Firewood by Cord: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

Firewood is a great way to heat your home, enjoy cozy nights by the fireplace, or keep a campfire burning bright. But if you’ve ever tried to buy firewood, you may have come across the term “firewood by cord.”

This can be confusing, especially if you don’t know what a cord is or how much wood you really need. In this article, we’ll break everything down in a simple way so you can make the best choice before buying.

What Is Firewood by Cord?

A “cord” is a unit of measurement used to sell firewood. When you buy firewood by cord, you’re getting a set amount of wood. One full cord of firewood measures 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long. That’s 128 cubic feet of stacked wood.

But be careful! Not all sellers give a true full cord. Some may offer “face cords” or “ricks,” which are smaller. It’s important to ask exactly what you’re getting.

Why Firewood By Cord Matters?

Buying firewood by cord helps you get the best value. It lets you compare prices more easily and know how much wood you’re actually getting. If you don’t know how much a cord is, you might pay too much for too little wood.

When you understand firewood by cord, you won’t get tricked by confusing terms or uneven piles.

Types of Firewood Sold by Cord

Not all firewood is the same. Some types burn hotter, longer, or cleaner. Here are a few common types sold by the cord:

• Oak: Burns hot and long. Great for cold nights.
• Maple: Burns steadily. Good for indoor fireplaces.
• Birch: Easy to light. Burns quickly.
• Pine: Smells great but burns fast and can cause creosote buildup.

Ask what kind of wood is in the cord before you buy. You want to match the wood to your needs.

How to Store Firewood by Cord?

Once you buy your firewood by cord, you’ll need to store it the right way. Here’s how:

• Stack the wood off the ground using a rack or pallets.
• Keep it dry with a cover or tarp.
• Leave space between the logs for air to flow.

This helps the wood stay dry and ready to burn. Wet wood is hard to light and creates smoke.

How Much Firewood Do You Need?

The amount of firewood you need depends on how often you use it. Here’s a simple guide:

• Occasional Use: Half a cord may last a few months.
• Weekend Fires: One full cord might be enough for winter.
• Daily Heating: You may need 3 to 5 cords for the season.

Always plan ahead. It’s better to have too much than not enough.

How to Tell If a Cord Is Full?

Not sure if you got a full cord? Here’s what to do:

• Measure the stack: It should be 4x4x8 feet.
• Look for even stacking: Wood should be tight and neat.
• Count the rows: Some cords come in two or three rows.

If it looks small, ask the seller to explain. You deserve what you paid for.

Firewood by Cord vs. Other Ways to Buy

You can buy firewood by the bundle, truckload, or even by weight. But buying firewood by cord is usually better for big needs. Here’s why:

• Bundles: Good for quick fires but cost more per log.
• Truckloads: No clear size, so hard to compare.
• By Cord: Gives a clear, fair measure.

If you burn fires often, buying by the cord saves you money and time.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy Firewood by Cord

To make sure you get a good deal, ask these questions:

1. Is it a full cord?
2. What kind of wood is it?
3. Is the wood seasoned (dry) or green (wet)?
4. Will you deliver and stack it?
5. How long has it been drying?

These questions help you know if the firewood is worth the price.

How to Season Firewood by Cord?

Seasoned wood burns better than fresh wood. Here’s how to season firewood by cord:

1. Stack the wood in a sunny, breezy area.
2. Keep it off the ground and cover the top.
3. Let it dry for 6 to 12 months.

Dry wood is lighter and has cracks at the ends. It also makes a sharp sound when you hit two logs together.

Safety Tips For Using Firewood by Cord

Firewood is safe when used the right way. Here are tips to stay safe:

• Use dry wood to avoid smoke.
• Don’t burn painted or treated wood.
• Keep fires small and under control.
• Clean your chimney often.

This keeps your home warm and safe all winter long.

Benefits of Buying Firewood by Cord

Buying firewood by cord has many advantages:

• You get more wood for your money.
• It’s easier to plan for the whole season.
• You can check the wood before you buy.
• You avoid tricky sellers with unclear sizes.

If you use firewood a lot, this is the best way to buy.

Tips for Choosing the Right Seller

Picking a good firewood seller is important. Here’s how to choose:

• Read reviews online.
• Ask friends or neighbors.
• Look for clear pricing.
• Make sure they deliver what they promise.

A good seller will answer your questions and help you get the right firewood by cord.

Final Thoughts: Firewood by Cord Made Simple

Buying firewood doesn’t have to be hard. When you understand what firewood by cord means, you can shop smarter, save money, and stay warm all season. Remember to ask the right questions, pick the best type of wood, and store it the right way.

Now that you know what firewood by cord really means, you’re ready to make a smart buy. Happy burning!