Quarter of a Cord of Wood
A quarter of a cord of wood is one of the most practical, popular firewood purchasing volumes for suburban homeowners, recreational fire pit enthusiasts, and weekend hearth burners. While heating an entire home through a harsh northern winter demands three to five full cords of wood, a quarter cord provides the ideal balance of fuel for seasonal ambiance without overwhelming driveway space, requiring industrial woodsheds, or leaving surplus wood to rot outdoors. Understanding the exact volume, stack dimensions, log count, and vehicle hauling requirements of a quarter cord ensures fair pricing and hassle-free firewood handling.
Exact Dimensions, Cubic Foot Volume, and Legal Definitions
To understand a quarter of a cord of wood, one must first look at the legal definition of a standard full cord. Under federal weights and measures standards, a full legal cord of firewood measures exactly 128 cubic feet of tightly stacked logs. Therefore, a quarter of a cord represents exactly 32 cubic feet of tightly stacked split firewood (128 divided by 4).
In terms of physical stacking dimensions, a quarter cord can be arranged in several common configurations depending on your log length. If your firewood is cut to standard 16-inch lengths, a stack measuring four feet high by six feet long (4' x 6' x 16") equals exactly 32 cubic feet. Alternatively, a stack measuring four feet high by eight feet long by one foot deep (4' x 8' x 12") or a compact cubical pile measuring four feet wide by four feet long by two feet high (4' x 4' x 2') provides the exact same 32 cubic foot volume.
Compare dimensions, volumes, and log counts across common firewood purchase sizes:
| Firewood Purchase Size | Total Stack Volume (cu ft) | Typical Stack Dimensions | Approximate Split Log Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter Cord (1/4 Cord) | 32 cubic feet (stacked) | 4 ft high x 6 ft long x 16 in deep | 150 to 200 split logs |
| Face Cord / Rick (16" logs) | Approx. 42.6 cubic feet | 4 ft high x 8 ft long x 16 in deep | 200 to 250 split logs |
| Half Cord (1/2 Cord) | 64 cubic feet (stacked) | 4 ft high x 8 ft long x 2 ft deep | 300 to 400 split logs |
| Full Standard Cord | 128 cubic feet (stacked) | 4 ft high x 8 ft long x 4 ft deep | 600 to 800 split logs |
| Small Retail Bundle (Grocery) | Approx. 0.75 cubic feet | Shrink-wrapped firewood bundle | 4 to 6 small split logs |
Weight, Vehicle Hauling, and Pickup Truck Capacities
A major advantage of buying a quarter of a cord of wood is that it can be hauled home in virtually any standard consumer pickup truck or small utility trailer in a single trip. The weight of firewood varies considerably based on timber species and moisture seasoning. A quarter cord of well-seasoned softwood (such as pine or spruce) weighs between 500 and 700 pounds, while dense seasoned hardwood (such as oak, hickory, or maple) weighs between 800 and 1,200 pounds.
Even a small compact pickup truck—such as a Ford Maverick, Toyota Tacoma, or Chevrolet Colorado—with a standard 1,200-to-1,500-pound payload rating can safely transport a quarter cord of seasoned hardwood without overloading rear suspension springs. When stacking the wood into a 5-to-6-foot truck bed, a quarter cord fills the bed slightly below or level with the top of the bed rails, eliminating the danger of loose logs tumbling onto the highway during transit.
Review estimated weights and vehicle hauling guidelines for a quarter cord of wood:
| Wood Species & Seasoning | Quarter Cord Weight Range | Vehicle Bed Volume Fit | Recommended Transport Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seasoned White/Red Oak | 900 to 1,150 lbs | Level with 6 ft bed rails | Midsize or full-size pickup truck (Tacoma, F-150) |
| Seasoned Sugar Maple / Ash | 850 to 1,050 lbs | Level with 6 ft bed rails | Midsize or full-size pickup truck |
| Seasoned Douglas Fir / Pine | 550 to 750 lbs | Level with 6 ft bed rails | Compact truck, midsize SUV with utility trailer |
| Unseasoned 'Green' Oak (Wet) | 1,200 to 1,500 lbs | Fills bed to rails; heavy | Full-size pickup truck (F-150 / Silverado 1500) |
| Kiln-Dried Hardwood | 750 to 950 lbs | Clean, dry, bug-free fit | Enclosed cargo van or pickup with bed cap |
In contrast, hauling a half cord or full cord requires heavy-duty three-quarter-ton trucks (F-250) or dual-axle landscape trailers, making the quarter cord the ultimate DIY-friendly haul.
Pricing, Burn Duration, and Storing Your Quarter Cord
On average, a quarter of a cord of seasoned hardwood costs between $80 and $160 when picked up locally, or $130 to $220 delivered to your driveway. Kiln-dried specialty hardwood runs slightly higher ($175 to $275). While purchasing by the quarter cord carries a slightly higher price per log than buying multiple full cords, it is dramatically cheaper than buying commercial grocery store bundles (which cost $6 to $10 for a tiny 0.75 cubic foot bundle, translating to over $300 for a quarter cord).
For typical recreational use—lighting a crackling hearth fire three nights a week during autumn and winter weekends—a quarter cord lasts approximately eight to twelve weeks (providing 150 to 200 split logs). Storing a quarter cord is simple: a standard six-foot metal tubular firewood rack fits neatly against an exterior garage wall, patio, or porch. Keep the stack elevated four inches off the ground, leaving open sides for airflow while covering only the top from rain.
Avoid storing unseasoned wood directly against home siding to prevent wood-boring insects and termites from migrating into building walls.
How to Stack and Store a Quarter Cord of Wood in 5 Steps
Follow these five homeowner steps to neatly stack and season a quarter cord of firewood.
Assemble a 6-Foot Metal Firewood Rack
Place a tubular steel rack on level patio pavers or concrete 4 inches away from home exterior siding.
Create Stable End Towers with Criss-Cross Logs
Stack logs at both outer ends in alternating perpendicular layers to form stable vertical bookend pillars.
Stack Center Logs Bark-Side Up
Place split logs parallel between end towers with split faces exposed to air and bark facing upward to shed water.
Cover Only the Top Layer with a Tarp
Fasten a narrow tarp or metal cover over the top logs, leaving all four sides open for continuous air drying.
Inspect Moisture with a Digital Meter
Test log center cores before burning to ensure moisture levels remain below 20% for clean, soot-free combustion.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: How many cubic feet is a quarter of a cord of wood?
A quarter of a cord is exactly 32 cubic feet of tightly stacked firewood (one-fourth of a 128-cubic-foot full cord).
Q2: What are the dimensions of a quarter cord of wood?
A common stack configuration is 4 feet high by 6 feet long by 16 inches deep (4' x 6' x 16"), which equals 32 cubic feet.
Q3: How many logs are in a quarter cord of firewood?
A quarter cord typically contains between 150 and 200 standard 16-inch split logs.
Q4: Will a quarter cord of wood fit in a pickup truck?
Yes, a quarter cord easily fits into any 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, or 8-foot pickup truck bed, sitting level with or below the bed rails.
Q5: How much does a quarter cord of wood weigh?
Seasoned hardwood weighs between 800 and 1,150 pounds, while seasoned softwood weighs between 550 and 750 pounds.
Q6: How long will a quarter cord of wood last?
For weekend fireplace or outdoor fire pit burning (2-3 fires per week), a quarter cord lasts roughly two to three months.
Q7: How much does a quarter cord of wood cost?
It typically costs $80 to $160 for local pickup, and $130 to $220 delivered to your driveway.
Q8: Is a face cord the same as a quarter cord?
No, a standard face cord (4'x8'x16") is roughly 42.6 cubic feet (one-third of a cord), making it about 33% larger than a quarter cord (32 cu ft).
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding quarter of a cord of wood 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.