Cord of Wood Weight: How Much Does It Weigh?

The term “cord of wood” has been used since the early 1600s. Initially, a “cord” referred to an actual rope tied around a neatly stacked bundle of wood to measure and regulate its quantity. This ensured buyers received a fair amount of firewood.

The term is still used today, but many people don’t fully understand its meaning or the amount of wood it represents. This lack of awareness can sometimes lead to misleading sales, where sellers may provide less wood than a full cord while still labeling it as one. While different types of wood have their units of measurement, the term “cord” refers explicitly to firewood, making it essential to know how much a cord should weigh and measure.

How Much Wood is in a Cord?

The amount of wood in a cord depends on how it is measured and stacked. A standard full cord is 128 cubic feet, typically stacked in an 8-foot-long, 4-foot-high, and 4-foot-wide pile. However, the volume of wood you receive can vary depending on how tightly it is stacked and whether the wood is split or in round logs.

Some people mistakenly refer to a “rick” of wood as a cord, but they are different. A rick is simply a stack of firewood, often one-third or one-half of a full cord, depending on the length of the logs. Another misleading term is “face cord,” which refers to a single stack of wood measuring 8 feet long and 4 feet high but only as deep as the log length, usually 16 inches. Since a full cord requires three stacks of 16-inch logs, a face cord contains only about one-third of a full cord’s volume.

Buyers unfamiliar with these terms might mistakenly purchase a face cord, thinking it is a full cord, or compare prices without realizing the difference. Some sellers may offer a cord with only two stacks of 16-inch logs instead of three, claiming the logs are cut longer to make up the difference. However, for the stack to indeed equal a full cord, the logs must be 24 inches long—not just 18 or 20 inches.

The way the firewood is stacked also affects the total volume. A properly stacked cord should have minimal air gaps, with pieces arranged to maximize space efficiency. However, if wood is loosely stacked, it may appear to take up the same space while containing less actual firewood. Understanding these differences can help buyers ensure they get what they pay for when purchasing firewood.

How Much Does a Full Cord of Firewood Weigh?

The weight of a full cord of firewood varies significantly based on the type of wood and its moisture content. A full cord can weigh anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds. The most significant factor influencing weight is moisture—freshly cut (green) wood is much heavier than seasoned (dried) wood due to its high water content.

Moisture Content & Wood Weight

Fresh-cut wood can contain up to 50% moisture, adding over 1,000 pounds to its total weight. Properly seasoning firewood by allowing it to dry for 6 to 12 months significantly reduces its weight. However, if seasoned wood is exposed to rain, it can reabsorb moisture, preventing it from thoroughly drying. Splitting wood speeds up drying since moisture escapes more quickly through the cut ends than through the bark.

Firewood Weight Chart: Green vs. Seasoned

Here are the approximate weights of common firewood types:

Wood Type	Green (lbs/cord)	Seasoned (lbs/cord)
Apple	4,850	3,888
White Ash	3,952	3,472
Birch	4,312	2,992
Cherry	3,696	2,928
Cottonwood	4,640	2,272
Douglas Fir	3,319	2,970
Maple	4,585	3,680
Red Oak	4,888	3,528
White Pine	3,600	2,250
Spruce	2,800	2,240
Walnut	4,584	3,192
Willow	4,320	2,540

The difference in weight between green and seasoned firewood is entirely due to water loss. Wet wood is more complicated to burn, creates excess smoke, and produces less heat than properly dried firewood.

Firewood Weight & Transport Considerations

When purchasing firewood, it’s important to factor in how much your vehicle can carry. A half-ton pickup truck is only designed to hold about 1,000 pounds—meaning a full cord of wet red oak (weighing over 4,800 pounds) would require at least five trips to transport safely. Additionally, due to space limitations, most full-size truck beds can only hold about half a cord at a time.

Consider purchasing seasoned wood or splitting it before hauling to make transportation easier. Proper planning ensures you get the right amount of firewood without overloading your vehicle.

Not All Firewood Burns the Same: Understanding Heat Output & Efficiency

Different types of wood vary in moisture content and weight, as well as in density and heat output. Denser hardwoods generally produce more heat per log, making them more efficient for burning. The heat energy a type of wood provides is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), which determines how much warmth a full cord can generate.

Heat Output of Common Firewood Types

Wood Type	Heat Output (Million BTUs per Cord)
Apple	27.0
White Ash	24.2
Birch	20.4
Cherry	20.2
Cottonwood	17.9
Douglas Fir	20.3
Elm	19.5
Maple	25.5
Mulberry	25.8
Red Oak	24.0
White Pine	14.3
Spruce	15.5
Sycamore	19.1
Walnut	21.1
Willow	16.0

Choosing the Best Firewood for Heat Efficiency

Hardwoods such as oak, maple, and mulberry burn hotter and longer due to their higher density. However, they can be more challenging to ignite. Many experienced firewood users start fires with softwoods like pine or fir, which ignite quickly, and then add hardwood logs to maintain a steady, long-lasting burn.

Cost Considerations

The price of firewood varies depending on location, availability, and season. On average:

• Off-season firewood (spring or summer) costs between $120 and $280 per cord.
• Peak-season firewood (winter months) can cost double due to higher demand.

The cost per BTU should also be considered when purchasing firewood. While hardwoods may be more expensive upfront, they offer better long-term value due to their higher heat output and longer burn time. Understanding these differences can help you select the most efficient and cost-effective firewood for your heating needs.