A cord of wood is a standardized measurement equal to 128 cubic feet, whereas a rick (or rank) of wood is a non-standardized, smaller pile, usually measuring 4 feet high by 8 feet long by 16 inches deep. Understanding this difference is vital for fairly buying firewood and ensuring you get the volume you paid for.
Welcome to the workshop! One of the first head-scratchers for anyone starting to buy firewood is figuring out what these terms actually mean. You see listings for “a cord of wood” or sometimes just “a rick of wood,” and suddenly that simple purchase gets confusing. Don’t worry; this is common! Getting stuck between a rick of wood vs cord can lead to overpaying or ending up with less wood than you need for a cozy winter. I’m Meraj, and I’m here to make wood measuring simple, clear, and safe. Let’s clear up the confusion so you can confidently stack your firewood like a pro. We’ll break down these measurements piece by piece.
When you purchase firewood, you need to make sure you are getting the volume you agreed to pay for. In the world of seasoned firewood, we rely on standardized measurements that have been used for decades. The two main players you will encounter are the Cord and the Rick.
Knowing the exact difference between a rick of wood vs cord is not just about being knowledgeable; it’s about protecting your wallet and ensuring you have enough fuel for your stove or fireplace all season long. Let’s dive into the official standard first: The Cord.
Understanding the Cord: The Industry Standard
The cord is the legal, standardized volume measurement for stacked firewood across the United States and Canada. If you buy a cord, you know exactly what 128 cubic feet looks like, no matter who sold it to you. This standardization is important for fair trade, much like the standardized measurements used in construction lumber.
The Magic Number: 128 Cubic Feet
A full cord of wood is defined as a stack measuring 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long. If you multiply those dimensions (4 x 4 x 8), you get exactly 128 cubic feet.
Why this specific size? Historically, this dimension allowed wood haulers to utilize standard wagon and truck bed sizes relatively effectively generations ago. Today, it remains the benchmark.
It’s crucial to look at how the word “stacked” applies here. The measurement assumes the wood is neatly stacked—not just thrown loosely into a pile. Neatly stacked means the pieces are parallel, touching, and tightly fit together. This maximizes the volume you receive.
What Affects the Cord Measurement?
While the total volume is set at 128 cubic feet, the actual amount of wood fiber inside that volume changes based on two major factors:
- Wood Length: Standard firewood is typically cut to 16 inches for home stoves and fireplaces. If your wood is cut longer (say, 24 inches), you will need fewer pieces to fill that 8-foot length, meaning you might have slightly more air space, but the overall 128 cubic foot stack remains the same.
- Splitting Type: How well the wood is split matters. Tightly bucked and split pieces pack together better than large, rough rounds. The standardized measurement accounts for the inevitable air gaps between the pieces.
Decoding the Rick: The Smaller, Variable Pile
This is where the confusion often creeps in. A “rick” of wood—sometimes called a “rank”—is not a legally standardized unit everywhere. It is far more common in certain regions, particularly in areas that use shorter-length wood or where wood is sold in smaller quantities for intermittent heating.
What is a Rick of Wood?
The traditional definition of a rick is a stack that is 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but only 16 inches deep (or wide). This is often called a “face cord” in many areas.
If you calculate the volume of this standard rick: 4 feet (high) x 8 feet (long) x 1.33 feet (16 inches wide) = approximately 42.67 cubic feet.
In contrast, a full cord (128 cubic feet) is roughly equivalent to three standard ricks stacked on top of each other (though this varies slightly based on actual stacking efficiency).
| Measurement Type | Standard Height | Standard Length | Standard Depth | Total Volume (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Cord | 4 feet | 8 feet | 4 feet | 128 Cubic Feet |
| Standard Rick (Face Cord) | 4 feet | 8 feet | 16 inches (1.33 ft) | 42.6 Cubic Feet |
The Danger of Ambiguity
Because “rick” isn’t universally defined by law, trusting this term alone can be risky. Some sellers might call a random pile a “rick” just because it’s stacked 4 feet high and 8 feet long, regardless of depth. In some states or regions, particularly in the Northeast where wood is primarily stacked 16 inches deep, a “rick” is generally assumed to be that 1/3 cord size.
As a beginner, your goal should always be clarity. If a seller offers a rick, immediately ask:
- “How deep is this stack in inches?”
- “Could we measure it together before payment?”
A Rick of Wood Vs Cord: Direct Comparison
To make the relationship crystal clear, let’s compare these two terms side-by-side. When you are trying to figure out how much wood you need for heating, knowing that 1 cord = 3 face cords (ricks) is a great starting point.
| Feature | Cord | Rick (Traditional/Face Cord) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Volume | 128 Cubic Feet | Approximately 42.6 Cubic Feet |
| Legally Defined? | Yes (Nationally recognized standard) | No (Varies by region/seller) |
| Relative Size | The full, large unit | Usually one-third (1/3) of a full cord |
| Best For Beginners Buying | Large, predictable yearly supply | Smaller, trial batches or topping up |
How to Calculate Wood Volume Yourself: Empowerment Through Measurement
To avoid getting tricked or simply making a mistake, learning how to calculate the volume yourself is the best step you can take. This process is simple multiplication, and it works for any pile, whether it’s a cord or a rick!
The Simple Volume Formula
The formula for calculating the volume of any rectangular stack is:
Volume = Length (L) x Height (H) x Depth (D)
Crucially, you must use the same units for all three measurements. Since the standard cord uses feet, we will stick to feet.
Step-by-Step Measurement Guide
- Measure the Length (L): Measure the length of the stacked wood along the pile’s face, typically aiming for 8 feet. Record this in feet (e.g., 8.0 ft).
- Measure the Height (H): Measure the height of the stack from the ground to the highest stable point, typically aiming for 4 feet, or until the stack begins to lean significantly. Record this in feet (e.g., 4.0 ft).
- Measure the Depth (D): This is the critical measurement for distinguishing a cord from a rick. Measure the depth of the stack—how far back it extends from the front face.
- Convert Depth if Measured in Inches: If you measured the depth in inches (which is common), divide that number by 12 to convert it to feet. (Example: 16 inches deep divided by 12 = 1.33 feet).
- Calculate Total Cubic Feet: Multiply your three measurements together (L x H x D).
Example Scenario: Checking a “Rick”
You measure a stack advertised as a rick and find:
- Length = 8 feet
- Height = 4 feet
- Depth = 16 inches (which is 1.33 feet)
Calculation: 8 ft x 4 ft x 1.33 ft = 42.56 Cubic Feet.
This confirms you have a standard face cord (rick).
Example Scenario: Checking a “Cord”
You measure a stack advertised as a cord and find:
- Length = 8 feet
- Height = 4 feet
- Depth = 4 feet
Calculation: 8 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft = 128 Cubic Feet.
This confirms you have a full, standard cord.
Stacking Matters: Air Space and Density
Even when buying a full cord, the actual weight and heat value of the wood can vary because of how it’s stacked. Wood sold by volume must be stacked correctly for the measurement to hold true. This is especially important when dealing with green (unseasoned) wood versus seasoned, dry wood.
The Role of Seasoning
Seasoning is the process where wood loses its moisture content. Dry wood weighs less than green wood per cubic foot and burns much hotter and cleaner. If you buy 128 cubic feet of green wood, it might weigh significantly more than 128 cubic feet of seasoned wood. This isn’t a measurement error, but it affects your heating efficiency!
For safety and efficiency, always burn wood that has been seasoned properly. According to research from universities like Penn State Extension, proper seasoning can reduce fuel consumption and minimize creosote buildup in your chimney.
Stacking Tips for Accuracy
When setting up your storage area, try to mimic the standardized measurement to help you keep track:
- Use a Solid Base: Always stack wood off the ground using runners (like two parallel 4x4s). This prevents rot from ground moisture.
- Keep it Tight: Push the ends of the logs together whenever possible during stacking. The less air space, the closer your stack is to a perfect measurement.
- Mind the Length: If you are cutting your own wood to 14 inches instead of 16 inches, you can fit more pieces into the 8-foot length, but the resulting air pockets will increase. For best results in a standard cord, try to keep your cuts consistent.
Buying Firewood: Seller Reliability and Red Flags
As a beginner, spotting a reliable seller is half the battle. When you are on the phone discussing a purchase, remember that knowledge equals power.
Questions to Ask Every Seller
Before agreeing to a price, establish exactly what you are getting. Here are the key questions:
- How long is the wood cut?” (Standard is 16 inches.)
- “Is this wood seasoned (dry) or green (wet)?”
- “Can you confirm the stack dimensions? Is this a full cord (4’x4’x8’) or are you selling a face cord/rick (4’x16”x8’)?”
- “Will you stack it for me, and can I inspect the stack before the final payment is due?”
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Be cautious if a seller engages in any of the following:
- Refusal to Measure: A good seller is proud of their stack and welcomes measurement. If they refuse, move on.
- Vague Language: If they use terms like “a truckload,” “a big pile,” or refuse to define their “rick,” they are trying to avoid accountability.
- Unstacking the Wood: If they dump the wood loosely on the ground (called “unstacked” or “loose measure”), you are almost guaranteed to receive less wood than you would in a neat stack. Loose wood has huge air gaps!
Why Standardized Measurements Matter: Firewood Safety and Consumption
Understanding the difference between a rick and a cord impacts more than just your initial purchase; it affects your heating strategy. If you calculate you need one cord to last the winter, but you bought three “ricks” (thinking they were bigger), you will run out of wood quickly!
The US Weights and Measures Association Perspective
In the United States, weights and measures agencies regulate the sale of many commodities to protect consumers. The legal definition of a cord is often enforced by local departments of consumer affairs. Make sure that whichever state you purchase in, when you pay for a cord, you receive 128 cubic feet of stacked wood. For more information regarding consumer protection laws related to firewood sales, you can often check resources provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which supports state enforcement agencies.
Calculating Your Heating Needs
Estimating how much wood you need is tricky, but knowing your volume units helps:
- Small Season (Mild Winter/Occasional Use): You might only need 1 to 2 Ricks (Face Cords).
- Medium Season (Standard Home Heating): Most small to medium homes that rely on wood as a primary source need 2 to 3 full Cords.
- Heavy Season (Primary Heat Source/Large Home): Requires 4 or more full Cords.
Remember, these are general estimates. Species of wood (hardwoods like Oak burn longer than softwoods like Pine) and how high you keep your thermostat greatly influence these numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Firewood Beginners
Q1: If a seller says their wood is 16 inches long, does that make it a “rick”?
A: Not necessarily. 16 inches is the standard length for burning efficiency and fitting in most stoves, but the “rick” definition depends on the stack’s depth (usually 16 inches). A full cord can also contain 16-inch wood; it just needs to be stacked 4 feet deep.
Q2: Is a Face Cord the same as a Rick?
A: In most regions where the term “rick” is used, yes, they refer to the same standardized measurement: a stack that is 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 16 inches deep (about 1/3 of a cord).
Q3: What happens if I buy wood stacked loosely to fill a truck bed?
A: Loose wood measurement is highly variable and usually costs you more per usable BTUs. A standard cord measurement requires tight, parallel stacking. Loose wood can be up to 40% air space, meaning you are paying for a lot of nothing.
Q4: How do I know if the wood in the stack is truly seasoned?
A: Seasoned wood will have cracks (checking) on the ends, look grayish rather than bright brown, sound hollow when knocked together, and weigh noticeably less than newly split wood. Experienced burners often buy wood by volume but confirm quality by checking moisture content with a meter.
Q5: Can I call a “rick” a “shoulder”?
A: In some very specific local dialects, you might hear other terms used, like “shoulder,” but these are not standard. To keep things clear with any seller, stick to “Cord” and “Face Cord” or ask directly for the length, width, and height in feet.
Q6: What is the ideal way to stack wood for storage?
A: The ideal way is stacked in a shed or under a tarp that covers the top only. Always leave an air gap between the wood and the walls of the shed, and never stack wood directly against a house wall, as this encourages rot and attracts pests.