Cordwood Covers and Face Cord: Understanding Firewood Storage Methods
In this article, we will go over the storage uses of cordwood covers and face cord measurements, and a few ways to best deal with your firewood throughout the seasons.
What's the Difference Between Firewood and Cordwood?
The distinction may not seem significant to most people. Logs are logs, right? Well, not exactly. For those making frequent use of their fireplace, knowing what separates these two kinds of fuel can save you hundreds of dollars on cleaning costs.
Cordwood are firewood logs cut and split into conveniently sized pieces that are easy to carry or stack in a wood pile. They're what you see being sold at stores. The term actually comes from the "cord" or string used to tie the logs into a bundle. Firewood, on the other hand, is simply any wood intended to be burned.
Why Choose Cordwood?
While either functions well enough, cordwood is easier to store and seasons faster than unsplit logs. This means your fires will burn more efficiently and cleaner, preventing dangerous creosote from building up in your chimney. You can read up on the proper way to season kiln-dried firewood in our previous blog post.
Understanding Cord Measurements
However, "cord" doesn't just indicate a type of log, it's also a unit of measurement. How much firewood is in a cord of wood? Typically, between 600 and 800 pieces. More specifically, it is however much fits into a 4 feet high x 4 feet wide x 8 feet long pile of firewood, or 128 cubic feet. If you want to purchase a consistent amount of wood, buying a full cord of firewood is your best option. That way, you're guaranteed to always receive the same volume of fire logs regardless of their individual size.
What Is a Face Cord?
If a full cord is a bit much for your needs, you can always purchase a smaller amount called a "face cord." While a face cord also measures 4 feet high x 8 feet long, widths can vary. This means the volume can range anywhere between a half a cord to a third depending on the seller, so make sure you ask for exact measurements before buying. A face cord is a common firewood storage option when you only need a smaller stack of firewood.
Firewood Size and Storage Tips
To compare the sizes correctly, always check whether the seller is offering a full cord, a face cord, or another stack size. A standard firewood rack can help you estimate how much wood you’re getting, especially if the pieces are stacked 4-ft high and kept neatly aligned. Many other things attribute to firewood storage as well, such as moisture content, environment, etc. Read through our other detailed blogs for more information on those topics.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between firewood and cordwood? Firewood is any wood intended to be burned, while cordwood is firewood that has been cut and split into conveniently sized pieces for easy carrying and stacking.
- Why is cordwood better than unsplit firewood? Cordwood is easier to store, seasons faster, and burns more efficiently and cleanly, reducing dangerous creosote buildup in your chimney.
- How much firewood is in a cord? A standard cord of wood typically contains between 600 and 800 pieces and measures 4 feet high x 4 feet wide x 8 feet long.
- What is a face cord? A face cord measures 4-ft high x 8-ft long but has a variable width, meaning its volume can range from one-third to one-half of a full cord depending on the seller.
- Should I buy a full cord or a face cord? Buy a full cord if you need a consistent, guaranteed volume. Choose a face cord if you need a smaller amount, but always ask for exact measurements before purchasing.
- How many face cords equal a full cord of wood? It depends on the seller’s stack width, but in many cases it takes about two to three face cords to equal one full cord of firewood.
- How long will a face cord of wood last? That depends on how often you burn, the size, and the amount of firewood you use, but a face cord may last a few weeks to a couple of months for regular fireplace use.
- How much is a face cord compared to a cord of wood? A face cord is smaller than a full cord and usually equals about one-third to one-half of the amount of wood in a full cord, depending on how deep the stack is.
