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Firewood by the Cord

 
A Cord of Firewood

Introduction:

Buying firewood by the cord is the standard way firewood is purchased. A cord of wood dimensions can be any dimension of stacked wood that will add up to 128 cubic feet. Wood that is not stacked and instead thrown into a loose pile has more air space between the spaces so it would require different measurements.  

The common dimension of a cord of firewood is 4′x4′x8', or 128 cubic feet. But there are many different dimensions that will add up to 128 cubic feet. For examples; a pile that measures 2x4x16 or 1x4x32 equal 128 cubic feet.

Using full feet for the width can be a problem since standard length for pieces of firewood is usually 16 to 20 inches. So a stack of 16″ firewood can only be 16″ wide or a multiple of 16.

When stacking firewood with standard 16″ pieces of firewood, the width of the dimension will be based on the number of stacks or rows.

  • Stack row = 16″ wide

  • 2 stack side by side rows = 32″ wide

  • 3 stack side by side rows = 48″ or 4′ wide.

The standard 4x4x8 dimension (a cord) would be 3 stacks 4′ high and 8′ long.

The cord quantity by volume based on the number of stacks.  These dimensions assume you have 16″ pieces stacked 4′ high.

  • 1 stack = 16″x 4′ wide x 24′ long

  • 2 stacks = 32″x 4′ wide x12′ long

  • 3 stacks = 4′ x 4′ x8′

  • 4 stacks = 64″ x 4′ x 6′

These measurements assume there is no space between the stacks. If you have space between the stacks for air circulation, the space must be factored in. Generally allow 10% for airspace. Therefore a 128 cubic foot stack less 10% air spacing would be 128 – 12.8 = 115.5/128 = 90 % of a cord.

A cord of wood dimensions will be different if the wood is not stacked. In a loose pile of wood the wood pieces will be in a random pile so they will take up more space than pieces stacked together. It’s difficult to get an accurate measurement with a random pile of wood. You should use approximately180 cubic feet for a cord of wood dimensions of an un-stacked pile of wood.

Always buy firewood by the cord or fraction of a cord and you will know exactly what you are getting for your money.

Related articles:

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How to Buy a Wood Stove

How to Start a Gas Fireplace

Installing a Wood Burning Fireplace Insert

Starting Fireplace Fires

Wood Burning Fireplace Problems

Wood Burning Stove

Wood Heat Cost Comparison

Wood Pellet Stoves

 
 For more DIY information Check out these Resources
Book 1 Deck Book Masonry Book
 

 

 


 

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