One crucial aspect of maintaining a wood-burning stove is ensuring a steady supply of firewood. When buying firewood, you’ll often hear the term "face cord" mentioned. But what exactly is a face cord, and how does it relate to your wood stove? In this concise guide, we’ll explore the technical details of a face cord to help both technical and non-technical audiences understand its importance for wood stove operation.
Defining a Face Cord
A face cord is a standard unit of measurement for firewood. It’s a stack of firewood that typically measures 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and as deep as the length of the logs, which is usually 16 inches. The term "face cord" is derived from the fact that you see only one "face" of the stack. The volume of a face cord can vary, but it’s often one-third of a full cord of wood.
Understanding Full Cord vs. Face Cord
To comprehend the size of a face cord in relation to your wood stove, it’s essential to differentiate it from a full cord of firewood:
Full Cord: A full cord consists of a neatly stacked pile of firewood measuring 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet deep, totaling 128 cubic feet. This is a common measurement for the sale and purchase of firewood in bulk.
Face Cord: As mentioned earlier, a face cord is typically one-third the size of a full cord. The most common measurements for a face cord are 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 16 inches deep, resulting in approximately 42.67 cubic feet of firewood.
Choosing the Right Amount of Firewood
The size of the face cord plays a significant role when purchasing firewood for your wood stove. To ensure a steady supply of fuel without overstocking, consider these factors:
Usage: Evaluate how frequently you use your wood stove. Heavier usage may require more face cords to last through the winter.
Storage Space: Assess the available storage space for your firewood. Make sure you can safely and conveniently store the amount of wood you plan to purchase.
Seasoning: Remember that freshly cut or unseasoned wood has a higher moisture content and may require more space for drying before use. Dry, well-seasoned wood is the most efficient fuel for your wood stove.
Conclusion
Understanding the size of a face cord is essential for maintaining a wood-burning stove efficiently. A face cord typically contains around one-third of the wood found in a full cord, making it a practical measurement for residential firewood use. When purchasing firewood for your wood stove, consider your usage, available storage space, and the importance of well-seasoned wood. This knowledge will help you keep your wood stove burning efficiently and your home comfortably warm during the colder months.