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FAQs

  • What causes creosote buildup in chimneys?

    Creosote forms when smoke from wet wood or inefficient fires condenses in chimneys, creating a dangerous, flammable tar-like deposit.

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  • Is moldy firewood safe to burn?

    Surface mold on firewood is safe to burn, though it indicates excessive moisture. Brush it off before burning and improve storage to prevent recurrence.

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  • What size should firewood pieces be?

    Firewood should typically be 16 inches long and split to 4-6 inch diameter. Measure your fireplace or stove to confirm the right size before ordering.

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  • What is kiln-dried firewood?

    Kiln-dried firewood is dried in heated chambers to 10-15% moisture in days, burning hotter and cleaner than air-seasoned wood.

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  • What questions should I ask when ordering firewood?

    Ask about exact cord measurements, wood species, moisture content, piece size, delivery details, and pricing to ensure quality firewood at fair prices.

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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.