What Exactly Is a Cord of Firewood?
If you’re living in a home with a wood-burning stove or fireplace or need a large amount of firewood for your business, you may decide to purchase a cord of firewood or more at a time. Firewood for sale often comes in predetermined quantities, including a commonly used unit of measurement called a “cord.” If you’re new to the firewood world, you’re in the right place. This article will provide a detailed explanation of what exactly a cord of firewood is and how to determine whether or not you’re getting a fair deal on your next firewood purchase.
Ready to pick up firewood for your home or commercial space now or need a small amount for a camping trip or other adventure? Come by the Koi Lagoon in Fort Collins, CO. We have a wide variety of firewood quantities available, including bundles, small bins, full cords, and more. You can also reach us by phone or online with any questions you may have about our firewood options.
What Is a Cord of Firewood?
For those who don’t deal with the firewood industry on a daily basis, the concept of a cord may be an unfamiliar one. Luckily, measuring out a cord of firewood is fairly simple: one cord of wood contains 128 cubic feet. Here at our shop, that means two of our largest firewood bins, which each measure four feet tall, wide, and deep; each one-half-cord bin contains 64 cubic feet of firewood.
What’s the Difference Between a Cord and a Face Cord?
If you research local individuals or companies offering cords of firewood, it’s important to recognize the difference between a cord of firewood and a face cord. Sometimes, what seems like the best firewood deal is actually not because the person or business is using the wrong terminology, offering what they call a “cord” when really the quantity is a “face cord.”
A cord and a face cord are very different quantities of firewood. Using the standard 16-inch pieces, a stacked cord of firewood contains three rows of wood within a four-foot by four-foot by eight-foot space for a total of 128 cubic feet. On the other hand, a face cord refers to the frontmost row of firewood, or the “face” of the wood, which measures out to be one-third of a cord or about 43 cubic feet.
How Can I Tell I’m Getting a Full Cord of Firewood?
If you’re looking for a large amount of wood, whether to use for heating your home or providing a fireside experience for your clients, purchasing a full cord at once may be the ideal option for long-term cost savings, but it’s essential to understand how much firewood you’re getting to ensure you get a fair price. Consider the following to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your cord of firewood:
Measure the Amount
Whether the firewood is offered in bins, trailers, boxes, or bags, you can measure the container to make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for or at least get a good estimate. To measure in inches, use this formula to calculate cubic feet:
( W” x L” x D” ) ÷ 1728 = Cubic Feet
Consider the Stacking Method
How the firewood is placed in the container also affects the amount of wood being offered. For example, we take the time to stack out our firewood into premeasured bins, ensuring the minimum amount of dead space. If the firewood is piled (not stacked) into a trailer, box, or bag, however, there is probably more air space between the pieces, and you may not be getting a full cord of firewood.
Where to Buy Firewood in Genuine Cords
If you’re wondering where to buy firewood in genuine cords, we have you covered. When we offer a cord of firewood, we mean all 128 cubic feet, and we also offer smaller amounts, including half-cords, quarter-cords, eighth-cords, and smaller quantities. Call or visit us today to take a look at our firewood for sale or to schedule a firewood delivery. You can also contact us online with any questions. We’re here to help!