How Many Face Cords in a Cord of Firewood? Understanding Firewood Measurement
The question of how many face cords are in a cord of firewood is a common one, particularly for those new to buying and stacking firewood. The answer isn't a simple number, because it depends on the length of the wood pieces. Let's break down the different measurements and clear up the confusion.
First, let's define our terms:
-
Cord of Wood: A standard cord of firewood measures 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet. This is the standard unit of measurement for firewood sales.
-
Face Cord: A face cord is a stack of firewood that is 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but the depth (thickness) of the wood varies. This is where the confusion comes in. A face cord is NOT a standard volume. It's a visually convenient way to estimate, but the actual volume depends on the length of the pieces.
Why the Variation?
The problem lies in the depth (thickness) of the wood pieces in a face cord. If you stack 16-inch pieces, you'll have a significantly different volume than if you stack 12-inch pieces. The longer the pieces, the more wood you have in that face cord.
How Many Face Cords are in a Cord? It Depends!
There's no fixed number of face cords in a cord. It's highly dependent on the wood length. Here's why a precise answer is impossible:
-
Variable Wood Length: Firewood is often sold in different lengths (12", 16", 18", etc.). A face cord of 16-inch pieces contains more wood than a face cord of 12-inch pieces.
-
Stacking Technique: How tightly you stack the wood also impacts the final volume. Loose stacking results in a smaller volume than tight stacking.
To calculate the approximate number of face cords in a cord, you need to know the length of the wood:
-
Rough Estimate: A very general estimate is that 2-2.5 face cords of 16-inch wood will roughly equal one cord. However, this is a very rough approximation.
-
Accurate Calculation: For a precise calculation, you need to consider the length of the wood and account for air gaps between the pieces. This requires converting wood lengths into cubic feet and comparing it to the 128 cubic feet in a standard cord.
What about other measurements?
- Rick: Another common unit, a rick is often 8 feet long and 4 feet high, but the depth, and hence volume, varies greatly. Similar to the face cord, it's not a standard volume.
How Can I Avoid Confusion?
The best way to avoid confusion is to:
-
Buy by the cord: This ensures you get a consistent volume of firewood.
-
Clarify wood length: Before purchasing, ask the seller what length the wood is and if they're selling by the face cord or by the cord.
-
Measure the pile: If you're purchasing a face cord, measure the height and length, and estimate the average thickness of the wood to estimate the volume.
In conclusion, while it's tempting to use face cords for convenience, it's crucial to understand its lack of standard volume and the variables involved. Buying and selling by the standard cord eliminates ambiguity and ensures a fairer transaction.
