A "rick" of wood is a traditional measurement used to quantify a stack of firewood. Knowing the dimensions of a rick of wood is essential for purchasing, stacking, and estimating the amount of firewood you need for your wood-burning stove. In this article, we will provide clear and concise information on the dimensions of a rick of wood.
The Standard Rick of Wood
A standard rick of wood typically has the following dimensions:
- Height: 4 feet
- Width: 8 feet
- Depth: Typically 16 inches, which is the length of a standard piece of firewood
This stack of firewood is usually referred to as a "face cord." It’s called a face cord because the wood is stacked with the cut ends (the faces) visible. It’s important to note that the depth of a rick can vary depending on the supplier and local traditions. In some cases, the depth may be 12 inches or 18 inches. However, the width and height remain fairly consistent at 8 feet by 4 feet.
Calculating the Volume
To calculate the volume of a rick of wood, you can use the following formula:
Volume (cubic feet) = Height (feet) x Width (feet) x Depth (feet)
So, for a standard rick of wood with a depth of 16 inches (or 1.33 feet):
Volume = 4 feet x 8 feet x 1.33 feet = 42.56 cubic feet
This volume represents the amount of firewood in a standard rick.
Estimating the Amount of Firewood
Now that you know the volume of a rick of wood, you can estimate the amount of firewood it contains. Firewood is typically sold by the cord, which is a stack of wood measuring 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet deep. To determine how many ricks are in a cord, you can use the volume you calculated.
Cubic feet in a cord = 4 feet x 8 feet x 4 feet = 128 cubic feet
Now, you can calculate the number of ricks in a cord:
Number of ricks in a cord = Volume of a cord / Volume of a rick
Number of ricks in a cord = 128 cubic feet / 42.56 cubic feet ≈ 3 ricks
So, there are approximately three ricks of wood in a standard cord.
Conclusion
Understanding the dimensions of a rick of wood is essential for purchasing the right amount of firewood for your wood-burning stove. A standard rick, also known as a face cord, measures 4 feet in height, 8 feet in width, and typically 16 inches in depth. Keep in mind that regional variations in rick dimensions may exist, so it’s a good practice to clarify the specific measurements with your wood supplier. Knowing the dimensions of a rick and how they relate to a cord will help you make informed firewood purchasing decisions and ensure you have an ample supply of wood to keep your wood stove burning throughout the winter.