When we search “How much is a cord of wood near me” – we’re simply looking for the Cord of Wood “Price” and “Quantity” of Firewood we will get, for what the vendor is asking. While some sellers advertise what is a face cord of wood – Others offer what is a full cord of wood. What’s the difference?
How Much Is A Cord of Wood?
The universally accepted size of a full cord of wood is 4′-0″ deep x 4’=0″ high x 8′-0″ long, and a cord of wood costs between $300-450 US Dollars, not including any delivery charges.
We’ve all seen the advertisements when searching for a “cord of wood near me” – which can be vague or misleading in what they’re offering. Some wood sellers near you will advertise a price for a “pickup truck full of wood” – Ok, who’s pickup truck? – Is that a cord of wood price in 2021 for a full-size pickup or a small pickup truck?
What we’re really after is How much Is a Cord of Wood – In our area.
And if and when a space heater just won’t throw enough heat – You can find the right cord of wood for the right price.
Today we’ll show you “How to Avoid paying too much money for a Cord of Wood” and “How Large a Cord of Wood is”
How Much Does Firewood Cost?
The National average cost below shows the cost for Hardwood and Softwood species. Please keep in mind that market locations, weather conditions, and overall Supply and Demand (the competition) in your area can greatly affect annual firewood pricing.
Firewood Prices Per Type of Wood:
Hardwood
On average the Cost for “Hardwood” firewood (more expensive than softwood) should run between $300-$450 per full cord for Oak or Maple, with Hickory on the high side at $800 per cord, and Mesquite as low as $300 per cord. “Mixed” hardwood and softwood firewood should always be cheaper.
Softwood
The cost for just “Softwood” Firewood, such as Pine or Juniper should run between $200-$250/cord. Softwood is generally considered less desirable firewood, due to an inherent faster burning time, and creosote build-up that can lead to chimney fires, making it less popular for burning in an indoor fireplace. (See “Pine” below). In our opinion, if you’re searching for cords of firewood to heat up your indoor space – choose hardwood.
How much does it cost to deliver Firewood?
You can trim the price of your firewood purchase of course, by picking it up yourself. However, for those without a trailer or pickup truck, many firewood dealers near you will deliver firewood to your home.
For Local Firewood Delivery cost, expect that to vary greatly as well, anywhere from $100/load to FREE – All depending on the price the vendor is charging for the firewood itself.
How much is a “Face Cord” of Wood
For those wondering how much a Face Cord of wood cost vs. a Full cord of wood; The answer is pretty simple. As shown in our illustrations below a face cord is 16″ deep, in contrast, one full cord of firewood is 48″ deep. Therefore, a face cord should cost 1/3 of the price of a full cord of firewood.
How to Find Firewood For Sale Near Me
Our suggestion – First, become a savvy shopper for cords of wood for sale near me, learn how big a cord of wood is, and what it should cost, then once you find a trustworthy source, you can spend less time searching for firewood next season.
Some Services also provide Firewood Stacking onsite at your place – usually for an extra $20 – $30 bucks, but it might be worth it, as they will be forced to demonstrate the size of the stack is an actual “Cord” 🙂
How Much Is A Cord of Wood?
Some folks are concerned with “how many pieces of wood are in a cord”, however, that is a random number.
Instead, you simply need to know the “Typical Sizes” Firewood is sold.
To clear that up – Here are the Measurements for How much a Full Cord of Wood is, How much is a Half-cord of Wood is, How much is a 1/4 Cord of Wood is, How much is a Rick of wood is, and even How much is a Face cord of wood.
How big is a Cordof Wood? Answer: A Full Cord of wood is 4′ high x 4′ wide x 8′ in Length.
What a Cord of wood Is Not; It is not a weight or a shape. The weight of a cord of wood will vary depending on the type of wood you use.
The term cord does not apply to anything other than Wood. Bushels measure grains such as corn and wheat; pecks are for apples and pears, and of course, we buy our chicken by the bucket! 🙂
However, there are some parts of the world where they Do refer to a Full cord of wood as a Bush Cord (Canada?)
Other Sizes of Firewood (U.S. standards)
How Much is a Half Cord of Wood? Answer: A 1/2 Cord of wood is 4′ High x 4′ wide x 4′ Length
How much is a 1/4 Cord Of Wood? Answer: A 1/4 Cord of wood is 4′ High x 16″ wide x 6′ Length
I often see listings for sizes other than a traditional cord of wood, and it would be wise to learn what the other sizes of firewood for sale are exactly.
For Instance, for those of us who are wondering how much is a 1/4 cord of wood, it is only 32 cubic feet while a 1/2 cord of wood is 64 cubic feet. Quite a few retailers will offer a “face cord” of wood.
The term face cord of wood is a little tricky because it does not conform to exact measurements. Instead, it is the length and height of a full cord of wood, but a face cord is only one log deep (the cut logs are usually 16-18 inches long).
Thus, the face cord resembles a full cord, but only when viewing it from the front (or face), as a full cord or wood is 48″ deep.
If you need to add some “electrical” heat to your indoor spaces – check out the ten most efficient space heaters on the market.
Sometimes I find advertisements for a truckload of wood. While this is a very inaccurate measurement, we can make some sense out of it. Whether the truck is a short bed pickup truck with a 1/2 ton rating or just a small pickup with a 1/4 ton payload capacity, we should expect to find no more than a 1/2 cord of wood in the truck bed whether it has racks or not.
An extended bed pickup with a 1/2 or even 3/4 ton payload limit can still only hold about 1/2 cord of wood without racks, but with installed racks, the capacity should double, and a full load can be safely carried. Likewise, a standard 1-ton truck with high racks can take a full cord of wood.
Nevertheless, whenever I’m hauling my own wood, I’m always careful to estimate the weight and consult my owner’s manual to ensure that my truck can safely and legally carry the weight I’m loading into it.
What is a Face Cordof Wood? – Answer: A Face Cord of wood is 4′ High x 16 – 18″ Wide x 8′ Deep
How much is a face cord of wood? A lot of sellers will offer a “face cord” of wood, without explaining how big a face cord really is. All you need to know is that it is similar to a typical cord of wood, except it includes one row vs. two rows of firewood.
The term is a little tricky because it does Not conform to exact measurements. Instead, it is the length and height of a full cord of wood but only “One Log” Deep – not Two rows deep as is a Typical Cord of Wood.
Similar to a “Rick” of wood (the cut logs are usually 16-18 inches long). Thus, the face cord resembles a full cord, but only when viewing it from the front (or Face).
What is a Rick of Wood?
Occasionally you may stumble on someone advertising a “Rick” of firewood. The seller may have a size in his head, a rick is not considered a standard measurement. Instead, it merely describes the way the wood is stacked.
Like a face cord, a “Rick of wood” is also 4’ tall and x 8’ long in configuration, but its Depth should not be assumed. To be clear, a Rick of wood and a Face Cord of wood are usually interchangeable terms. Confirm with the sellers of firewood exactly what depth the Rick cord of wood is that they are selling.
You may, in addition, find a lot of advertisements for different kinds of wood, and a lot of different measurements for the size of the lots they’re selling. I encounter full cords, 1/2 cord of wood, 1/4 cord, face cords, truckloads, and ricks.
What is the Best Type of Firewood to Buy?
“Oak” – Firewood
Many are looking for oak firewood near me and for good reason. Oak has a strong density, which is why it’s often used for making a DIY workbench, as well as the best burning firewood.
For those who haven’t experimented much with different kinds of wood, Oak is a very dense wood that grows throughout North America and is probably the best option available.
The density of oak firewood makes it a slow burner that requires very little work to keep it going. The only trouble with Oak is getting the fire started, so using a little pine mixed in at first, can do the trick.
When I’m searching for firewood near me, I sometimes have a choice between Red and White Oak. From my experience, I would say that the White Oak burns a little better and possesses a more pleasing aroma than the Red.
However, white oak can be more difficult to split than Red Oak, so if you do the splitting yourself, Red would be the better option.
If you’re good at working with wood and need some backyard privacy – check out the “Cheapest way to build a Wood Privacy Fence” – To build your own fence!
“Pine” – Firewood
Both Red and White pine is popular for firewood. On the positive side, pine splits and cures easily, starts, and burns quickly. Unfortunately, its high resin and sap content makes it messy and unpredictable. While the crackling and popping noise of the pine fire is charming, this noise results from the ignition of pockets of sap.
These sap pockets can spark and send flames outside of your fire and ignite on the carpet – simply put – Pine is ideal on snowy days and outdoor fires, but not for use indoors.
Though it exudes a pleasant aroma, Pine should not be burned inside. No matter how much trimming you do, of the pine needles, it is instead, the creosote sap that can lead to chimney problems.
Extra special care should be considered when burning pine. Creosotes can build up in the chimney, if not cleaned regularly and potentially cause a fire.
“Douglas Fir” – Firewood
Doug Fir is another excellent softwood that can be burned as firewood. When searching for firewood, I often encounter cords of Douglas Fir for sale. Though it doesn’t ignite as quickly or efficiently as pine, it is knot-free and conveniently splits in smaller kindling size chunks for fire starting.
While it generates more heat than some hardwoods, it is a low-density wood, so the oxygen content in the fire is elevated resulting in a faster burning fire.
“Maple” – Firewood
Whenever I’m looking for firewood, I often find Maple in abundant quantities. Maple is another excellent hardwood for fires that produce little smoke. However, I find it more difficult to split than Oak. Though it burns slower than Oak, it does so at a lower temperature.
“Birch” – Firewood
Birch is a quick starting hardwood that generates a lot of heat. Unfortunately, it also burns rapidly and requires more attention and maintenance. I try to use it as kindling or mix it with other logs for a more sustainable fire.
“Black Locust” – Firewood
One time when I was searching for firewood near me, I had the good fortune of stumbling across a cord of Black Locust. It forms hot coals as it burns and radiates sufficient heat for an extended period.
Moreover, the Black Locust coals eventually consume themselves and leave very little ash to clean up. However, while burning, Black Locust tends to pop and throw sparks, and some users complain that its aroma is unpleasant.
Black Locust firewood is rare, but can be found, and are native to Eastern North America.
The History of Firewood (For all you firewood Nerds)
Although firewood has been a part of the American tradition since its colonial days, the term “cord” has become as mysterious to most people as the distance of a furlong, the length of a fortnight, or the speed of a knot.
A comfy fire in the living room is one of the great pleasures of winter, and while artificial logs and gas fireplaces have encroached on firewoods honored position, the number of households in America that utilize firewood as the primary heating source is actually increasing.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, in 2012, approximately 2 and a half million homes relied on firewood as their primary energy source for home heating. This total had increased from only 1.9 million households in 2005.
Americans are buying a lot of firewood these days, and with all of the new buyers out there, the question gets asked more every year.
How Much is a Cord of Wood?
For folks who still need a little more “detail – here’s the whole story!
Etymological researchers have traced the term “cord” back to the 1300s when it began to be used to describe string or small rope composed of several different strands. The earliest record for the term of a cord of wood first appeared in the 1610s when wood was measured and sold by the length of the cord that bound it, though we have no record as to how long their cord was.
Official Size of a Cord of Wood:
A “cord” is an official measurement of volume that applies to “Fireplace and Stove Wood” that was most recently established at the 99th National Conference on Weights and Measures in 2014.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) later documented the conclusions of the conference in 2015 when they published the “Uniform Laws and Regulations in the Areas of Legal Metrology and Engine Fuel Quality.”
This process and documentation became known as the NIST Handbook #130 and was published in 2015. In section 2.4.1.1, NIST defined “Fireplace and Stove Wood” as “any kindling, logs, boards, timbers, or other wood, natural or processed, split or not split, advertised, offered for sale, or sold for use as fuel.”
In section 2.4.1.2, NIST described a “Cord” as “The amount of wood that is contained in the space of 128 cubic feet when the wood is ranked and well stowed. For the purpose of this regulation, “ranked and well stowed” shall be construed to mean that pieces of wood are placed in a line or row, with individual pieces touching and parallel to each other, and stacked compactly.”
This mandate means that both the buyer and seller should ensure that the wood is not stacked haphazardly to increase the volume. We all know that it is next to impossible to take a product out of a box and then make everything fit back into it.
Looking for a fantastic 4 ft. Rack to hold your firewood? Check this one out!
More Firewood History?
Some of us might still be thinking to ourselves, “OK, this is all very interesting, and I appreciate the information, but I have a hard time picturing 128 cubic feet of something. Exactly how much is a cord of wood?” Cubic feet is actually quite simple to both calculate;
Square footage refers to the product of the length times the width of some space, so a cubic measurement merely adds one more dimension to the equation. We need to multiply the length x width x height to get our 3-dimensional measurement.
While this configuration could theoretically be put together in any number of configurations, most professionals I find selling firewood near me will assemble a cord 4 feet wide, 8 feet long, and 4 feet high. However, if the wood is short lengthwise, it might be better to arrange it as 2 feet wide x 4 feet tall x 16 long.
Once you have your Firewood cut and in place – Check out how to build a DIY fire pit – The cheapest way!
It is not uncommon to hear stories of firewood buyers ordering a cord of wood and receiving a truckload. Some firewood sellers apparently think that they can offer a cord and deliver a large pile. Either through ignorance or malice, they are misleading their customers and engaging in fraud if their truckload doesn’t stack into a measured cord.
By the way, for those of you who would prefer to keep all Ten Fingers when cutting your firewood into Kindling, check out this Super Cool – and much safer tool you can use:
If you’re looking for an 8 ft. Rack to stack your firewood, Click Here for Price
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Firewood
How Much is One Cord of Wood?
The universally accepted size of One cord of wood is 4′-0″ deep x 4′-0″ high x 8′-0″ long when stacked.
How Much Does a Cord of Wood Weigh?
The weight of a cord of wood depends on the type of wood. Hardwood can weigh twice as much as pine, so a cord of Oak firewood is approximately 5,000 pounds while a softer wood, like Pine, can be as little as 2,500 pounds. The age and dryness of the firewood will also affect the weight.
How many pieces of wood are in a Cord?
There are approximately 450 pieces in a Cord of wood. This is of course, dependent on how the firewood has been split. We assume for this measurement a typical cord of wood is 4′-0″ deep x 4′-0″ high x 8′-0″ long, and that the logs have been “split in half” before stacking.
Can you Harvest Your Own Firewood?
If you’re in the mood to harvest vs. buy your own firewood, please check out our article best chainsaws for homeowners. If you do decide to gather your own wood, make sure you check with local authorities or landowners first, to get a permit or permission first.
Looking to Harvest your Own Wood? If you’re doing a lot of lumbering on your property, you may want to consider awood chipper shredder for easier cleanup.
How Do You Stack Firewood?
The simplest way of stacking firewood is to use the free-stack method. With this method, simply choose an open (for ventilation) area, and lay each log next to and on top of each other, forming a long row of firewood.
To maintain the height and configuration of the firewood stack, you can place two – 4 ft. poles in the ground at either end to support the stack, or use “crib ends”, alternating each row of logs to create a supporting structure.
In addition, we recommend stacking firewood well away from your house to dry and cure. While winter certainly kills them, wood attracts various bugs – including termites, which you definitely don’t want in your house. Keep your woodpile at least 50 -100 ft. from your home, and if possible, bring firewood indoors that is ready to burn.
Firewood Video: How To Properly Stack Firewood “Without Supports”
Where Can I Buy Firewood?
To hedge your bets against paying too much for firewood, use a search engine such as “Google” or “Bing” – An internet search engine Is simply the fastest way to find firewood in your area these days. You may also find good options for local firewood by word of mouth, stores that sell chainsaws, or wood splitters.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you determine How much is a cord of wood and Why to Heat with wood. To find the best possible deal for the available firewood near me, I am careful to consider all of the potential variables, and so should you. First of all, determine how much is a cord of wood.
Get at least two estimates from reputable dealers. Is the wood already pre-split into burnable pieces? This is a big one to ask! Will they deliver it, or do I need to pick it up? Thus, the advertised firewood prices near me are only a starting point in my research for the best possible deal for the money I’m spending.
Additional Reference & Reading:
- Tips on Storing and Drying Firewood – Cornell University
- Another fun DIY Project – How to Build Your Own Corn Hole Board Set” – BestHomeGear.com
- Firewood Primer – Which Wood Burns Best: BobVilla.comTree Branches in Your Way?
- The “Best Cordless Pole Saw” at Amazon – BestHomeGear.comEasy Yard Clean Up – “The Best
- 5 Best Cordless Leaf Blowers You Can Buy” – BestHomeGear.com
FAQs
How much is a standard cord of wood? ›
The average price for a cord of wood is $300. Most people pay between $150 and $500, but prices could go as high as $700. Prices depend on location, type of wood, and the wood's type of cut. Seasoned wood, or wood that's dry, will also cost more.
How many pieces of wood are in a full cord? ›The standard length for a piece of firewood is 16 inches. But some companies use 14-inch pieces and others use 18 inches. Here at Lumberjacks, we always cut our kiln-dried firewood to the standard 16 inches. Typically, a full cord will contain somewhere between 600 and 800 pieces of firewood.
What does a 1/2 cord of wood look like? ›A half cord of firewood is 4 feet wide by 4 feet high by 4 feet deep. Historically each piece of wood in the cord was cut to four-foot lengths and the user would then cut it down to fireplace size.
What's the difference between a cord and a face cord of wood? ›The two most common ways to measure firewood. Is by the full cord or the face cord. The difference
How many pickup truck loads is a cord of wood? ›With racks this truck bed holds approximately 1 (one) cord of wood. Four load tickets required. Standard Truck -- 1 ton With high racks this truck bed holds approximately 1 1/2 (one and a half) cords of wood.
Will a cord of wood fit in a pickup? ›Consumers should be on their guard, because a pick-up cannot hold a cord of firewood. An 8-foot truck bed can hold one-half of a cord while a 6-foot bed can barely hold one-third of a cord.
How many trees does it take to make a cord? ›Here are some examples: It would take 50 trees 4 inches in diameter, 10 trees 8 inches in diameter, or 3 trees 14 inches in diameter to make a cord of wood.
How long cord of wood will last? ›A full cord of firewood can last as little as 5 or 6 weeks or as much as 10 or 12 weeks. If wood is the sole fuel-type you're using to heat your house in the wintertime (no gas or electric heaters helping reduce wood usage), you can expect a full cord of wood to last no more than six weeks.
How many cords of wood do I need for winter? ›“The standard rule of thumb is that a 1,000-square-foot home will use three cords of wood for a season,” she says. “If your wood burning stove is super high-efficiency, or if you live in a more moderate climate, you may need less.”
How long does it take to season firewood? ›Spring is a good time to start seasoning firewood, as it takes at least 6 months to reach optimum dryness. This means if you start in April, you can have it ready to go by the first cold October nights.
How many splits make a cord of wood? ›
As you can imagine, the number of pieces in a cord will vary depending on the tree's thickness when felled, how it's split, and even how tightly it's stacked. With this in mind, an approximate figure for the number of wood pieces in a full cord is between 600 and 800 or 200 to 266 for a face cord.
How long does it take to stack a cord of wood? ›Stack your wood in a sunny, airy spot. If the logs aren't neatly stacked, air won't circulate between them and they'll remain moist, and won't burn nicely. It can take up to six months for wood to dry completely [source: California Energy Commission]. We will now learn how to stack a cord of wood correctly.
How many pallets of wood is a cord? ›Question: Is a pallet of wood comparable to a cord or half a cord? Answer: A pallet of our wood equals approximately 1/3 of a cord. However, we have found over the years that people measure cords differently. Our pallets consist of 110-120 pieces.
What size is a full cord of wood? ›Firewood is sold by a measurement called a "cord." A cord must equal 128 cubic feet. To be sure you have a cord, stack the wood neatly by placing the wood in a line or row with individual pieces touching and parallel to each other, making sure that the wood is compact and has as few gaps as possible.
What is another name for a cord of wood? ›A cord is a unit used to measure the dry volume of firewood, and the size of a cord of firewood is 4' wide, 8' wide and 4' deep. A cord can also be known as a full cord of firewood or a bush cord, while a face cord of firewood can be smaller in size.
What is a truck full of wood called? ›A logging truck or timber lorry is a large truck used to carry logs.
Why plank of wood is used to load a truck? ›The wooden plank acts like a simple machine. Instead of carrying such a heavy object, it is easier to use a simple machine so that less work is done.
How far can wood hang out of a truck? ›How far can lumber hang out of truck? Lumber can hang out three feet in front of your vehicle, four inches to the side, and four feet behind your vehicle per DOT regulations. If the lumber extends any more than this it needs to be properly marked to warn other drivers.
What's the best wood for burning? ›Hardwoods such as maple, oak, ash, birch, and most fruit trees are the best burning woods that will give you a hotter and longer burn time. These woods have the least pitch and sap and are generally cleaner to handle.
Can I fit an 8 foot piece of wood in my car? ›How To Haul Lumber In A Small Car - YouTube
Can you put 16 ft lumber in pickup? ›
How To Haul 16 Foot Boards In Your Truck - YouTube
How many trees does it take to make a cord of firewood? ›Here are some examples: It would take 50 trees 4 inches in diameter, 10 trees 8 inches in diameter, or 3 trees 14 inches in diameter to make a cord of wood.
How many pallets of wood is a cord? ›Question: Is a pallet of wood comparable to a cord or half a cord? Answer: A pallet of our wood equals approximately 1/3 of a cord. However, we have found over the years that people measure cords differently. Our pallets consist of 110-120 pieces.
How much is a cord of wood in NH? ›| 1/8 of a cord, (16 cu ft) | $325.00 |
|---|---|
| 1/6 of a cord, (21.333 cu ft) | $399.00 |
| 1/4 of a cord, (32 cu ft) | $599.00 |
| 1/3 of a cord, (42.666 cu ft) | $798.00 |
The measurement "cord" is used to refer to a quantity of wood, specifically a stack of 128 cubic feet or 4 by 8 by 4 feet. A half-cord is, self-evidently, half this amount or 64 cubic feet.
Can firewood get too old? ›Firewood can be stored for approximately four years without any issues. Burning slightly older wood is better because green, freshly cut firewood does not burn as well. To get the most of your firewood over time, store the wood raised off the bare ground in a sheltered location.
Is it OK to burn rotted wood? ›Can You Burn Rotten Firewood? You can - but it's not recommended. Rotten wood is not only less dense than solid wood, meaning it won't produce as much heat, but it can produce creosote and gum up your chimney because rotten wood is typically wet.
How long should it take to stack a cord of wood? ›Stack your wood in a sunny, airy spot. If the logs aren't neatly stacked, air won't circulate between them and they'll remain moist, and won't burn nicely. It can take up to six months for wood to dry completely [source: California Energy Commission]. We will now learn how to stack a cord of wood correctly.
How long should a cord of wood last? ›A full cord of firewood can last as little as 5 or 6 weeks or as much as 10 or 12 weeks. If wood is the sole fuel-type you're using to heat your house in the wintertime (no gas or electric heaters helping reduce wood usage), you can expect a full cord of wood to last no more than six weeks.
How do you store a cord of wood? ›Firewood is best stored outside. It should be stored neatly, with the outside of the wood exposed to the air. If possible, you should place the wood on top of plastic sheeting or in a wooden log store. Avoid tree cover if possible and don't leave the logs in a heap.
How big is a full cord of wood? ›
Firewood is sold by a measurement called a "cord." A cord must equal 128 cubic feet. To be sure you have a cord, stack the wood neatly by placing the wood in a line or row with individual pieces touching and parallel to each other, making sure that the wood is compact and has as few gaps as possible.
How much is a cord of wood in Maine? ›How much will I pay for firewood? Prices for firewood in Maine currently run between $250 and $300 per cord for seasoned wood that is cut, split and delivered.
How much does a cord of wood cost in Alaska? ›A cord of wood varies in price from $200–$300 per cord. The wood I received was split; $250 per cord.
How much is a cord of wood in Kentucky? ›| State | Cost of Cord | Cost of Bundle |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $250 | $4 |
| North Carolina | $250-$300 | $4 |
| California | $350-$550 | $5 |
| Alabama | $250 | $4 |
Hardwoods such as maple, oak, ash, birch, and most fruit trees are the best burning woods that will give you a hotter and longer burn time. These woods have the least pitch and sap and are generally cleaner to handle.
How many splits make a cord? ›If you're looking for the short answer, there are approximately 700 pieces of wood in a cord. The exact number of pieces will vary somewhat depending on how the wood is split, the level of moisture in the wood, and the particular wood species.
How many cords of wood do I need for winter? ›“The standard rule of thumb is that a 1,000-square-foot home will use three cords of wood for a season,” she says. “If your wood burning stove is super high-efficiency, or if you live in a more moderate climate, you may need less.”