As the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, the allure of a crackling fireplace becomes irresistible. For many, this means stocking up on firewood. But before you hand over your hard-earned cash, it’s crucial to understand how firewood is measured to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. The standard unit of measurement for firewood is the cord, but what exactly *is* a cord, and how do you measure it accurately?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about measuring firewood, from defining a cord to providing detailed, step-by-step instructions for verifying the quantity you receive. We’ll cover different types of wood measurements, discuss the importance of stacking, and offer practical tips to avoid getting shortchanged. By the end of this article, you’ll be a pro at measuring firewood and confident that you’re getting exactly what you paid for.
What is a Cord of Wood?
A cord of wood is defined as a precisely stacked pile measuring 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long. This equates to 128 cubic feet. It’s important to emphasize the “stacked” part. Simply dumping a pile of logs into a truck bed doesn’t constitute a cord. The logs must be neatly arranged, with each piece lying as closely as possible to the others. Gaps and air pockets reduce the actual amount of wood you receive.
Think of it this way: imagine a rectangular prism with the dimensions 4ft x 4ft x 8ft. Filling that entire space with solid wood would be ideal, but of course, that’s impossible due to the irregular shapes of the logs. The cord measurement accounts for these natural gaps.
While a full cord is the standard, firewood is often sold in smaller quantities, such as a face cord (also known as a rick or stove cord). A face cord is typically 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but its width varies depending on the length of the individual pieces of wood. If the pieces are 16 inches long, a face cord would be one-third of a full cord (16 inches is 1/3 of 4 feet). Always clarify the length of the wood and the dimensions of the stack when buying a face cord to accurately calculate the volume.
Why Accurate Measurement Matters
Ensuring you receive the correct amount of firewood is crucial for several reasons:
- Cost: Firewood can be expensive, especially during peak seasons. Accurate measurement guarantees you’re getting your money’s worth.
- Heating Efficiency: Knowing the volume of wood you have allows you to plan your heating needs for the winter and avoid running out prematurely.
- Storage: Understanding the dimensions of your wood pile helps you plan your storage space efficiently.
- Fair Trade: Accurate measurement promotes transparency and fairness between buyers and sellers.
Tools You’ll Need for Measuring Firewood
Before you start measuring, gather these essential tools:
- Measuring Tape: A durable measuring tape, preferably at least 25 feet long, is essential for accurately determining the height, width, and length of the wood stack.
- Measuring Stick (Optional): A straight stick or board that is exactly 4 feet long can be helpful for quickly checking the height and width of the stack.
- Level (Optional): A level can help ensure that the ground and the top of the stack are relatively level, which is important for accurate measurements.
- Calculator: A calculator (or your smartphone) will be needed to calculate the volume of the wood pile.
- Notebook and Pen: For recording measurements and calculations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring a Cord of Wood
Follow these steps to accurately measure your firewood:
Step 1: Preparing the Area
Choose a flat, level surface for stacking your firewood. This is crucial for accurate measurement. Uneven ground can distort the dimensions and lead to miscalculations. If the ground isn’t perfectly level, try to compensate by averaging out the height measurements in Step 2.
Step 2: Measuring the Height
Measure the height of the stacked wood pile. It’s best to take multiple measurements at different points along the stack and then average them. This accounts for any irregularities in the stacking. Measure from the ground to the top of the highest piece of wood. Ensure the measuring tape is held vertically. Record each height measurement in your notebook.
Example: Let’s say you take four height measurements: 4.1 feet, 3.9 feet, 4.0 feet, and 4.2 feet. To find the average height, add them together and divide by the number of measurements:
(4.1 + 3.9 + 4.0 + 4.2) / 4 = 4.05 feet.
Step 3: Measuring the Width
Measure the width of the stacked wood pile. This is the length of the individual pieces of wood. Ideally, all the pieces should be the same length for consistent burning and accurate measurement. If the wood is a mix of lengths, take the average length of several pieces. This measurement represents how far the wood extends from front to back.
Example: Assume all the pieces are approximately 16 inches long. Convert this to feet: 16 inches / 12 inches/foot = 1.33 feet. This is your width measurement.
Step 4: Measuring the Length
Measure the total length of the stacked wood pile. This is the distance from one end of the stack to the other. As with the height, it’s a good idea to take multiple measurements along the length and then average them, especially if the stack is uneven or irregular. Ensure the measuring tape is parallel to the ground.
Example: Let’s say you take three length measurements: 7.9 feet, 8.1 feet, and 8.0 feet. To find the average length, add them together and divide by the number of measurements:
(7.9 + 8.1 + 8.0) / 3 = 8.0 feet.
Step 5: Calculating the Volume
Now that you have the average height, width, and length, you can calculate the volume of the stacked wood pile. The formula is:
Volume = Height x Width x Length
Using our example measurements:
Volume = 4.05 feet x 1.33 feet x 8.0 feet = 43.07 cubic feet.
Step 6: Determining if it’s a Full Cord
A full cord of wood contains 128 cubic feet. To determine what fraction of a cord your wood pile represents, divide the calculated volume by 128:
Fraction of a Cord = Volume / 128
Using our example:
Fraction of a Cord = 43.07 cubic feet / 128 cubic feet = 0.34 (approximately one-third of a cord).
Therefore, in this example, the wood pile contains approximately one-third of a full cord of wood.
Dealing with Irregular Stacks
Perfectly rectangular stacks of firewood are rare. Here’s how to handle common irregularities:
- Gaps and Spaces: Large gaps within the stack reduce the actual wood volume. Try to minimize gaps when stacking. If gaps are unavoidable, estimate their total volume and subtract it from the overall volume calculation. This is difficult to do precisely, so aim for tighter stacking in the first place.
- Uneven Tops: If the top of the stack is significantly uneven, take multiple height measurements at different points and average them, as described in Step 2.
- Curved Stacks: For curved stacks, try to divide the stack into smaller, more manageable sections. Measure each section separately and then add the volumes together. Alternatively, visualize the curved stack as fitting within a rectangular or trapezoidal shape and estimate the amount of empty space outside the wood.
- Protruding Logs: Logs that stick out significantly beyond the main stack should be considered when measuring the width and length. Either include their protrusion in the measurement, or trim them if possible. Consistency is key.
Tips for Buying Firewood
Here are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth and fair firewood buying experience:
- Buy from Reputable Dealers: Choose firewood suppliers with a good reputation and positive reviews. Ask for recommendations from friends, neighbors, or online forums.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the dealer about the type of wood, its moisture content (seasoning), and how they measure their cords. A reputable dealer will be happy to answer your questions.
- Get a Written Agreement: Before you commit to a purchase, get a written agreement that specifies the quantity of wood (in cords or face cords), the price, the type of wood, and the delivery terms.
- Inspect the Wood: If possible, inspect the wood before delivery. Look for signs of rot, insect infestation, or excessive moisture. Well-seasoned wood should be relatively dry and lightweight.
- Observe the Delivery: Watch the delivery process carefully. Make sure the wood is stacked neatly and that the dimensions match what you agreed upon.
- Measure After Delivery: Once the wood is delivered and stacked, take your own measurements to verify the quantity. If there’s a significant discrepancy, contact the dealer immediately to discuss the issue.
- Consider a Moisture Meter: A firewood moisture meter can help you determine the moisture content of the wood. Ideally, firewood should have a moisture content below 20% for efficient burning.
- Seasoned vs. Unseasoned: Always inquire whether the wood is seasoned (dried) or unseasoned (green). Seasoned wood burns much more efficiently and produces less smoke. Unseasoned wood needs to be dried for at least six months to a year before it’s ready to burn.
- Know Your Wood Types: Different types of wood have different burning qualities. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and ash produce more heat and burn longer than softwoods like pine and fir. Choose the wood type that’s best suited for your needs and fireplace.
- Beware of ‘Short Cord’ Tactics: Some unscrupulous dealers may try to sell you a “short cord,” which is a stack of wood that’s smaller than the standard dimensions. Always be vigilant and measure carefully.
Understanding Different Firewood Terms
Navigating the world of firewood can be confusing with all the different terms used. Here’s a breakdown of some common terms:
- Cord: As previously defined, a precisely stacked pile measuring 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long (128 cubic feet).
- Face Cord (Rick, Stove Cord): A stack of wood 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but with a width that varies depending on the length of the pieces. Usually 1/3 of a cord.
- Loose Cord: This is NOT a standard measurement. Avoid buying wood described as a “loose cord” because it’s difficult to quantify and is often less than a full cord.
- Seasoned Wood: Firewood that has been dried for at least six months to a year. It has a lower moisture content and burns more efficiently.
- Unseasoned Wood (Green Wood): Firewood that has not been dried. It has a high moisture content and is difficult to burn.
- Hardwood: Wood from deciduous trees (e.g., oak, maple, ash). It’s denser and produces more heat.
- Softwood: Wood from coniferous trees (e.g., pine, fir). It’s less dense and burns faster.
The Importance of Proper Stacking
Proper stacking is essential for both accurate measurement and efficient drying of firewood. Here are some tips for stacking firewood correctly:
- Choose a Sunny and Windy Location: This will help the wood dry faster.
- Elevate the Wood: Place the wood on pallets, concrete blocks, or a layer of scrap wood to keep it off the ground and promote air circulation.
- Stack Tightly: Stack the wood tightly to minimize gaps and maximize the amount of wood in the stack.
- Allow for Air Circulation: Leave some space between rows of wood to allow for air circulation.
- Cover the Top: Cover the top of the stack with a tarp or sheet of plywood to protect it from rain and snow. Leave the sides open to allow for ventilation.
- Consider a Wood Shed: A wood shed provides excellent protection from the elements and allows for efficient drying.
Conclusion
Measuring firewood accurately is essential for ensuring you get a fair deal and can effectively plan your heating needs. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to measure firewood with confidence and avoid getting shortchanged. Remember to buy from reputable dealers, ask questions, and always verify the quantity after delivery. With a little knowledge and effort, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a crackling fire all winter long, knowing you got exactly what you paid for.