NAVIGATION
Cord Of Firewood Weight
FIrewood Cord Size
Rick of Wood
How Much Wood FitsKnowing I planned to burn wood to heat my tiny home, one of the first things I wanted to know was how much wood is in a cord of firewood and how much it weighs. Turns out, it’s a complex answer because a cord of wood doesn’t have a standard weight. The weight of a cord of wood is affected by several factors, including the moisture content, species, and the density of the wood.
Greenwood, which is freshly cut wood with a high moisture (sap) content, will weigh more. In contrast, seasoned wood, which has been dried for at least six months to a year, will weigh less. Hardwood like oak or maple is denser than softwood like pine or spruce, so it will be heavier.
These are just a few examples of details I’ve learned that you’ll need to consider when planning on purchasing wood for your homestead. Read on for an approximate weight range for a cord of wood depending on the above variables.
Hi, I’m Ryan
As a homesteader, I’ve purchased a lot of wood over the years. I regularly buy a seasoned full cord or a fraction of a cord based on my needs. Having an estimate of the cord’s weight saves me time and money and helps me determine how many trips I’ll need to take with my pickup truck, or if I’ll need to have it delivered.
How Much Does A Cord Of Firewood Weigh?
Before I order firewood, I first determine the type of wood I need and want, and then inquire about the seller’s available inventory. It’s important to note that hardwood logs burn longer and hotter than softwood when cut and split to the same size. Taking into consideration your home size, additional heat sources, and the average temperature in your area will help you determine how long a cord of wood will last.
A good rule of thumb is to aim for two to three cords of wood per 1,000 square feet of space you need to heat.
How Much Does A Cord Of Firewood Cost?
When you go to purchase a cord of wood, ask questions about the price in advance so you’re aware of the costs ahead of placing an order, especially if you are on a budget. The cost of a cord of wood can fall between $150 and $700, with an average cost of around $300. In most locales, firewood prices are higher for cut, split, seasoned wood that’s ready to burn. The price range also depends on other factors like hardwood type, condition, quality, delivery fees, and stacking labor costs.
The average delivery fee in my area is around $2 per mile and honestly, if you are close enough to the seller, the delivery fee is worth it to save the gas expenses and wear and tear on your vehicle.
When I order wood, I’ll ask the seller to stack the first cord, which gives me the opportunity to confirm I got what I paid for. If you plan take this same approach, I recommend you ask up front if there are additional fees for stacking, so you’re not hit with unexpected charges. If the seller does not stack, or if there’s a fee that you don’t want to pay, measure the cord’s dimensions to ensure you get the full 128 cubic feet. If it falls short or if there are any other delivery issues, contact the seller, but don’t use the wood until you’ve notified them.
What Is A Rick Of Wood And How Many Ricks Are In A Cord?
The term “rick” describes how a cord of wood is stacked. The size of a rick generally consists of 1/3 of a cord of wood, also known as a face cord. In some areas, when a pick-up truck is loaded with firewood, it’s often called a rick.
But keep in mind, the amount of wood in a rick varies based on the length of the logs, and can also vary depending on the standard where you’re located — in most places, there are three ricks in a cord of wood.
But as I mentioned, a rick is not an exact measurement but refers to the amount of wood you’ll receive when you get your firewood delivered. The best practice is to ask before you buy so you know exactly what you are getting.
Experience has taught me to ask for log length up front. Otherwise, you won’t know the exact amount of wood you’re getting and run the risk of paying more than you should.
How Much Does 1/8 Cord Of Firewood Weigh?
An eighth of a cord of wood can weigh anywhere from 250 to 625 pounds and is 16 cubic feet in volume. An eighth cord of wood works great if you’re looking for that comfy, cozy feel and ambiance that a fireplace offers, but it’s not enough to heat your whole house all winter long. I like to use it for cooking in my smoker, barbecue pits, and Dutch oven.
How Much Does 1/4 Cord Of Firewood Weigh?
A fourth of a cord of firewood weighs between 500 and 1,250 pounds and is 32 cubic feet in volume. If you’re considering purchasing a quarter of a cord of firewood, I’d first evaluate your specific needs and circumstances. How much wood do you use? How often do you use it, and for how many hours a day? You’ll also want to consider supplemental heat sources you’re using and the size of the area you are planning to heat to determine if this is enough wood for you and if it’s worth the $50 to $150 price tag.
How Much Does 1/3 Cord Of Firewood Weigh?
A third of a cord of wood ranges in weight from 665 to 1,670 pounds. I know that’s a massive weight range, but the variables I mentioned earlier, like wood type, seasoned or green, make the difference.
With one-third of a cord, you’ll get around 220 pieces of split wood, making it my top choice to burn in a fireplace when I come in from work and want to knock the chill off. I use about five to six pieces of wood each night before letting it die out. A 1/3 cord will last you for two and a half to three months using it as partial heat and providing you that feel that only a fire can give you.
How Much Does 1/2 Cord Of Firewood Weigh?
½ cord of wood is 64 cubic feet and weighs roughly 1,000 to 2,500 pounds. I recommend using half a cord of wood in a 1,000-square-foot home if you are burning wood as a supplemental heating source.
Since it’s quite a bit of wood, you’ll need about 96 square feet of space to stack it. I suggest you store your firewood at least 20 yards from any entrance into your home, as wood attracts all sorts of bugs and critters.
I store my firewood on a bed of gravel and cover it with recycled tarps and shower curtains to keep it dry. The dryer the wood, the hotter and more efficient the fire.
What Are The Dimensions Of A Cord Of Wood?
A cord is a stack of wood that measures 128 cubic feet in volume. In fact, a cord is any dimension of stacked wood that’ll equal 128 cubic feet. It’ll consist of stacked logs that are 4 feet in height, 4 feet in width, and 8 feet in length. The logs in a cord will vary in size but generally are cut to a standard length of 16 inches.
How To Measure A Cord Of Wood
To measure a cord of wood, take its height, length, and width in feet and then multiply these values together to get total cubic feet. You can then calculate the number of cords in the stack by dividing total cubic feet by 128.
As I mentioned above, the standard dimension for a cord of wood is 4’x4’x8’ feet, but a cord is any dimension that adds up to 128 cubic feet.
Split wood will stack tighter and closer together than full logs, giving it less volume than round log wood of the same amount. Measuring an unsplit cord involves stacking the rounds. Depending on whether the logs are split or round, you can expect 600 to 800 logs in one cord.
Round hardwood logs make great all-nighters. They will burn longer and hold more heat with coals, so when you do have to get up, you don’t have to rebuild.
What Is The Size Of A Cord Vs. A Face Cord?
The difference between a cord and a face cord is the width. As we’ve established, a cord of wood is 4’x4’x8’ feet, consisting of three stacks of wood that are 16 inches long. Whereas a face cord is smaller, and is only one stack deep and a third the size of a full cord.
What Is A Bundle Of Wood?
A bundle of wood is typically used to start fires for warmth or ambiance. During winter months, bundles of wood are quite popular — you’ve probably seen them for sale at home improvement stores, grocery stores, and gas stations.
Each standard bundle contains anywhere from seven to 12 pieces, and each piece of firewood typically measures between 12 and 18 inches in length and has a diameter of 3 to 4 inches. The wood is often tightly wrapped to remain dry and easily transportable. I’ve sold bundles of fallen wood from my homestead to local businesses and farmers’ markets during the holidays to bring in some extra cash.
How Much Wood Will Fit In A Typical Pickup Truck
As you likely know, I own a homestead and burn wood as a source of heat. Over the years, I’ve learned that a pickup truck cannot hold a cord of firewood. An 8-foot truck bed can hold half a cord, while a 6-foot bed can barely hold one-third of a cord, depending on how efficient you are at stacking and loading. If you are planning to use your pickup truck to transport a cord or wood or more, you can count on having to make several trips.
When winter approaches on the homestead, it’s essential to consider your firewood purchase. You now understand how much a cord of wood weighs and the different factors that determine its weight and cost.
I hope this knowledge you’ve learned; how much a cord of wood weighs, the cost, and other factors including the amount of storage space you’ll need, will help you make an informed decision to purchase the appropriate wood for your homestead needs.
- Do you buy or cut your own firewood?
- Do you allow buyers to cut wood on your land in exchange for firewood?
Umm a cord of wood will absolutely fit in an 8ft pickup bed providing you build side boards that are equal to the height of the cab. Standard 8ft bed is on average 5.5ft wide. Providing you stacked the wood 3.2 feet high or if yiu have large wheel wells in the bed stack 3.5 ft tall and you have a respectable cord. I sell firewood…several hundred cord a winter and misinformation or incomplete like yours is determental to everyone. Please add the statement in your article clarifying that the use of sideboards allows a full cord to fit jn an 8ft pickup bed