How Many Face Cords in a Full Cord of Wood?
The question of how many face cords are in a full cord of wood is a common one, particularly for those purchasing firewood. Understanding the difference between a face cord, a full cord, and even a rick is crucial to avoid being misled and ensure you're getting the amount of wood you paid for. Let's break it down.
First, it's important to define our terms:
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Full Cord (or Standard Cord): A full cord of firewood is a stack of wood measuring 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long. This results in a volume of 128 cubic feet.
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Face Cord: A face cord is a stack of wood that's 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but the depth (or thickness) is variable. It's often much less than the 4-foot depth of a full cord. The depth is usually determined by the length of the individual pieces of wood.
So, how many face cords are in a full cord? The answer isn't a simple number. It depends entirely on the depth of the wood pieces in the face cord.
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If the face cord has wood pieces that are 1 foot deep: You would need four face cords to equal one full cord (4 feet / 1 foot = 4 face cords).
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If the face cord has wood pieces that are 16 inches deep: You'd need roughly 3 face cords to make a full cord.
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If the face cord is less than 1 foot deep: You'll obviously need more than four face cords to equal a full cord.
This variability is why face cords can be a source of confusion and potential disputes. A seller might advertise a face cord, but the actual volume of wood delivered may be significantly less than a quarter of a full cord. This is why it's so important to specify the depth of the wood pieces when purchasing face cords.
What is a rick of firewood?
This term is often used interchangeably with a face cord, but it's also quite variable. A rick is usually a stack of firewood that is 4ft high and 8ft long. The depth varies by the length of the logs, and can be anywhere between 1-2 feet in depth, and this needs to be clarified before purchase to avoid disputes.
How can I avoid being misled when buying firewood?
To avoid confusion and ensure you receive the amount of firewood you expect:
- Always clarify the measurement: Before purchasing, specifically ask the seller what type of measurement they are using (full cord, face cord, rick) and the dimensions of the stack (height, width, and depth).
- Ask for a specific measurement: Insist on knowing the exact dimensions of the wood stack before buying. Don't rely on vague descriptions.
- Measure the wood yourself: When the wood is delivered, take the time to measure the stack yourself to verify the quantity received.
- Buy by the full cord when possible: If you can, always buy by the full cord to eliminate ambiguity.
By understanding the differences between these units of measurement and being proactive in your communication with the seller, you can avoid misunderstandings and ensure you get the amount of firewood you're paying for.
