When it comes to heating with a wood-burning stove, understanding the volume of firewood you need is crucial. One common measurement for firewood is a face cord, but many people are unsure about how to calculate it accurately. In this article, we’ll provide a concise guide on how to use a face cord calculator to determine the volume of firewood you require.
What Is a Face Cord?
Before we dive into the calculation, it’s important to know what a face cord is. A face cord is a stack of firewood that measures 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and the depth of the individual pieces. However, the depth can vary from region to region. In most cases, the depth is either 12, 16, or 24 inches, but it’s essential to clarify this with your wood supplier.
Calculating Firewood Volume
To determine how much firewood you need, follow these simple steps using the face cord calculator:
Determine the Depth: As mentioned earlier, the depth of a face cord varies. You’ll need to measure the depth of the firewood pieces you’re working with, which is typically 12, 16, or 24 inches.
Measure the Stack: Measure the height (4 feet) and length (8 feet) of the stack of firewood.
Calculate the Volume: Use the formula: Volume = Length x Width x Depth. In this case, the width is 4 feet, the length is 8 feet, and the depth is the measurement you obtained in step 1.
Convert to Cubic Feet: The result of your calculation will be in cubic feet, which is the volume of the firewood in the stack.
Adjust for Seasoning: Keep in mind that freshly cut wood contains a significant amount of moisture. For efficient burning, you should season (dry) your wood for about 6-12 months, depending on the type of wood. During seasoning, wood loses moisture, which reduces its weight but not its volume.
Example Calculation:
Let’s say you have a stack of firewood that’s 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 16 inches deep. Here’s how you calculate the volume:
Volume = 8 feet (length) x 4 feet (width) x 1.33 feet (16 inches converted to feet)
Volume = 42.56 cubic feet
Consider Your Heating Needs:
Once you have the volume in cubic feet, you can better estimate how much wood you’ll need for the heating season. Keep in mind that different types of wood have varying energy content, so you may need to adjust your volume estimate accordingly.
In conclusion, a face cord calculator is a handy tool to estimate the volume of firewood you need for your wood-burning stove. It’s essential to understand the depth of the face cord in your area and consider the seasoning process to ensure you have enough dry firewood to keep your home warm throughout the winter. By following this calculation method, you can make a more accurate estimate of your wood supply needs.