Understanding wood measurements can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to determine how much wood you’re actually getting for your money. Terms like “cord,” “face cord,” and “rick” are often used interchangeably, but they represent different volumes of wood. Getting a clear understanding of these terms is crucial for anyone who buys firewood for heating or recreational purposes. This article will focus specifically on the face cord and discuss what it means in terms of the number of pieces you can expect to receive.
Defining the Face Cord: A Slice of the Cord
The term “face cord” is where much of the confusion begins. A face cord is technically not a standardized unit of measurement. It’s often referred to as a “rick” or “fence cord,” and its volume depends entirely on the length of the individual pieces of wood.
Think of a full cord as a stack of wood that’s 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long. A face cord, then, is a stack of wood that is 4 feet high and 8 feet wide, but the depth (the length of the individual pieces) is variable. This variability is the crucial factor that affects how many pieces are in a face cord.
The Importance of Wood Length
The length of the wood pieces is the defining factor that determines the volume of a face cord. The shorter the pieces, the less wood you get in a face cord compared to a full cord. Common lengths for firewood are 12 inches, 16 inches, 18 inches, and 24 inches.
If the wood pieces are 16 inches long, then a face cord is one-third of a full cord. This is because 16 inches is one-third of 4 feet (48 inches). If the wood pieces are 12 inches long, then a face cord is one-quarter of a full cord.
Why Face Cords are Problematic
Because the volume of a face cord is dependent on the wood length, it is considered a less precise and sometimes misleading unit of measure compared to a full cord. Dishonest sellers can exploit this ambiguity by selling a stack of wood that appears large but is actually significantly less than a full cord, especially if the wood pieces are shorter than advertised. Always confirm the wood length before buying a face cord.
Calculating the Volume of a Face Cord
To determine the actual volume of a face cord, you need to know the length of the individual pieces. Once you have that information, you can calculate the volume in cubic feet. A full cord is defined as 128 cubic feet.
The formula for calculating the volume of a face cord is:
Volume = Height x Width x Length
Remember to convert all measurements to the same units (usually feet). A standard face cord is 4 feet high and 8 feet wide, so the height and width are always 4 and 8, respectively. Only the length changes depending on the piece size.
For example, if you have a face cord with 16-inch pieces:
Volume = 4 feet x 8 feet x (16 inches / 12 inches per foot) = 42.67 cubic feet
Since a full cord is 128 cubic feet, this face cord represents approximately one-third of a full cord (42.67 / 128 ≈ 0.33).
Estimating the Number of Pieces in a Face Cord
Estimating the number of pieces in a face cord is not an exact science. The actual number will vary depending on several factors, including the size and shape of the individual pieces, how tightly the wood is stacked, and the presence of gaps between the pieces. However, we can make reasonable estimates based on average piece sizes and stacking density.
Factors Affecting the Number of Pieces
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Piece Size and Shape: Larger diameter pieces will naturally take up more volume, meaning fewer pieces in a given volume. Irregularly shaped pieces will also affect the stacking density.
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Stacking Density: Tightly stacked wood will result in more wood (and therefore more pieces) per cubic foot compared to loosely stacked wood. The presence of large gaps will significantly reduce the number of pieces.
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Wood Species: Different wood species have different densities. A denser wood, like oak, will have more mass per piece compared to a less dense wood, like pine. This density difference, however, does not directly affect the number of pieces, but it does affect the overall weight and BTU output of the face cord.
Estimating the Average Piece Volume
To estimate the number of pieces, we need to estimate the average volume of a single piece of firewood. Let’s assume an average piece has a diameter of 6 inches and a length matching the face cord length. We’ll use the formula for the volume of a cylinder:
Volume = π * (radius)^2 * length
Where π (pi) is approximately 3.14159, radius is half the diameter, and length is the length of the firewood piece. Remember to convert all units to feet.
For a 6-inch diameter (0.5 feet diameter, 0.25 feet radius) and 16-inch length (1.33 feet) piece:
Volume = 3.14159 * (0.25 feet)^2 * 1.33 feet ≈ 0.26 cubic feet per piece
Calculating the Approximate Number of Pieces
Now that we have the volume of the face cord (e.g., 42.67 cubic feet for 16-inch pieces) and the estimated volume of a single piece (e.g., 0.26 cubic feet), we can estimate the number of pieces. However, remember that wood stacking is never perfectly efficient. There are always gaps between pieces. We need to account for this “void space.” A reasonable estimate for void space in a well-stacked cord of wood is around 30-40%. Let’s use 35% as an example.
Adjusted Face Cord Volume = 42.67 cubic feet * (1 – 0.35) = 27.74 cubic feet of solid wood
Approximate Number of Pieces = Adjusted Face Cord Volume / Volume per Piece
Approximate Number of Pieces = 27.74 cubic feet / 0.26 cubic feet per piece ≈ 107 pieces
Therefore, a face cord with 16-inch pieces might contain approximately 107 pieces, assuming an average piece size of 6 inches in diameter and a 35% void space.
Number of Pieces Based on Length
Here is an estimated range of pieces depending on the wood length, assuming similar conditions (6-inch average diameter, 35% void space):
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12-inch pieces: A face cord (which is one-quarter of a full cord in this case) would have a volume of 32 cubic feet. Adjusted for 35% void space, this is 20.8 cubic feet of solid wood. Assuming the same 6-inch diameter, the volume per piece is approximately 0.196 cubic feet. Therefore, you might expect around 106 pieces (20.8 / 0.196).
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18-inch pieces: A face cord with 18-inch pieces has a volume of 48 cubic feet. Adjusting for 35% void space leaves 31.2 cubic feet of solid wood. The volume per piece is approximately 0.294 cubic feet. Thus, you could anticipate roughly 106 pieces (31.2 / 0.294).
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24-inch pieces: A face cord with 24-inch pieces has a volume of 64 cubic feet. Accounting for 35% void space results in 41.6 cubic feet of solid wood. With a volume of about 0.393 cubic feet per piece, you might expect about 106 pieces (41.6 / 0.393).
It is important to note that this calculation provides an estimate. A larger diameter and shape of firewood can change the number of pieces.
Why the Piece Count is Less Important than the Volume
While it’s interesting to estimate the number of pieces in a face cord, it’s crucial to understand that the total volume of wood is the most important factor when purchasing firewood. The number of pieces is simply a reflection of how that volume is divided. A face cord with fewer, larger pieces may contain the same amount of wood as a face cord with more, smaller pieces.
What truly matters is that you are receiving the agreed-upon volume of wood for the price you are paying. To ensure you are getting a fair deal, focus on verifying the dimensions of the stack (height, width, and length) and ensuring that the wood is stacked reasonably tightly.
Tips for Buying Firewood
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Ask for a Full Cord: If possible, purchase firewood by the full cord. This is a standardized unit of measurement, reducing the ambiguity associated with face cords.
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Verify the Dimensions: If buying a face cord, clearly confirm the length of the wood pieces with the seller before making a purchase. Use a tape measure to verify the height and width of the stack.
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Consider Stacking Density: Pay attention to how tightly the wood is stacked. Large gaps indicate that you are getting less wood than you think.
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Check for Seasoning: Ensure the firewood is properly seasoned (dried) before buying. Seasoned wood burns more efficiently and produces less smoke.
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Compare Prices: Shop around and compare prices from different firewood suppliers to ensure you are getting a fair deal.
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Measure it Yourself: After delivery, take some time to measure the stack of wood to ensure you received the correct volume.
Conclusion: Knowledge is Key
Buying firewood doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By understanding the different units of measurement and the factors that affect the volume of wood, you can make informed purchasing decisions and avoid getting shortchanged. While estimating the number of pieces in a face cord can be a helpful exercise, remember to focus on the overall volume and ensure you are receiving the amount of wood you are paying for. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and verify the dimensions of the wood stack before making a purchase. By being a savvy buyer, you can ensure you have plenty of firewood to keep you warm throughout the heating season.
What exactly is a face cord of wood and how does it differ from a full cord?
A face cord, sometimes called a rick or a stove cord, is a stack of wood that is 4 feet high and 8 feet wide, but its depth can vary depending on the length of the firewood pieces. It’s essentially a single row of firewood stacked to these dimensions. The depth of the face cord is determined by the standard length of the cut firewood, which is usually 12, 16, or 18 inches, but can sometimes be other sizes too.
A full cord, on the other hand, is a much larger and standardized measurement of wood. A full cord is a stack of wood that measures 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet. Therefore, a face cord will contain significantly fewer pieces of wood compared to a full cord since its depth is usually much less than the 4 feet depth of a full cord.
How many pieces of wood are typically found in a face cord?
The number of pieces in a face cord depends on the length and diameter of each piece of firewood and the overall stacking efficiency. There isn’t a fixed number. A face cord is defined by its dimensions (4 feet high and 8 feet wide, with variable depth) not by a specific count of pieces. Smaller diameter pieces, for example, will result in more pieces per face cord.
However, we can estimate. A face cord that is 16 inches deep, for example, is one-third of a full cord. If a full cord is loosely estimated to contain between 600 and 800 pieces, a 16-inch face cord could contain between 200 and 267 pieces. Keep in mind this is just an estimate and the actual number can vary greatly.
What factors influence the number of pieces in a face cord of firewood?
The most influential factor is the average size and shape of the individual pieces of firewood. Thicker, larger-diameter logs will naturally mean fewer pieces are needed to fill the same volume compared to thinner, smaller-diameter pieces. The more consistent the pieces are in size, the more accurate your estimation will be of how many fill the space.
Another key element is how tightly the wood is stacked. A loosely stacked face cord will have more air gaps and therefore require fewer pieces to achieve the 4-foot by 8-foot dimensions. Conversely, a tightly packed face cord, with pieces closely fitted together, will require more pieces to fill the same space. The level of splitting and irregularities in shape affects the efficiency of stacking.
How does the length of the firewood affect the number of pieces in a face cord?
The length of the firewood directly determines the depth of the face cord. Firewood is often cut to standard lengths like 12, 16, or 18 inches. A face cord with 12-inch long pieces will have a smaller volume than one with 18-inch long pieces.
Consequently, the number of pieces required to make a face cord varies proportionally with the length. A longer piece length will result in fewer pieces of wood overall to reach the 4-foot by 8-foot face. In summary, shorter lengths of firewood mean you’ll need more pieces to create a face cord than with longer cuts.
Is buying a face cord cheaper than buying a full cord, and how do the prices compare?
Yes, purchasing a face cord is generally less expensive upfront than buying a full cord because a face cord represents a smaller quantity of wood. The price reflects this smaller volume. However, it’s essential to compare the price per unit of volume to determine if it’s actually a better deal.
A face cord’s price is heavily influenced by local firewood markets and the seller. To make an informed decision, calculate the cost per cubic foot for both the face cord and a full cord. Divide the price of each by their respective volumes (a full cord is always 128 cubic feet). If the price per cubic foot is lower for a full cord, it’s the more economical option, even though the initial cost is higher.
What are some tips for accurately measuring a face cord of firewood?
First, make sure the stack of wood is truly 4 feet high and 8 feet wide. Use a measuring tape to verify these dimensions carefully. Uneven ground or poorly stacked wood can easily distort these measurements.
Second, accurately measure the length of the individual pieces of firewood that make up the depth of the stack. Measure multiple pieces and take an average to account for slight variations in length. This depth measurement is critical for determining the actual volume of the face cord. Ensure the pieces are stacked tightly and neatly for accuracy.
Why is it important to understand wood measurements when buying firewood?
Understanding wood measurements protects you from being shortchanged by a seller. Knowing the difference between a face cord and a full cord, and how to calculate their volumes, allows you to assess whether you are getting a fair amount of wood for your money. This knowledge empowers you to compare prices from different sellers and make an informed purchase.
Furthermore, understanding the specific needs of your wood-burning appliance (stove, fireplace, etc.) requires precise wood measurements. Buying the right amount of wood for your heating needs is crucial for efficiency and preventing wood waste. Knowing what to expect when receiving your wood delivery can prevent future surprises.