Firewood is commonly measured and sold in standard units of volume, rather than by weight or individual piece size. These units are defined by specific dimensions when the wood is stacked.
Standard Firewood Measurement Units
While individual pieces of firewood typically have a standard length (often around 16 inches), the overall quantity is measured using terms like a "cord" or "face cord." These units represent a specific volume of wood when stacked. The reference provides dimensions for several common quantities.
Common Firewood Quantities and Their Stacked Dimensions
The following table outlines standard measurements for various quantities of firewood based on the provided reference:
Quantity Name | Stacked Dimensions |
---|---|
Travel Cord | 4′ x 4′ x 16″ |
Face Cord | 8′ x 4′ x 16″ |
Half Cord | 12′ x 4′ x 16″ |
2 Face | 16′ x 4′ x 16″ |
Full Cord | 24′ x 4′ x 16″ |
These dimensions represent the length, height, and depth of the stacked firewood, respectively. The depth dimension (16″) typically corresponds to the length of the individual pieces of firewood.
Understanding the Dimensions
- Length (e.g., 8′): The horizontal span of the stacked wood.
- Height (e.g., 4′): The vertical rise of the stacked wood.
- Depth (e.g., 16″): The length of the firewood pieces themselves, stacked front-to-back.
Based on the reference dimensions, a Full Cord (24′ x 4′ x 16″) is equivalent to three Face Cords (8′ x 4′ x 16″), as 3 times 8 feet equals 24 feet in length while maintaining the same height and depth. Similarly, a Half Cord (12′ x 4′ x 16″) represents one and a half face cords, and "2 Face" (16′ x 4′ x 16″) represents two face cords. The Travel Cord (4′ x 4′ x 16″) appears to be half the dimensions of a Face Cord in terms of length and height, representing a smaller, more portable quantity.
These measurements are crucial for understanding the volume of firewood being purchased or sold, ensuring both buyers and sellers agree on the quantity.