A rick of wood is defined as a stack of firewood that is four feet tall and eight feet long with 16 inch long logs. It is also known as a face cord and has about 300 medium size logs.
Generally, the rick of wood or face cord is available in 24, 16, and 12-inch options. It clearly means that all the firewood logs within the referred stack will be of the same aforementioned length.
A campfire will use about 5 logs per hour. A bonfire much more.
Generally, the cord of wood is a stack four feet high and the same width; however, it can be eight feet long. Whereas, a rick is defined as a fraction of a full cord that can be 48 inches wide. If we compare ricks to cords, the 12-inch-wide rick is somewhere equal to a quarter of cord, 16-inch rick can be compared to a third of a wood cord; whereas, the 24-inch-wide rick is almost equal to the half cord of wood.
Key Differences Between a Rick of Wood and a Full Cord
- Size: The main difference between a rick of wood and a full cord is their size. A rick of wood has a varying depth based on the log size, while a full cord has a consistent depth of 4 feet.
- Volume: A full cord has a fixed volume of 128 cubic feet, whereas the volume of a rick of wood varies depending on the depth of the logs. For example, if a rick has a depth of 16 inches, its volume would be about 42.6 cubic feet, while a rick with a depth of 24 inches would have a volume of approximately 64 cubic feet.
- Price: Since a full cord contains more firewood than a rick, it is generally more expensive. However, the price per unit of volume may vary depending on factors such as wood type, region, and season.
- Usage: A rick of wood is a more practical unit of measurement for residential use, as it takes up less space and is easier to handle than a full cord. A full cord is better suited for commercial or large-scale residential use.
Comparison
- Rick of wood:
- Dimensions: Typically 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and around 16 inches deep (depth can vary)
- Size comparison:
- A rick of wood is roughly the size of two standard 4-foot-wide bookcases placed side by side and filled with firewood.
- The depth of a rick of wood (16 inches) is slightly longer than the height of three 2-liter soda bottles stacked on top of each other.
- Full cord of wood:
- Dimensions: 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet deep
- Size comparison:
- A full cord of wood is similar in size to a compact car parking space, with the firewood stacked 4 feet high.
- The volume of a full cord (128 cubic feet) is about the same as the space occupied by 32 standard 30-gallon plastic storage bins.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between a rick of wood and a full cord depends on your specific needs and requirements:
- Space: Consider the storage space available for your firewood. A rick of wood takes up less space than a full cord, making it more suitable for smaller storage areas.
- Usage: Estimate how much firewood you’ll need for the season based on your heating requirements and usage patterns. If you require a smaller amount of firewood, a rick may be more appropriate, while a full cord may be better if you need a larger quantity.
- Budget: Take your budget into account when deciding between a rick of wood and a full cord. Keep in mind that while a full cord may be more expensive upfront, it may offer a better value per unit of volume.
Compare different firewood quantities and measurements.
Full Cord
A full cord, or simply a cord, is the standard unit of measurement for firewood. It measures 4 feet high by 8 feet long by 4 feet deep, which equals 128 cubic feet of firewood. A full cord is suitable for commercial or large-scale residential use, and it typically provides a better value per unit of volume.
Rick of Wood (Face Cord)
A rick of wood, also known as a face cord, is a smaller unit of measurement for firewood. It typically measures 4 feet high by 8 feet long, with a varying depth based on the size of the logs, usually 16-24 inches. The volume of a rick of wood depends on the depth of the logs, making it less consistent compared to a full cord. A rick of wood is more practical for residential use due to its smaller size.
Half Cord
A half cord is another unit of measurement for firewood, representing half of a full cord. A half cord measures 4 feet high by 4 feet deep by 8 feet long, totaling 64 cubic feet of firewood. This measurement is suitable for those who require less firewood than a full cord but more than a rick of wood.
Quarter Cord
A quarter cord is a smaller firewood quantity, equivalent to one-fourth of a full cord. It measures 4 feet high by 2 feet deep by 8 feet long, equaling 32 cubic feet of firewood. A quarter cord is an excellent option for those with limited storage space or who require a smaller amount of firewood for the season.
Bundles and Stacks
Bundles and stacks of firewood are smaller quantities typically found at retail stores, gas stations, or grocery stores. These smaller quantities are more suitable for occasional use or for those who only need a small amount of firewood for a short period. One bundle has about 6 pieces and is tied up for easy carrying. I usually bring 2 bundles of wood for a 2 hour long campfire.
There are about 800 logs in a cord of firewood. The exact number varies with the size of logs. If the logs are larger then there may be 400, and if smaller there may be 1200.
A Cord is a volume measurement, 4ft x 8ft x 4ft deep. A log is usually 16 inches long, so 3 make 4ft.
A face cord is 4ft x 4ft x 16 inches or 1/3 of a full cord and is about the same a rick of wood, has about 300 pieces. A bundle has about 6 pieces.
Factors Influencing the Weight of a Rick of Firewood
- Type of wood: Hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory are denser and generally weigh more than softwoods like pine, spruce, or fir.
- Moisture content: Seasoned firewood (dried) will weigh less than green (freshly cut) firewood due to the moisture loss during the drying process.
- Size of logs: The weight of a rick can also be influenced by the size and shape of the logs, as well as the stacking method used.
Estimating the Weight of a Rick of Firewood
As a rough estimate, the weight of a rick of firewood can range from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds, depending on the factors mentioned above.
Transport with pickup truck:
- Truck bed size: Make sure your truck bed can accommodate the size of the rick. A standard rick of firewood is 4 feet high by 8 feet long. Most full-size pickup trucks can handle this size with the tailgate down, but it’s a good idea to measure your truck bed dimensions to be sure.
- Weight capacity: The weight of a rick of firewood can vary up to 3,000 pounds, depending on the type of wood and moisture content.
Tips for Managing Your Firewood Supply
- Understand your needs: Estimate how much firewood you’ll need for the season based on your heating requirements and usage patterns. This will help you plan your firewood purchases and storage needs more effectively.
- Choose the right type of wood: Depending on your heating preferences and equipment, consider the type of wood that best suits your needs. Hardwoods generally provide more heat and burn longer, while softwoods can be easier to split and ignite.
- Store your firewood properly: Make sure to store your firewood in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct contact with the ground. This will help prevent moisture and decay, ensuring that your firewood is ready for use when needed.
- Season your firewood: Seasoned firewood burns more efficiently and produces less creosote, which can build up in your chimney and create a fire hazard. Allow your firewood to dry for at least six months to a year before using it.
FAQs About Storing a Rick of Firewood
Q: How should I store my rick of firewood?
A: Store your firewood in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct contact with the ground. Use a firewood rack, pallets, or treated lumber to elevate the wood, and cover the top with a tarp or custom cover to protect it from rain and snow. Ensure the sides remain open to allow for airflow so it will last up to 4 years before rotting.
Q: How long should I season my firewood?
A: It’s recommended to season your firewood for at least six months to a year before using it. This allows the moisture content to decrease, resulting in more efficient burning and less creosote buildup in your chimney.
Q: Can I store firewood indoors?
A: It’s generally not recommended to store large quantities of firewood indoors, as it can introduce pests and create potential fire hazards. However, you can store a small amount of firewood indoors for immediate use, ensuring that it’s free of pests and well away from any heat sources.
Tips for Storing a Rick of Firewood
- Choose the right location: Select a spot for your firewood storage that is easily accessible and far enough away from your home to minimize pest issues and fire risks.
- Stack firewood properly: Stack firewood in a way that promotes air circulation, allowing moisture to evaporate and preventing decay. Avoid stacking firewood directly against walls or fences, as this can trap moisture and promote rot.
- Rotate your firewood: Use the oldest firewood first, and rotate your stock to ensure that the oldest wood is always used up before the newer wood.
- Inspect for pests: Regularly inspect your firewood for signs of pests, such as termites or carpenter ants, and take appropriate action if any are found.
Buying rick of wood:
The weight of the rick of wood usually depends upon the size and the type of firewood that you have selected. The red oaks and white oaks are usually heavier than other wood types. The heavier rick of wood can be around two or half tons in weight.
On the other side, the lighter types of firewood can be spruces and the full cord may weigh around a ton and a quarter. Generally, the weight of a rick of wood can range from 650 lbs to 3000 lbs on the higher edge.
When we talk about seasoned wood, it can have 550 to 650 pieces that require splitting over a single wooden cord. The count usually depends upon how well the pieces are cut and how tightly they are packed. In a rick of wood, you can find almost 275 to 325 pieces of wood. You can compare to a bundle that typically has 5 logs.
The price of the rick of wood generally depends upon the location and the vendor. If you buy a face cord or rick of oak, the price may be somewhere between $160 to $280. Compare to the price of a bundle. Prices may also vary based on the type of wood you choose such as maple, red oak and black locust, etc.
The term rick is originated from the old English word that represents stack or pile. It mainly represents farm-related stacks including hay, corn, and wood, etc.
You might have heard about various types and sizes of firewood available with retailers; the list includes face cords, cord, half cords, quarter cord, quarter face, and eight of the cord.
These factors tell you if firewood logs are seasoned:
- Dull color
- Lighter weight
- Woodsy smell
- Loose bark
- Cracks
Energy Content
Oak:Rick BTU: 7.3 to 8 million BTUs
Hickory:Rick BTU: 8 to 9 million BTUs
Maple:Rick BTU: 6.3 to 7.3 million BTUs
Birch:Rick BTU: 6.7 to 7 million BTUs
Cherry:Rick BTU: 5.7 to 6.7 million BTUs
Ash:Rick BTU: 6.3 to 6.7 million BTUs
Walnut:Rick BTU: 4.7 to 5 million BTUs
Pine:Rick BTU: 5 to 5.3 million BTUs
Spruce:Rick BTU: 4.3 to 4.6 million BTUs
Poplar (Cottonwood):Rick BTU: 4 to 4.3 million BTUs
