The measurement of bulk firewood in the United States and Canada relies on a traditional unit known as the cord. This unit provides a consistent standard for volume, quantifying the amount of wood available for purchase and burning. Unlike commodities sold by weight, the cord is a three-dimensional measurement that accounts for the overall space the stacked wood occupies. This system allows consumers and sellers to agree on a predictable quantity before delivery.
The Standard Definition of a Cord
A full cord of wood is a precisely defined volume used in commercial transactions. By law and industry standard, a full cord must occupy a total volume of 128 cubic feet. This volume is achieved when the wood is stacked to form a rectangular prism measuring 8 feet long, 4 feet high, and 4 feet deep.
The calculation of 128 cubic feet is based on the exterior dimensions of the stacked wood. When wood is stacked, the total volume includes the air space surrounding the individual logs. The actual solid wood content within this 128 cubic feet will vary depending on factors like log straightness and bark thickness. For the measurement to be accurate, the wood must be “ranked and well stowed,” meaning the pieces are stacked tightly and parallel to one another.
Understanding the Face Cord
In many regional markets, sellers frequently use terms like “face cord,” “rick,” or “rank” to describe quantities smaller than a full cord. This variation is the primary source of consumer confusion about the amount of wood purchased. A face cord maintains the familiar length and height of a full cord, typically measuring 8 feet long and 4 feet high.
The difference lies in the depth of the stack, which is determined by the length of the individual logs. Since most firewood is cut into pieces approximately 16 inches long, a typical face cord is 16 inches deep, unlike the 4-foot depth of a full cord. Because 16 inches is one-third of 48 inches (4 feet), a face cord usually represents one-third of the volume of a full cord. This means a face cord contains approximately 42 and two-thirds cubic feet, substantially less than the standard 128 cubic feet.
How to Verify a Full Cord
To ensure you receive the full 128 cubic feet of a standard cord, you must verify the dimensions of the delivered stack. Upon delivery, the wood should be stacked neatly and tightly, not loosely thrown into a pile. The three measurements—length, height, and depth—must be taken using a tape measure to confirm the volume.
The standard dimensions are 8 feet long, 4 feet high, and 4 feet deep, which confirms the total 128 cubic feet when multiplied. If the stack is arranged differently, such as 16 feet long by 4 feet high by 2 feet deep, the volume is still correct. The standard requires the wood to be “ranked and well stowed” to minimize air pockets, ensuring a loosely piled stack does not contain less solid wood.