Buying a cord of wood might seem easy at first; what can be so complicated about a stack of wood, right?
Wrong! You should be aware of multiple things to get the best quality cord at the cheapest rates.
The list of these details ranges from the quality of the wood to the size they have, and it’s going to be a tough job for you to research and keep track of them.
Luckily, you don’t have to go anywhere, as this guide is here to help you figure out your way around the intricacies of a cord of wood.
So, without further delay, let’s dive in:
How Much is a Cord of Wood? Cord of Wood Calculator
To make things easier for you, I have already made an automatic calculator to help you find out the exact measurement of the cord of wood. Just add the length in feet, width in feet, and height in feet, and the calculator will do the rest of the job for you.
If that does not quench your thirst and you want to know more about a cord of wood, keep reading;
What Is A Cord Of Wood?
A cord of wood is often used as an instrument or, more specifically, as a base unit to measure the quantity of firewood. It is equal to a pile of firewood with the dimensions 4x4x8 or 128 cubic feet.
It has been chosen as the measurement reference due to the ease it provides to both the buying and selling parties for agreeing upon the quantity of material.
The Different Sizes Of A Cord
Following is a list of all the sizes of a cord of wood:
Quarter Cord:
As the name suggests, a quarter cord is approximately 1/4th the size of a regular cord. Its dimensions are 4x6x16(inches) or 32 cubic feet.
Face Cord:
A face cord also referred to as a rick, is bigger than a quarter cord but smaller than a half cord. It lies in the 1/3rd size category and can be handy for people who don’t want too less and too much firewood. Its dimensions measure 4x8x16(inches) or 42 cubic feet.
Half Cord:
The name is self-explanatory; a half cord is an equal half of a full cord and is suitable for tasks of moderate duration. It has 4x4x4 or 64 cubic feet dimensions and is one of the most popular size choices.
Full Cord:
As stated under the first heading, a full cord is a universal unit for measuring firewood. It should always measure 128 cubic feet or in dimensions 4x4x8.
Although these measurement units are mostly used worldwide, they vary in some areas according to their unique customs.
So it’s better to research the firewood market of the area you want to purchase it from. This way you won’t have any confusion and will already know what to expect.
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How To Measure A Cord Of Wood?
Measuring a cord of wood involves determining the volume of a stack of firewood to ensure that it meets the standard definition of a cord. Here are the steps to measure a cord of wood:
- Get the right-sized pieces of firewood. Most pieces are either 16 inches long or 18 inches long. Once you get this sorted, you can move on to the next step.
- Start arranging the firewood in a well-organized manner such that they appear in the form of a cube or a cuboid, and always remember to ensure that the pile is stable.
- Measure the height using a ruler or a tape measure from the base up to the highest point of the stack. Check if it is 4 feet.
- Estimate the width by measuring the two ends of the widest side of the pile. If your findings show 8 feet, you are good to go.
- Like the width, measure the pile length from one end to the other, and the reading should show 4 feet.
- Calculate the volume by multiplying the stack’s height, width, and length. A full cord of firewood should have a volume of 4 x 4 x 8 = 128 cubic feet.
Note that your height, length, and width may differ from the values stated above; what’s important is that they all should produce a volume of 128 cubic feet for your firewood to be considered a full stack.
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How Much Does A Cord Of Wood Cost in 2023?
Cost Of Different Types Of Wood:
The price of a cord of firewood varies like a pendulum, going from one extreme to the other; meanwhile, you may find yourself stuck between them. On average, a full cord can cost you around $300, but this can vary depending on the type of wood you purchase:
Hardwoods:
Hardwoods that include the likes of oak, maple, Iroko, and Ash tend to be more expensive. A cord of hardwood can range from $300 to $800 normally and can hike as high as $1000 in times of extreme demand.
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Softwoods:
Softwoods, such as pine, spruce, cedar, and redwood, are relatively less expensive than hardwoods. Their cords are usually priced between $150 and $450. You can use a battery or an electric chainsaw to cut softwood though.
Mixed Woods:
Mixed woods are a mixture of hardwood and softwood; this is done to minimize the costs and find a way in between without spending and comprising too much. They are generally priced between $200 and $600. A gas chainsaw would be a suitable option to cut such type of wood.
Updated Cost Of Firewood In Different Regions
The cost of firewood can vary widely depending on the location. Here are some average prices for different regions in the United States:
Northeast:
In the Northeast, the price of a cord of firewood ranges between $300 and $800, depending on the type of wood and the availability.
Southeast:
In the Southeast, a full cord of firewood can be found anywhere between $200 to $500; buying firewood from rural areas is recommended as the prices are lower.
Midwest:
In the Midwest, a cord of firewood can range from $200 to $600. Prices can vary in every region, with some areas having a lower cost due to abundant forests and others having a higher cost due to transport issues.
West:
In the western part of the country, the prices fluctuate the most and are likely to lie between the $250-$800 range. This fluctuation results from many factors; for example, the price tends to stay on the higher tide in California because of fewer forests and more demand.
Moreover, prices can also vary based on global fuel prices, inflation, and changes in the cost of labor.
So the best way to stay informed is to frequently check the market by contacting your local firewood supplier, checking online websites, or joining an online forum/community.
Extra Costs
Other than the upfront cost of a cord of wood, you also have the option to pay additional charges to enjoy premiums like
- Pre-cut wood logs/pieces according to your desired size.
- Pre-cleaned wood.
- Dried Wood.
You can either pay extra and have the convenience of directly unloading and burning your firewood or save up and do these labor-intensive tasks yourself.
How Much Does A Cord Of Wood Weigh?
As stated earlier, a cord of firewood is a unit of volume that measures 128 cubic feet of stacked firewood. The exact weight of a cord can differ, depending on the wood species and its moisture content.
Hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory are generally denser and heavier than softwoods like pine, cedar, and spruce.
Water accounts for nearly 50% of the weight of newly cut wood, making it significantly heavier than seasoned wood of the same size and material. The average time for the water content of the wood to dry up is somewhere between 6-12 months; after this, the wood is ready for burning.
After proper seasoning, firewood would show a reading in the range of 2500-4000 pounds on the scale.
It’s critical to understand that a cord is always worth its volume and not its weight, so you shouldn’t pay much attention to its weight as it can vary depending on several factors.
How To Find the Cheapest Firewood? Cheap Firewood Near Me
Firewood is by no means cheap, and it can become a massive burden on your pocket during times of high demand. This is why you should be smart and always be on the lookout for an opportunity to gather cheap firewood. Here are a few ways to find the most affordable firewood:
- Shop around and look at the prices of different dealers, including local hardware stores, lumber yards, and online retailers.
- Always look to buy your firewood in bulk because it is a rule of thumb applicable to every product worldwide; buying in bulk reduces the average price per unit.
- Look for seasonal discounts, as firewood prices tend to be lower during the off-season when demand is lower. The best time to purchase wood is in the spring or summer.
- Try as hard as possible to get the best deal for a cord of firewood in your local vicinity because if you source it from an area far away, the transportation costs will make your pockets lose.
- Ask for discounts: Some firewood suppliers may offer discounts for cash payments, bulk purchases, or repeat customers, so feel free to ask.
- Cut your own: If you have access to a forest or woodland, you can cut your firewood for free. However, obtain any necessary permits and follow all local laws and regulations.
How To Store A Cord Of Wood?
After you buy a cord of wood, you will also need to store it. The process is described below:
- Select an area that is dry, has good airflow, and should not have direct exposure to sunlight.
- Store the cord of wood on pallets or another elevated surface to keep it off the ground and prevent moisture from accumulating underneath.
- Cover the wood: Cover the cord of wood with plastic sheeting to protect it from moisture, rain, and snow.
- Arrange the cord so its pieces are central to each other, as this will keep it dry and prevent it from falling off.
- Other than choosing a well-ventilated area, you should leave a few gaps between the plastic sheets and the wood to maintain airflow and prevent any moisture.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your cord of wood stays dry, protected from the elements, and ready to use when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much wood is a full cord?
The unit of measurement for firewood is a cord. A full cord of wood is equal to 128 cubic feet. If you need to check whether you are having a full cord or not, you can do so by stacking the wood in lines or rows. Then stack the pieces of wood parallel over one another in a way that there is minimum possible space left between them. You will get a compact arrangement and then you can measure it easily for 128 cubic feet.
2. How many pieces of wood are in a cord?
In a rough estimate, the pieces of wood in a cord range from 600 to 800 pieces. The pieces of wood in a cord are not fixed because it is not like a dozen sort of measurement. Instead, it is measured in cubic feet. Thus, the number of pieces in a cord varies according to the size of the cutting. If the company cuts large pieces then you will have around 600 pieces or in the case of small pieces you can get around 800 pieces.
3. What does a 1/2 cord of wood look like?
The 1/2 of a firewood cord is 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 4 feet long. The wood pieces are cut a length of 4 feet since long. The user then chops them as per the size of the fireplace. In other words, if a full cord measures 128 cubic feet then a half cord would be 64 cubic feet. This volume of a half cord can be carried in an 8 feet long truck.
4. Can you fit a cord of wood in a pickup truck?
Yes, you can fit a cord of wood in a pickup truck but it depends upon the size of the truck and the load it can bear. A cord of wood weighs around 5000 pounds and a small pickup truck can ¼ of a cord. You can also fit a ½ of a cord in a half-ton truck. Usually, a full cord is not transported because of its heavy weight but if the truck can hold this much weight, then you can.
5. Is a cord of wood a ton?
No, a wood cord weighs more than a ton. A cord weighs around 5000 pounds which is 2500 lbs which make 2.5 tons. However, the weight of wood also varies from tree to tree. In the case of pine trees, one cord weighs about 4300 pounds and makes 2.15 tons.
6. What does a whole cord of wood look like?
A full cord of wood looks like a large stack of wood logs arranged in a rectangular box shape. The compact arrangement is 128 cubic feet which means 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet wide. Or in inches, it makes 48 inches from back to front and 4 feet high.
7. How long will a full cord of firewood last?
The consumption of things always depends upon their usage. The speed with which you are using it will determine how long the product will last. Thus, a cord of firewood follows the same formula. However, a rough estimate is that if you are burning one or two fires twice a week, then a cord can last for almost eight to twelve months. It makes 2 to 3 months but if you are having more fires and more frequently, then you will surely consume a cord in a month or two.
8. Why is it called a cord of wood?
A cord is a measuring unit for a firewood stack. A cord is a rectangular arrangement of firewood that has a 128 cubic feet area. It is called a cord because the wood is placed in a compact form and then it is tied with a string or cord.
9. How many wheelbarrows of wood are in a cord?
There are around 16 to 20 wheelbarrows of wood in the cord. There are no fixed numbers of wheelbarrows in a cord and it varies. A wheelbarrow can hold around 35 logs of wood and there are 600 to 800 logs in a cord.
Thus, with an average of 35 wood logs in each wheelbarrow, it will make 630 logs in 18 wheelbarrows. But if are buying from a company that cuts logs and you are having somewhere between 800 logs then it will take around 20 wheelbarrows.
Final Takeaways
This is it! Now you know everything about a cord of firewood and are equipped with all the information to land yourself a bargain. Hopefully, you found this information helpful and will benefit from it in the long run.
If you have any queries or feedback, please let me know. Until we meet next time, enjoy the burning of your firewood!
