A cord of firewood is an unit of measurement that measure firewood based off volume. A standard cord of firewood must equal 128 cubic feet of firewood. To become a standard cord of firewood, the firewood must be stack to measure 8 feet in length, 4 feet in height and 4 feet in depth.
Because this are a measurement of volume, the air within firewood is also measured when determining 128 cubic feet of firewood. A pile of firewood look large because it has not been compressed into 128 cubic feet. Stacking it tight together can compress firewood.
What Is a Cord of Firewood?
In order to ensure you recieve a standard cord of firewood, you must measure the dimension of the firewood you intend to purchase. Smaller measurements of firewood exist in addition to cords. A half cord of firewood contain half of the volume of a standard cord of firewood and weigh less so it is easier to transport in a pickup truck.
A face cord do not have a standard volume measurement. The volume of a face cord of firewood is based on the surface area of the firewood pile. A face cord of firewood is only as deep as the log themselves and contains significant less firewood than a cord.
People often mistake a face cord of firewood for a cord of firewood and purchase less firewood then they intend to purchase. The type of wood you purchase will impact the amount of heat your firewood produce. Hardwoods such as oak and hickory contain more heat energy than softwoods.
Softwoods such as pine burn quick and produce fire quick, but do not retain the heat as long as hardwood fires. Hardwoods are also more efficient in the burning of firewood than softwoods. A cord of hardwood will burn longer than a cord of softwood.
The moisture content of the firewood will also impact the amount of heat it will produce. Green wood contains a high percentage of moisture and will be difficult to burn. Allow firewood to sit in the wood pile for six to twelve month to allow moisture to reduce to approximately 18%.
The way you stack your firewood will impact the quality of the firewood. You should store firewood on a set of railroad tie to allow for air circulation under the firewood stack. Air circulation will prevent the bottom logs from rotting.
Do not lean firewood against the wall in the fireplace because this will trap moisture in the firewood. Additionally, leave the side of the firewood open to allow it to dry. This will prevent the firewood from rotting and molding before it’s use.
Incorrect storage of firewood will lead to mold growth in the logs before they are use for firewood. Avoid using certain type of firewood in the fire. Never burn treated lumber as it produce toxic fumes when burned.
Avoid burning only softwoods in an enclosed fireplace as this will produce spark. Burning wet firewood will produce creosote in your chimney which can also start chimney fire. The appliance you use to burn firewood will impact how much firewood you burn during the winter month.
A wood stove that is sealed will require between 4 and 6 cord of firewood to last the winter months. An open fireplace will require less firewood than a sealed wood stove. Depending on the climate and the insulation of your home, you will require different amount of firewood for your fireplace.
By keeping track of the amount of firewood you burned during the last few winters, you can better manage your firewood need. Tools can help make the process of managing firewood easier. A moisture meter will tell you the moisture content of firewood.
This tool will eliminate the guesswork of knowing if your firewood is dry. Finally, always use a tape measure to measure the dimension of firewood before purchase.
