Face cords, also known as rick cords or fireplace cords, are units of wood that are commonly used for buying and selling firewood. They’re different from full cords, and understanding how many pieces of wood are in a face cord is essential for efficient heating and fair wood transactions. In this article, we’ll provide a clear and concise explanation of face cords and the number of wood pieces they typically contain.
What Is a Face Cord?
A face cord is a stack of firewood that is typically 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and as deep as the length of the individual pieces of wood. Face cords are a common way to purchase firewood and are often used by homeowners who have wood-burning stoves or fireplaces.
The Number of Pieces in a Face Cord
The exact number of pieces of wood in a face cord can vary depending on the length of the individual pieces. A standard piece of firewood is typically 16 inches (1.33 feet) long, so a face cord that is 4 feet high and 8 feet long would contain three rows of wood, each 1.33 feet in depth.
To calculate the number of pieces in a face cord, you would multiply the number of rows by the length of the cord in feet:
3 rows x 8 feet = 24 feet
Since each piece of wood is 1.33 feet long, you would divide the total length (24 feet) by the length of a piece (1.33 feet):
24 feet / 1.33 feet = approximately 18 pieces of wood
So, a standard face cord of firewood, made up of 16-inch pieces, would contain approximately 18 pieces of wood.
Different Lengths, Different Counts
It’s important to note that if the individual pieces of wood in the face cord are longer or shorter than the standard 16 inches, the number of pieces in the face cord will change accordingly. For example, if the pieces are 24 inches long, you would have approximately 12 pieces in a face cord.
Buying Firewood by the Face Cord
When purchasing firewood, always confirm the length of the pieces and the seller’s definition of a face cord to ensure you are getting the amount of wood you need. Additionally, check if the wood is properly seasoned for efficient burning in your wood-burning stove or fireplace.
In conclusion, a face cord of firewood typically contains around 18 pieces of wood if each piece is 16 inches long. However, this number can vary depending on the length of the individual pieces. To avoid any confusion when buying or selling firewood, make sure to clarify the length of the pieces and the seller’s definition of a face cord. This knowledge will help you efficiently heat your home and ensure fair wood transactions.