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A cord is the standard unit of measurement for firewood in North America, defined as a neatly stacked pile measuring 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet of wood, air, and bark. This measurement has been standardized to ensure fair pricing and accurate quantities when buying firewood.
Understanding cord measurements is crucial because sellers sometimes use confusing terminology. A full cord (128 cubic feet) should not be confused with a face cord, rick, or stove cord. A face cord typically measures 4 feet high and 8 feet long but only 16 inches deep (the length of one piece of wood), giving you roughly one-third of a full cord. Some sellers intentionally use vague terms to make smaller quantities seem comparable to full cords.
When purchasing firewood, always ask specifically how many full cords you’re buying and what the dimensions will be when stacked. A pickup truck bed typically holds about 1/3 to 1/2 of a cord depending on the truck size and how the wood is stacked. This means you’d need 2-3 pickup loads to equal one full cord.
The actual usable wood in a cord varies based on how tightly it’s stacked and the wood species. Straight, uniform pieces stack more efficiently than crooked or irregular pieces, potentially giving you more actual wood volume. However, when properly stacked, a cord should always occupy 128 cubic feet of space.
For pricing perspective, cord prices vary significantly by region, wood type, and whether it’s seasoned or green. Always compare prices based on full cord measurements rather than vague units, and consider having firewood delivered and measured at your location to ensure you receive the amount you paid for.