What Is a Cord of Firewood and Why Size Matters
What Is a Cord of Firewood?
A cord of firewood is a unit of measurement for firewood.
In the United States, a cord is typically defined as a volume of 128 cubic feet or a stack that is 4 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 8 feet long.
A full cord is usually made up of 600 to 800 pieces of firewood.
There are other terms used for firewood measurement, such as face cord or rick cord, which is smaller than a full cord.
Other terms like Sheldon cord, bush cord, and stove cord mean the same thing as a full cord.
Half cord and one-third cord can be made up of shorter lengths of firewood.
When storing firewood, it is recommended to stack it in a spot with good airflow and to avoid stacking it between trees.
The drying process is more efficient when the wood is stacked off the ground and in rows with stakes at each end.
It is best to keep only a day or two’s worth of firewood indoors to avoid bringing in pests, dirt, debris, and excessive humidity.
Key Points:
- A cord of firewood is a unit of measurement for firewood
- In the United States, a cord is typically 128 cubic feet or a stack that is 4x4x8 feet
- A full cord is usually 600 to 800 pieces of firewood
- Other terms for firewood measurement include face cord or rick cord
- Terms like Sheldon cord, bush cord, and stove cord mean the same as a full cord
- Half cord and one-third cord can be made up of shorter lengths of firewood
- It is recommended to stack firewood with good airflow and avoid stacking between trees
- Drying wood is more efficient when stacked off the ground and in rows with stakes at each end
- Only keep a day or two’s worth of firewood indoors to avoid pests, dirt, debris, and excess humidity.
Did You Know?
1. In terms of firewood, a cord is a unit of measurement that can vary depending on the region. However, it is generally defined as a stack of wood that is 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long.
2. Did you know that the term “cord” comes from the Latin word ‘chorda,’ which means “string” or “rope”? This is because firewood is often tied together in a cord-like fashion for easy transportation and storage.
3. A standard cord of firewood contains approximately 128 cubic feet of wood. To put it into perspective, that’s roughly equivalent to the amount of wood needed to fill more than five pickup trucks!
4. Despite its practicality, the use of the cord as a unit of measurement for firewood has declined in some areas. In Canada, for example, the cord is no longer considered a legal unit, and firewood is sold by the cubic meter instead.
5. If you were to stack a cord of firewood in a perfectly straight line, it would span a distance of about 48 feet. That’s equivalent to the length of three full-size school buses parked end to end!
What Is A Cord Of Firewood?
A cord of firewood is a standard unit of measurement for firewood in the United States and Canada. It refers to a specific volume of wood that is typically stacked in a specific manner. In the US, a cord is defined as 128 cubic feet of wood or a stack that is 4 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 8 feet long. This measurement may vary slightly from state to state.
- In Canada, the cord is legally defined by Measurement Canada and follows the same measurements.
A full cord of firewood is usually made up of approximately 600 to 800 pieces of wood, depending on their size and shape. However, there are also variations of the cord measurement used, such as the face cord, rick cord, Sheldon cord, bush cord, and stove cord. These terms may represent stacks of firewood with different dimensions and quantities.
Different Measurements For Firewood
While the standard cord measurement is widely used, it is important to note that there are other terms and measurements for firewood in different regions. These include:
- The face cord or rick cord, which is a stack of wood that is 16 inches wide, 4 feet high, and 8 feet long. It is smaller than a full cord.
- The Sheldon cord, on the other hand, varies in size and is often larger than a full cord.
- The terms bush cord and stove cord are used interchangeably with a full cord.
In addition to these, there are also measurements for smaller quantities of firewood, such as the half cord and one-third cord. These cords can be composed of shorter lengths of wood. A half cord typically consists of three rows of 16-inch-long logs, while a one-third cord has two rows.
It is important to understand the specific measurements and terms used when purchasing firewood to ensure you receive the desired quantity.
- Face cord or rick cord: 16 inches wide, 4 feet high, and 8 feet long (smaller than a full cord)
- Sheldon cord: Varies in size, often larger than a full cord
- Bush cord and stove cord: Interchangeable with a full cord
- Half cord: Three rows of 16-inch-long logs
- One-third cord: Two rows of logs
Stacking And Storage Tips For Firewood
Proper stacking and storage of firewood are crucial for ensuring quality and optimal burning efficiency. When storing firewood, it is recommended to find a spot with good airflow and to avoid stacking it between trees or in areas with excessive moisture. The drying process is more efficient when the wood is stacked off the ground and organized in rows with stakes at each end to prevent collapsing.
To enhance the drying process, it is advisable to stack the driest wood on top and use the oldest wood first to prevent rot. While it is crucial to protect the wood from the elements, it is recommended to cover only the top of the woodpile with a tarp or other cover. This allows for adequate airflow while shielding the wood from excessive rain or snow.
When bringing firewood indoors, it is best to keep only a day or two’s worth to prevent the introduction of pests, dirt, debris, and excessive humidity. Storing larger quantities indoors for an extended period can lead to potential issues and negatively impact the quality of the firewood.
Cord Measurement Variations
Although the cord measurement is standard in both the United States and Canada, there can be variations and differences in how it is defined in different regions or states. These variations can be minor, such as slight differences in the actual dimensions of the stack or varying roundings of the volume measurement. To ensure accuracy, it is crucial to be aware of the specific regulations and definitions in your location when purchasing or selling firewood.
Different terms used for firewood volume, such as face cord, rick cord, Sheldon cord, bush cord, and stove cord can also cause confusion for consumers. Therefore, it is important to clarify and understand the specific measurements and quantities associated with these terms to ensure you get the amount of firewood you need.
- Be aware of specific regulations and definitions in your location
- Clarify and understand the specific measurements and quantities associated with different terms used for firewood volume
“To ensure accuracy, it is crucial to be aware of the specific regulations and definitions in your location when purchasing or selling firewood.”
Heating Value Of A Cord Of Firewood
The heating value of a cord of firewood is an important consideration when buying or using firewood for heating. It depends on the type of wood and its dryness or seasoning. A seasoned cord of Northern red oak, a commonly used firewood, has a heating value of 22.1 million British thermal units (BTUs) per cord or 23.3 gigajoules (GJ) per cord.
To put it in perspective, this heating value is equivalent to approximately 159 US gallons (132 imperial gallons or 602 liters) of fuel oil, which has a heating value of 138,700 BTUs per US gallon or 38.7 megajoules per liter. The specific heating value of firewood can vary depending on the wood species and moisture content, so it is important to consider these factors when calculating your heating requirements.
Understanding the heating value of a cord of firewood allows homeowners to estimate their fuel needs more accurately and make informed decisions when purchasing and burning firewood for heating.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much wood is 1 cord of firewood?
One cord of firewood is equivalent to a volume of 128 cubic feet, measured as a pile 8 feet long, 4 feet high, and 4 feet wide. It can weigh up to 5,000 pounds. In comparison, a small pickup truck bed, with or without racks, can hold approximately 1/2 (one-half) cord of wood, which is about half the volume of a full cord.
What does cord mean for firewood?
When it comes to firewood, the term “cord” is a unit of measurement. It refers to a stack of wood that equals 128 cubic feet. To ensure that you have a cord of firewood, it is necessary to stack the wood neatly, with the pieces arranged in a line or row, maximizing compactness and minimizing any gaps between them. By following these guidelines, you can guarantee that you have a proper cord of firewood.
Is a cord of wood a ton?
No, a cord of wood is not a ton. A cord of pine weighs 2.15 tons, while a cord of hemlock weighs 2.4 tons. Therefore, a cord of wood weighs more than a ton in both cases.
What is a cord of firewood in metric?
In metric measurements, a cord of firewood is equivalent to approximately 3.6 cubic meters of neatly stacked split wood. This measurement accounts for the volume of the wood when it is stacked to a height of 1.2 meters, a width of 1.2 meters, and a length of 2.4 meters. This standardized measurement allows for easy estimation and comparison when purchasing firewood in metric countries.