When it comes to heating your home with a wood-burning stove, understanding the measurements of firewood is essential. One common measurement for firewood is a "cord," and a "quart" is another term you might come across. In this article, we will clarify the size of a cord of wood and provide you with a straightforward explanation of what a quart of wood represents.
1. Cord of Wood
A cord of wood is a standard unit of measurement used for firewood. It’s a well-defined and widely accepted quantity of wood, making it easy to purchase and sell.
A full cord of wood measures:
- 8 feet long: This refers to the length of the wood pieces in the cord.
- 4 feet high: The height of the stacked wood.
- 4 feet wide: The width of the stack.
To put this in perspective, a full cord of wood is roughly equivalent to a stack of firewood that’s 8 feet long, 4 feet high, and 4 feet wide, totaling 128 cubic feet.
2. Face Cord
Sometimes, you might come across the term "face cord." A face cord is typically a stack of wood that has the same width and height as a full cord but is shorter in length. It is often 4 feet high and 8 feet long but with a width that can vary. This means that a face cord contains one-third of the wood found in a full cord.
3. Quart of Wood
Now, let’s discuss a quart of wood. A quart is a much smaller unit of measurement compared to a cord. A quart of wood is typically a quarter of a full cord.
A quart of wood measures:
- 4 feet long: This refers to the length.
- 2 feet high: The height of the stack.
- 2 feet wide: The width of the stack.
So, a quart of wood is 4 feet long, 2 feet high, and 2 feet wide, totaling 16 cubic feet.
4. What’s Right for You?
The choice between a full cord, a face cord, or a quart of wood depends on your heating needs and storage space. A full cord is a significant amount of wood, suitable for those who rely heavily on wood heating. Face cords and quarts are more manageable for those with limited space or moderate heating needs.
In summary, a cord of wood is a substantial quantity, while a quart is a smaller portion, representing a quarter of a cord. Understanding these measurements will help you purchase the right amount of firewood for your wood-burning stove, ensuring that you have enough to keep your home warm throughout the winter.