A Cord of Firewood
A full cord of firewood is a standard legal unit of wood volume measuring exactly 128 cubic feet when tightly stacked, traditionally arranged as a 4-foot high, 4-foot wide, and 8-foot long stack (4ft x 4ft x 8ft).
Cord vs Face Cord Dimensions and Heat Output
Understanding firewood measurement units prevents disputes when ordering bulk firewood for home heating or woodstoves.
| Firewood Measurement Unit | Dimensions When Stacked | Total Volume (Cu Ft) | Fraction of Full Cord |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Cord (Bush Cord) | 4 ft High x 4 ft Deep x 8 ft Long | 128 Cu Ft | 1.0 Full Cord |
| Face Cord (Rick / Stove Cord) | 4 ft High x 16 in Deep x 8 ft Long | 42.6 Cu Ft | 1/3 of a Full Cord |
| Half Cord | 4 ft High x 4 ft Deep x 4 ft Long | 64 Cu Ft | 1/2 of a Full Cord |
Firewood Species Heat Output Comparison (Million BTUs)
Dense seasoned hardwoods produce significantly more heat per cord than softwoods.
| Firewood Species | Wood Classification | Weight per Cord (Seasoned) | Heat Output (Million BTUs / Cord) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hickory / Black Locust | Ultra-Dense Hardwood | 4,200 Lbs | 27.5 - 28.5 Million BTUs |
| Oak (White & Red) | Heavy Hardwood | 3,800 Lbs | 24.0 - 26.0 Million BTUs |
| Sugar Maple / Ash | Standard Hardwood | 3,500 Lbs | 23.0 - 24.0 Million BTUs |
| White Pine / Cedar | Softwood (Kindling) | 2,200 Lbs | 14.0 - 16.0 Million BTUs |
How to Stack and Measure a Full Cord of Firewood in 4 Steps
Follow these steps to stack wood for proper seasoning and measure volume accurately.
Step 1: Elevate Bottom Layer on Pallets or Rails
Stack wood 4 inches off the ground on 2x4 rails or wooden pallets to block ground moisture.
Step 2: Build Criss-Cross End Pillars for Stability
Build interlocking 90-degree corner towers at both ends of the 8-foot run to prevent collapse.
Step 3: Stack Logs Bark-Side Up with Air Gaps
Stack split logs bark-side up with 1 to 2 inches of spacing between rows for sun and wind drying.
Step 4: Verify 4ft x 4ft x 8ft Dimensions (128 Cu Ft)
Measure height, depth, and length to confirm full 128 cubic feet volume.
Frequently Asked Questions (7 Questions Answered)
Q1: How many cubic feet are in a full cord of firewood?
A legally defined full cord of firewood contains exactly 128 cubic feet of tightly stacked split logs and air space.
Q2: What is the difference between a cord and a face cord?
A full cord is 4ft x 4ft x 8ft (128 cu ft), while a face cord is a single 16-inch log depth stack measuring 4ft x 16in x 8ft (roughly 1/3 of a full cord).
Q3: How much does a full cord of seasoned firewood cost?
A full cord of seasoned hardwood costs between $250 and $450 depending on local wood availability, tree species, and delivery distances.
Q4: How much does a cord of dry wood weigh?
A full cord of seasoned hardwood (like oak or maple) weighs between 3,500 and 4,200 pounds.
Q5: How long does it take for green firewood to season?
Hardwoods like oak and hickory require 6 to 12 months of outdoor sun and wind drying to reach optimal moisture levels below 20%.
Q6: Can a half-ton pickup truck haul a full cord of wood?
No. A standard 1/2-ton truck bed can only haul roughly 1/3 to 1/2 of a cord due to 1,500 to 2,000 lb payload limits. Hauling a full cord requires a 1-ton truck or flatbed trailer.
Q7: How do you test if firewood is seasoned?
Use a digital pin moisture meter on a fresh split face (should read under 20%), check for radial cracks on log ends, and listen for a hollow ring when knocking two logs together.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding a cord of firewood provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.