Wondering exactly how big a cord of wood is? You’re not alone. Whether you’re stocking up for winter or comparing prices from different suppliers, understanding the standard measurements for firewood is essential to ensure you’re getting what you pay for.
We’ve seen countless homeowners confused by vague terminology and inconsistent measurements when purchasing firewood. A true cord of wood has exact dimensions established by law, yet many sellers use terms like “face cord,” “rick,” or “stove cord” that can lead to misunderstandings. In this guide, we’ll clear up the confusion and help you visualize exactly what you should receive when ordering a full cord of firewood.
Understanding Cord of Wood Measurements
Cord measurements define exact volumes of stacked firewood used across North America. These standardized measurements help buyers and sellers communicate clearly about firewood quantities and ensure fair pricing in the marketplace.
The Standard Full Cord Dimensions
A full cord of wood measures precisely 128 cubic feet when stacked. This volume typically forms a pile that’s 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long (4′ × 4′ × 8′). The actual wood content in a cord varies between 70-90 cubic feet due to air spaces between logs. Factors affecting this include the wood’s shape, size, and how tightly it’s stacked. Straight, uniform logs create a denser cord with less airspace compared to irregularly shaped pieces.
Face Cord vs. Full Cord
Face cords contain approximately one-third the volume of a full cord. A face cord maintains the same height (4′) and length (8′) as a full cord but reduces the depth to only 16-18 inches, matching standard fireplace log lengths. This smaller measurement originated for practical reasons—it represents the amount of wood visible from one side or “face” of a stacked pile. Regional terminology creates confusion as face cords might be called “ricks” in the Midwest, “stove cords” in New England, or “furnace cords” in other areas. When comparing prices, converting all measurements to full cords gives the most accurate assessment, as paying $150 for a face cord equals about $450 for a full cord’s worth of wood.
How Much Space Does a Cord of Wood Occupy
A cord of wood occupies exactly 128 cubic feet (3.62 m³) when properly stacked. This standard measurement creates a rectangular pile with dimensions of 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long, providing a consistent reference point for buyers and sellers alike.
Stacking Requirements
Proper stacking techniques are essential for achieving a true cord measurement. Firewood must be aligned parallel and compactly arranged to meet cord standards. Most firewood pieces measure 16–18 inches in length, with three rows of 16-inch logs typically creating the standard 4-foot depth. Alternative configurations exist for different wood lengths – for example, 18-inch pieces might be stacked in a 4′ × 21.3′ × 18″ arrangement to maintain the required 128 cubic feet volume. The alignment and compactness of the stack significantly impact the actual volume, making proper stacking crucial for accurate measurement.
Truck Bed Capacity Considerations
Standard pickup trucks can’t accommodate a full cord of wood in a single trip due to size limitations. Most truck beds measure only 6–8 feet long by 4–5 feet wide, falling short of the space needed for a complete cord. Short-bed trucks with approximately 5.5-foot length are particularly insufficient for transporting full cords. For practical transportation, wood suppliers typically divide cords into smaller units like face cords (roughly one-third of a full cord) or half cords (64 cubic feet). These smaller measurements—especially face cords with dimensions of 4′ × 8′ × 16–18″ and a volume of approximately 42.6–64 cubic feet—fit more readily in truck beds. The substantial weight of a full cord, ranging from 3,600–4,800 pounds depending on moisture content, further necessitates splitting into smaller loads for safe transport.
Weight of a Cord of Wood
A cord of wood’s weight varies significantly depending on several key factors. The average cord weighs between 2,500 and 5,000 pounds, with notable differences between kiln-dried, seasoned, and green wood.
Factors Affecting Wood Weight
Moisture content dramatically impacts a cord’s weight, with green wood containing approximately 143 gallons of water that adds about 1,200 pounds compared to kiln-dried wood. Wood density plays an equally important role, as dense hardwoods like oak naturally weigh more than lighter softwoods such as pine. The stacking method also affects the effective weight measurement, since loose piles may reduce the volume below the standard 128 cubic feet, while tightly stacked wood properly meets the official cord measurement. For accurate weight estimates, it’s essential to consider these factors when planning transportation or storage.
Weight Variations by Wood Type
Kiln-dried wood weighs approximately 3,600 pounds per cord, making it the lightest option due to its minimal moisture content. Seasoned wood, which has been naturally dried but retains some moisture, typically weighs around 4,800 pounds per cord. Green hardwoods like oak or maple are the heaviest, weighing up to 5,000 pounds per cord when freshly cut, while green softwoods such as pine or cedar generally weigh about 2,500 pounds per cord. The drying process, whether natural seasoning or kiln drying, reduces wood weight by 20-50% from its green state, with kiln drying achieving the greatest weight reduction. These substantial weight differences explain why firewood suppliers often deliver in smaller quantities than full cords.
Visualizing a Cord of Wood
A cord of wood occupies exactly 128 cubic feet when properly stacked. Understanding this standardized measurement becomes easier when comparing it to familiar objects and spaces in everyday life.
Practical References for Size Comparison
A full cord of firewood resembles the size of a small closet or compact car when properly stacked. The traditional dimensions (4 feet high × 4 feet wide × 8 feet long) create a substantial rectangular volume that’s comparable to a standard parking space. Many homeowners find it helpful to visualize their parking area when planning where to store their firewood delivery.
The 128 cubic feet of a cord approximates the bed capacity of a standard pickup truck, though actual hauling capacity varies by vehicle model. Most pickup trucks can’t transport a full cord in a single trip due to weight limitations and bed dimensions. This practical limitation explains why many suppliers offer face cords (4 feet tall × 8 feet long × 16-24 inches deep), which represent approximately one-third to one-half of a full cord.
For cooking wood specifically, pieces are typically cut to 18-inch lengths, creating different stacking requirements. A full cord of 18-inch cooking logs requires a stack measuring 4 feet high × 21.3 feet long × 18 inches deep to maintain the standard 128 cubic foot volume.
When measuring your available space for firewood storage, remember that the standard dimensions can be reconfigured while maintaining the same volume. The key is ensuring that the total cubic footage remains consistent regardless of how you arrange the stack.
Buying Tips: Ensuring You Get a Full Cord
Purchasing firewood can be confusing without proper measurement verification. Here’s how to ensure you’re getting a full cord of wood for your money.
Questions to Ask Your Firewood Supplier
When speaking with potential firewood suppliers, we’ve found these questions help verify you’re receiving a legitimate full cord:
- What are the dimensions of a full cord?
The supplier should confirm the standard 4x4x8 feet measurement (128 cubic feet). Any deviation from this standard requires a clear explanation.
- How is the wood stacked?
Proper stacking techniques matter significantly. Confirm that pieces are arranged tightly with logs running parallel to each other, as loose stacking can reduce the actual volume you receive.
- What is the typical length of each piece of firewood?
Most suppliers cut logs to approximately 16 inches in length. This information helps you understand how the wood will fit in your storage space and fireplace or stove.
- How many pieces of firewood are in a cord?
A full cord typically contains between 600 and 800 pieces, though this varies based on the size and cut of individual logs.
- Can you verify the measurement upon delivery?
Request that the supplier stack the wood upon delivery so you can verify its dimensions before payment.
- What type of wood are you selling?
Different wood species have varying densities, affecting both heat output and weight per cord.
- Is the wood seasoned or green?
Seasoned wood burns more efficiently, while green wood needs time to dry before use.
Storing a Cord of Wood on Your Property
Properly storing a cord of wood requires adequate space and strategic planning to maintain its quality. The right storage approach protects your investment while ensuring the wood seasons correctly for optimal burning.
Space Requirements for Proper Seasoning
A full cord of wood needs a dedicated space measuring 4 feet high × 8 feet long × 4 feet deep on your property. This 128 cubic foot area accommodates approximately 700-900 pieces of firewood when cut to standard 16-18 inch lengths. For practical stacking, arrange your firewood in three rows of 16-inch logs to achieve the proper depth, which helps maintain the cord’s structure while promoting crucial airflow between pieces.
The foundation of your woodpile plays a important role in proper storage. Elevate your wood 6-12 inches above ground using pallets or a gravel base to prevent moisture absorption from the soil. Position your stack in sunny, breezy locations to accelerate the drying process, as proper seasoning requires adequate airflow around all sides of the woodpile.
Seasoning timeframes range from 6-12 months to achieve the ideal moisture content of 20% or less. Fresh-cut “green” wood contains approximately 143 gallons of water per cord, making proper drying essential before burning. Strategically placing gaps between logs creates air channels that significantly reduce drying time and prevents mold development that can damage your firewood.
When planning your storage area, consider local regulations that might affect cord definitions or storage requirements in your region. The substantial weight of a cord (3,600-4,800 pounds) necessitates a stable, level surface that can support this load without shifting or sinking during seasonal weather changes.
Conclusion
Knowing the exact dimensions of a cord of wood empowers you to make informed purchases and avoid potential misunderstandings with suppliers. A full cord consistently measures 128 cubic feet (4′ × 4′ × 8′) regardless of regional terminology.
When shopping for firewood remember to verify measurements confirm stacking methods and understand what type of wood you’re getting. Converting all quotes to full cord equivalents allows for accurate price comparisons across different sellers.
Proper storage space planning is equally important as a cord requires important room and weighs between 2500-5000 pounds depending on wood type and moisture content. With this knowledge you’ll be better equipped to purchase store and use firewood efficiently throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cord of firewood?
A cord of firewood is a standard measurement equal to 128 cubic feet of stacked wood. It typically forms a pile that is 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long. This standardized measurement is used across North America to ensure fair pricing and clear communication between buyers and sellers.
What’s the difference between a full cord and a face cord?
A face cord is about one-third the volume of a full cord. While both share the same height (4 feet) and length (8 feet), a face cord only has a depth of 16-18 inches instead of 4 feet. This smaller measurement creates confusion because it’s called different names in various regions, including “rick” and “stove cord.”
How much does a cord of wood weigh?
A cord of wood typically weighs between 2,500 and 5,000 pounds, depending on several factors. Kiln-dried wood weighs approximately 3,600 pounds per cord, while green hardwoods like oak can weigh up to 5,000 pounds. The weight varies based on moisture content, wood density, and stacking method.
Can a pickup truck carry a full cord of wood?
No, most standard pickup trucks cannot transport a full cord of firewood in a single trip due to both weight and size limitations. A full cord weighs between 3,600-4,800 pounds and occupies 128 cubic feet when stacked. Suppliers typically divide cords into smaller units like face cords or half cords for practical transportation.
How much space do I need to store a cord of wood?
You’ll need a dedicated area measuring 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet deep, which equals 128 cubic feet. This is roughly the size of a small closet or comparable to the volume of a compact car. Consider this spatial requirement when planning your firewood storage area.
How can I ensure I’m getting a full cord when purchasing?
Ask specific questions about dimensions (4’×4’×8′), stacking method, typical length of pieces, and approximate piece count. When the wood is delivered, verify the measurements and stacking. Also inquire about wood type and whether it’s seasoned or green, as these factors affect both heat output and weight.
How should I properly store a cord of firewood?
Store your firewood in a well-ventilated area elevated off the ground using pallets or similar supports. Stack wood in rows with adequate spacing to promote airflow. Cover only the top of the pile to protect from precipitation while allowing side ventilation. Properly stacked wood should season for 6-12 months before use.
Why do cord prices vary so much between sellers?
Price variations reflect differences in wood type, seasoning level, and delivery services. Additionally, some sellers may quote prices for face cords rather than full cords. Always convert quoted prices to cost per full cord for accurate comparison. A $150 face cord actually represents about $450 for a full cord’s worth of wood.