Buying firewood can be confusing, especially with the varying ways it's measured. Two common units are the face cord and the full cord, and understanding the difference is crucial to avoid overpaying or receiving less wood than expected. This article will clarify the distinctions between a face cord and a full cord, helping you make informed decisions when purchasing firewood.
What is a Face Cord of Wood?
A face cord, sometimes called a "face cord of wood," is a stack of firewood that's typically 4 feet wide by 8 feet long, but only one cord in height (16 inches). This means you're only getting a fraction of a full cord. The height is the critical difference. The height of the pieces can vary significantly, leading to inconsistencies in the actual amount of wood received. This is why it's essential to clarify the wood length with the seller before purchasing a face cord. Shorter pieces will mean a face cord contains less wood volume than one with longer pieces.
What is a Full Cord of Wood?
A full cord of wood, or simply "cord," is a much larger quantity. A full cord is a stack that measures 4 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 8 feet long. This creates a standard volume of 128 cubic feet. This is a standardized measure, unlike the face cord. This ensures you're getting a consistent amount of wood regardless of the piece length.
How Much Wood is in a Face Cord Compared to a Full Cord?
A face cord is approximately one-third of a full cord. This means you'll need three face cords to equal roughly one full cord. However, as mentioned earlier, this is an approximation. The actual volume of a face cord depends heavily on the length of the wood pieces. Shorter pieces will yield a smaller volume despite filling the designated 4ft x 8ft area.
How many face cords equal a full cord? This is tricky! It’s not a simple 3:1 ratio. It depends entirely on the length of the wood. A face cord of 16-inch pieces will contain less wood than a face cord of 24-inch pieces.
Why the Discrepancy?
The inconsistency arises because a face cord doesn't adhere to strict dimensional standards for the height of the wood pieces. Sellers may stack wood loosely or tightly, significantly affecting the actual amount of wood you receive.
What to do to avoid confusion when buying firewood?
- Specify wood length: Before making any purchase, clearly communicate the desired length of the wood pieces. This ensures you're aware of what to expect volume-wise in your face cord.
- Ask for clarification: Always clarify whether the seller is referring to a face cord or a full cord. If unsure, ask them to explain the dimensions.
- Measure the wood: Upon delivery, measure the stack yourself to verify it meets the agreed-upon dimensions.
- Consider purchasing a full cord: If consistency is a priority, opting for a full cord ensures you receive a standard volume of 128 cubic feet.
What is a rick of firewood?
This term is sometimes used interchangeably with a face cord, but it's important to clarify the specific dimensions with your seller. While often similar in size to a face cord, it lacks standardized measurements and can vary significantly depending on local traditions and the seller's practices.
Which is more cost-effective, face cord or full cord?
Generally, a full cord will be more cost-effective per unit of wood than a face cord, even if the total price per face cord seems lower. You're guaranteed a consistent amount of firewood. The per-cubic-foot price of a full cord is usually less than that of a face cord. However, you do need the storage space to accommodate a full cord.
By understanding the differences between a face cord and a full cord, you can ensure you're getting the amount of firewood you need and paying a fair price. Remember to always communicate clearly with your seller to avoid misunderstandings.
