If you have a fireplace or an outdoor fire pit, you may be looking to buy some firewood. Ask any reputable provider of tree services in Winder, GA, and they will tell you that firewood is often sold in quantities called cords. But just how big is a cord of firewood? This rough form of measurement has been around for centuries, although it specifically measures 128 cubic feet by modern standards.
Determining the Amount of Firewood in a Cord
A cord has nothing to do with the weight of the firewood in question. Instead, it refers to the amount of space the logs take up. When stacked, a cord will occupy roughly 128 cubic feet.
The dimensions of a cord of wood can vary, depending on how you stack it. The most common dimensions are 8 feet by 4 feet by 4 feet, although some people stack their wood in a 24-by-4-foot layout that’s 16 inches in depth. Regardless of how it’s stacked, it will always occupy the same overall volume.
When a company delivers a cord, the volume of 128 cubic feet is an estimate. Each log varies in size, depending on how it was split, so there is always some leeway to keep in mind.
Other Measurements Used When Ordering Firewood
So, how big is a cord of firewood, and is this your only option for ordering it? While it’s certainly common to see firewood being sold in cords, different volumes of logs exist to suit a variety of needs.
One of the most common measurements is a face cord, also called a rick, measuring about 42 or 43 cubic feet. A two-face cord has double the volume at about 84 to 86 cubic feet. A half cord of about 64 cubic feet may also be available.
Figuring Out How Much Firewood You Need
Understanding the volume of wood that’s in a cord might not help you. What you really want to know is: Do I really need that much?
An average homeowner who uses a wood-burning stove for heat in north-central Georgia would likely burn one to two cords each winter. Some people may burn less than a cord for a smaller home, while people with a larger house might burn four or five cords.
Someone who only uses a fire pit several times a year would burn far less than a cord.
Let Georgia Tree Removal Help With All Your Firewood and Tree Care Needs
How big is a cord of firewood, and do you really need to purchase that much at once? If you’re unsure, the experts at Georgia Tree Removal can help. We’ll discuss how you plan to use the firewood and help you decide on the perfect amount.
If you burn firewood to heat your house, you might need more of it delivered on a regular basis during winter. To get a free cost estimate for firewood or our expert tree care services, contact us today at (404) 396-4939.