Introduction:
Understanding the measurement of firewood is essential for anyone who relies on a wood burning stove. The term "cord" is commonly used to quantify firewood, but what exactly does it mean in terms of wood volume? In this article, we’ll provide a clear and concise explanation of how much wood is in a cord of firewood, ensuring that both technical and non-technical audiences can grasp this important concept.
Defining a Cord of Firewood:
A cord of firewood is a standardized measure used in the United States and Canada. It’s a unit of volume, and by definition, a full cord of firewood measures 128 cubic feet. The dimensions of a full cord are typically 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long.
The Face Cord:
It’s important to note that the term "cord" can be somewhat ambiguous, as there’s a variation known as a "face cord." A face cord is a stack of firewood that measures 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but its width can vary. The width can be determined by the length of the individual pieces of firewood. For instance, if the firewood is cut to 16-inch lengths, the face cord’s width would be 16 inches. So, the volume of a face cord is not the same as that of a full cord.
Standard Firewood Length:
In most cases, firewood is cut to a standard length of 16 inches (or 1/3 of a yard), which is suitable for most wood burning stoves. Therefore, a full cord of firewood consists of pieces that are 16 inches long, 4 feet high, and 8 feet long.
Half Cord and Third Cord:
Smaller quantities are often referred to as a half cord or a third cord. A half cord would be half the volume of a full cord, measuring 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 4 feet long. Similarly, a third cord would be a third of the volume of a full cord, measuring 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and approximately 2.67 feet long.
Conclusion:
In summary, a cord of firewood is a standardized measure of wood volume used to quantify the amount of firewood. It’s equivalent to 128 cubic feet of wood, typically stacked in dimensions of 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long. It’s important to be aware of the difference between a full cord and a face cord, as the latter’s volume varies depending on the length of the firewood pieces. Understanding these measurements is essential when buying, selling, or using firewood for your wood burning stove, ensuring you have the right amount of fuel to keep your home warm throughout the cold months.