep the wood off the dirt.
Stack the wood loosely enough for air to flow through. Do not pack it too tight. If the air cannot move, the wood might get moldy. You can stack the logs in rows. If you have multiple rows, leave a few inches of space between them. This lets the air circulate. Proper stacking ensures your cord of firewood stays in great condition all winter.
How Much Does a Cord of Firewood Cost?
The price of firewood can change a lot. It depends on where you live. It also depends on the time of year. In rural areas with lots of forests, wood is cheaper. In the city, it costs more because of transportation.
On average, a seasoned cord of firewood costs between $300 and $500. If you buy green wood, it will be cheaper. You might pay around $200 for a green cord. But remember, you cannot burn green wood right away. You have to store it and let it dry.
If you wait until the middle of winter to buy, the price will go up. Demand is high, and supply is low. The best time to buy is in the spring or early summer. This gives you the best price. It also gives the wood plenty of time to dry out before winter arrives.
Tips for Buying Firewood Without Getting Scammed
Sadly, there are dishonest sellers out there. They might try to sell you a “cord” that is actually short. Here are some tips to protect yourself. First, be there when the wood is delivered. Do not just have them dump it while you are at work.
Bring a tape measure. Before they dump the wood, look at it in the truck. Or, measure it after you stack it. If the seller says it is a full cord, but it measures small, speak up. Honest sellers will bring you more wood to make it right.
Also, ask for a receipt. The receipt should state the type of wood, the amount, and the price. It should also have the seller’s name and phone number. This gives you proof of what you bought. Buying from a reputable local business is usually safer than buying from a random person on the internet.
Storing Your Wood for the Best Burn
How you store your wood matters. You want to keep the rain and snow off of it. But you also want the air to dry it out. The best way is to cover the top of the stack. You can use a tarp or a piece of plywood.
Do not cover the sides of the stack all the way down. If you wrap the whole pile in a tarp, you trap moisture inside. The wood will sweat and grow mold. Leave the sides open so the wind can blow through.
It is also smart to keep the main pile away from your house. Wood piles attract bugs. You might get spiders, ants, or even termites. You do not want those pests moving into your home. Keep the big stack at least 20 feet away. You can bring small amounts of wood to the house as you need it.
Avoiding Pests and Insects in Your Wood
Bugs are a natural part of firewood. They live in the trees. When the tree is cut, the bugs are still there. Most of these bugs are harmless. But you still don’t want them inside.
Never spray your firewood with pesticides. When you burn the wood, those chemicals will burn too. This can release toxic fumes into your home. It is very dangerous for your health.
Instead, just inspect the wood before you bring it inside. Knock the logs together to shake off any loose bugs. Only bring in enough wood for one or two days. If the wood stays inside for a long time, the bugs might wake up and crawl out. By burning it quickly, you solve the problem.
The Best Way to Move Firewood
Moving 128 cubic feet of wood is hard work. It is heavy. A full cord of oak can weigh over 4,000 pounds! You do not want to carry that all by hand. You need the right tools.
A wheelbarrow is your best friend. It lets you move big loads without hurting your back. If you have a garden cart, that works too. Make sure your path is clear. You don’t want to trip while carrying heavy logs.
Wear gloves. Firewood is rough. It has splinters and sharp edges. Good leather gloves will protect your hands. Safety glasses are also a good idea. Sometimes chips of wood can fly off when you are tossing logs. Take your time and be careful. It is great exercise, but don’t overdo it.
Comparing Kiln-Dried vs. Naturally Seasoned Wood
Some sellers offer “kiln-dried” wood. This wood is baked in a large oven. This dries the wood very fast. It also kills all the bugs and mold. Kiln-dried wood is very clean. It lights easily and burns very hot.
Naturally seasoned wood sits outside to dry. It takes months. It is cheaper than kiln-dried wood. For most people, naturally seasoned wood is fine. But if you have allergies or really hate bugs, kiln-dried might be worth the extra cost.
Kiln-dried wood is often more expensive because of the energy used to dry it. You have to decide if the convenience is worth the price. For a standard wood stove or fireplace, properly seasoned air-dried wood works perfectly well.
Why You Should Buy Locally Sourced Wood
There is a saying: “Buy it where you burn it.” This is very important for the environment. Moving firewood long distances spreads invasive pests. Bugs like the Emerald Ash Borer or the Spongy Moth can hide in the wood.
If you move infested wood to a new area, the bugs escape. They can kill millions of healthy trees. This destroys forests and hurts the ecosystem. Many states have laws against moving firewood across state lines.
Always ask your seller where the wood came from. Try to buy wood that was cut within 10 to 50 miles of your home. This supports local businesses. It also protects your local forests from dangerous pests.
Enjoying Your Fire Responsibly
Having a wood fire is a great responsibility. You need to be safe. Always use a fireplace screen. This stops sparks from popping out onto your rug. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.
Have your chimney cleaned once a year. A professional sweep will remove the creosote buildup. This prevents chimney fires. They will also check for cracks or damage in your chimney.
Burning wood creates smoke. Try to burn hot, clean fires. Smoldering fires create more pollution. Using dry, seasoned cord of firewood helps a lot. It burns cleaner and puts less smoke into the air. This is better for your neighbors and the environment.
Build Your Fire, Stay Warm
Now you know the basics. You understand the math behind the measurements. You know the difference between hard and soft wood. You know how to stack it to keep it dry.
Buying firewood does not have to be scary. With this knowledge, you can shop with confidence. You can ask the right questions. You can spot a bad deal a mile away.
So go ahead and order your cord of firewood. Get it stacked and ready. When the first snow falls, you will be prepared. You can sit back, relax, and watch the flames dance. There is nothing better than the warmth of a fire you built yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a pickup truck hold a full cord of firewood?
No, usually not. A standard pickup truck with an 8-foot bed can generally hold about one-half of a cord if the wood is stacked neatly. If the wood is just thrown in loosely, it holds even less. To carry a full cord in one trip, you would need a very large dump truck or a trailer with high sides.
2. How much does a cord of firewood weigh?
The weight changes based on the type of wood and how dry it is. A cord of dry softwood, like pine, might weigh around 2,000 to 2,500 pounds. A cord of dry hardwood, like oak or hickory, is much heavier. It can weigh over 4,000 pounds. Green, wet wood weighs even more because of the water inside.
3. How long will a cord of firewood last?
This depends on how you use it. If you only burn a fire on weekends for fun, a cord might last you two whole winters. If you use a wood stove to heat your entire house every day, you might go through three or four cords in a single winter. The size of your house and the efficiency of your stove also matter.
4. Is a “rick” the same thing as a cord?
No, a rick is usually smaller. In most places, a rick refers to a “face cord.” This is a stack that is 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but only as deep as one log (about 16 inches). A full cord is 4 feet deep. So, a rick is typically about one-third the size of a full cord.
5. How can I tell if the wood is truly seasoned?
Look at the ends of the logs. Seasoned wood usually has cracks radiating from the center. The bark might be loose or falling off. The wood should feel lighter than a fresh log. The best test is sound. Bang two logs together. If they make a sharp “clunk” or ringing sound, they are dry. If they make a dull thud, they are likely wet.
6. When is the best time to buy firewood?
Spring or early summer is the best time. Prices are usually lower because demand is low. It also gives you a huge advantage for drying. If you buy wood in the spring, you can stack it and let it dry all summer long. By winter, it will be perfectly seasoned and ready to burn.
