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FAQs
A face cord and a full cord represent dramatically different quantities of firewood, yet sellers sometimes use these terms interchangeably to confuse buyers. Understanding this distinction protects you from overpaying and ensures you receive the wood volume you actually need.
A full cord is the legal standard measurement: 128 cubic feet of stacked wood measuring 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long. This volume includes the wood, bark, and air spaces between pieces. Federal and state regulations recognize this as the official unit for firewood sales.
A face cord (also called a rick or stove cord) typically measures 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but only 16 inches deep—the length of one piece of firewood. This gives you approximately one-third of a full cord, or about 42-43 cubic feet. The exact volume depends on how wood is cut, as some sellers cut pieces to 12 inches, 16 inches, or 18 inches.
The confusion arises because a face cord presents the same 4-by-8-foot face as a full cord when viewed from the front. Unscrupulous sellers exploit this visual similarity, advertising a face cord at prices that seem comparable to full cords elsewhere. Buyers assume they’re getting a standard cord and discover too late they’ve paid full cord prices for one-third the wood.
Always clarify what you’re buying by asking for total cubic feet or the complete dimensions including depth. Reputable sellers will clearly state measurements and use full cords as their standard unit. If someone quotes only a “cord” price, ask explicitly: “Is this a full cord—128 cubic feet?”
Calculate the actual cost per full cord when comparing prices. If a face cord costs $100 and equals one-third of a full cord, you’re actually paying $300 per full cord—potentially much more than buying directly by the full cord from an honest supplier.