How Much Is a Half Cord of Firewood? Pricing & Truck Bed Volume
A half cord of firewood is the ideal quantity for homeowners who enjoy weekend fireplace fires, backyard fire pit gatherings, or supplemental winter wood stove heating. Knowing how much a half cord of firewood costs, its exact physical dimensions, and truck bed transport limits ensures you get fair value for your heating dollar.
Average Cost of a Half Cord of Firewood
On average, a half cord of seasoned hardwood costs between $140 and $260. Softwoods (like Cedar or Pine) cost between $100 and $180 for a half cord, while premium kiln-dried Oak, Hickory, or Cherry ranges from $250 to $380.
Buying a half cord is popular because it fits in the bed of a standard full-size pickup truck and provides enough fuel for roughly 25 to 40 evening fires without overwhelming backyard storage space.
| Firewood Grade & Species | Moisture Level | Best Usage | Average Price Range (Half Cord) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seasoned Mixed Hardwood (Oak/Maple) | < 20% | Wood stoves, indoor fireplaces | $140 – $240 |
| Kiln-Dried Premium Hardwood (Ash/Birch) | 10% – 15% | Luxury indoor fires, zero smoke/bugs | $220 – $360 |
| Seasoned Softwood (Pine/Fir) | < 20% | Outdoor fire pits, campfires | $100 – $170 |
| Cooking Wood (Hickory / Apple / Pecan) | 15% – 18% | Offset meat smokers, pizza ovens | $180 – $320 |
Half Cord Dimensions and Volume Breakdown
A half cord represents exactly 64 cubic feet of tightly stacked firewood (half of a full 128-cu-ft cord). When stacked, common dimensional configurations include:
- 4 ft High x 4 ft Deep x 4 ft Long: The classic cube stack measuring exactly 64 cubic feet.
- 4 ft High x 16-inch Deep x 12 ft Long: A single continuous row representing 1.5 face cords.
- Piece Count: A half cord typically contains between 300 and 375 split log pieces, assuming an average log length of 16 inches and diameter of 4 to 6 inches.
Comparing Half Cord vs. Face Cord vs. Full Cord
Understanding volume differences protects consumers from deceptive terminology.
| Measurement Term | Stacked Volume | Log Count (Approx) | Fits in 6.5-ft Truck Bed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face Cord / Rick | ~42.6 cu ft | 200 – 250 Logs | Yes (Comfortably) |
| Half Cord | 64.0 cu ft | 300 – 375 Logs | Yes (Full bed to bed rails) |
| Full Cord | 128.0 cu ft | 600 – 750 Logs | No (Requires 2 trips or trailer) |
Pickup Truck Bed Capacities and Weight Limits
Hauling firewood requires verifying payload limits. A half cord of dry seasoned oak weighs 1,800 to 2,200 pounds, requiring a sturdy half-ton or 3/4-ton truck suspension.
Best Practices for Splitting, Curing, and Testing Firewood Moisture
To ensure your half cord burns cleanly with maximum thermal heat transfer, proper curing and splitting geometry are critical. When split logs are cut to a uniform 16-inch length and split into triangular wedges with 4 to 6-inch diameters, surface area exposure increases dramatically, accelerating the evaporation of bound sap water.
Using a digital pin-type wood moisture meter is the most reliable way to verify seasoning. Split a sample log in half and firmly press the metal electrode pins into the fresh center grain. High-quality seasoned firewood registers between 12% and 18% moisture content. Any reading above 20% indicates the wood is still green and will cause sluggish combustion, excessive smoke, and dangerous creosote accumulation in your chimney flue.
How to Store and Season a Half Cord of Firewood in 4 Steps
Keep your half cord dry, bug-free, and ready to burn.
Step 1: Choose a Sunny, Well-Ventilated Location
Stack wood at least 20 feet away from home siding and 6 inches off ground surfaces.
Step 2: Build End Pillars Using Cross-Hatched Logs
Stack alternating perpendicular log layers on ends to create free-standing support towers.
Step 3: Fill Middle Rows with Bark-Side Up
Place split faces downward and rounded bark facing upward to repel falling moisture.
Step 4: Secure a Breathable Top Tarp
Fasten a tarp across the top row with bungee cords while keeping sides open to ambient breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions (7 Questions Answered)
Q1: How much does a half cord of wood weigh?
A half cord of seasoned hardwood weighs approximately 1,800 to 2,400 pounds, while wet green wood can weigh over 3,000 pounds.
Q2: Can a half cord of wood fit in an F-150 or Silverado bed?
Yes, a half cord of tightly stacked firewood fits level with the bed rails in a standard 6.5-foot truck bed, though check your truck's payload capacity (1,800–2,200 lbs).
Q3: How many fires do you get out of a half cord?
A half cord yields approximately 30 to 45 fires in a standard living room fireplace burning 6 to 8 logs per evening.
Q4: Is a half cord the same as a face cord?
No, a half cord contains 64 cubic feet, whereas a face cord contains approximately 42.6 cubic feet (1.5 face cords equal 1 half cord).
Q5: How long does a half cord of wood take to burn through in a wood stove?
In regular winter heating use, a half cord provides 3 to 6 weeks of steady warmth in a modern high-efficiency EPA wood stove.
Q6: How much does delivery cost for a half cord of wood?
Local firewood suppliers typically charge $30 to $65 for driveway dump delivery within a 15 to 20-mile radius.
Q7: Should firewood be stacked against a house wall?
No, stacking firewood directly against house siding attracts termites, carpenter ants, and mice, and prevents proper air drying.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding how much is a half cord of firewood? pricing & truck bed volume 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.