How Many Face Cords in a Full Cord of Wood?
The question of how many face cords are in a full cord of wood is a common one, especially for those new to buying and using firewood. The answer isn't a simple number, and it depends on the understanding of what constitutes a "face cord" and a "full cord." This article will clarify the differences and help you understand the volume calculations.
Understanding Cord Wood Measurements:
Before diving into the conversion, let's define the key terms:
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Full Cord (or Standard Cord): A full cord of wood is a stack of firewood measuring 4 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 8 feet long. This results in a total volume of 128 cubic feet (4ft x 4ft x 8ft = 128 cubic ft). This is the standard measurement used in the firewood industry.
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Face Cord: A face cord is a stack of firewood that is 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but the depth (thickness) of the wood is variable. This is where the confusion often arises. The depth of a face cord can range significantly, from a few inches to a full 16 inches. This makes it a less precise measurement compared to a full cord.
How to Calculate Face Cords in a Full Cord:
Since the depth of a face cord is variable, there isn't a fixed number of face cords in a full cord. To determine this, you need to know the thickness of the pieces of wood within the face cord. Let's illustrate with examples:
Example 1: Face Cord with 16-inch Depth:
If your face cord is 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 16 inches (1.33 feet) deep, the volume of one face cord is: 4 ft x 8 ft x 1.33 ft = 42.56 cubic feet.
To find out how many of these face cords are in a full cord, divide the volume of a full cord by the volume of one face cord: 128 cubic feet / 42.56 cubic feet ≈ 3 face cords.
Example 2: Face Cord with 12-inch Depth:
If your face cord is 4ft x 8ft x 1ft (12 inches = 1 foot), then the volume is 32 cubic feet. In this case, 128 cubic feet / 32 cubic feet = 4 face cords.
Example 3: Face Cord with 6-inch Depth:
With a 6-inch (0.5-foot) depth, the face cord volume is 16 cubic feet (4ft x 8ft x 0.5ft), and a full cord would contain 8 face cords (128 cubic feet / 16 cubic feet = 8).
Why is this important?
Understanding the difference is crucial to avoid being overcharged for firewood. Always clarify the measurement used when purchasing firewood. If the seller offers a face cord, ask about the depth of the wood to accurately assess the volume you're receiving.
What About Other Questions People Ask?
While the primary question focuses on the relationship between face cords and full cords, other related questions often arise:
How many cubic feet are in a face cord of wood?
As explained above, this is highly variable and dependent on the depth of the wood in the stack. There's no standard cubic footage for a face cord.
Is a face cord a good measure of firewood?
While convenient for quick estimates, the face cord is a less precise and potentially misleading measurement compared to a full cord. For accurate volume comparisons, stick to the full cord measurement.
How do I measure a face cord myself?
Measure the height (4 feet), length (8 feet), and depth (in feet) of your firewood stack and multiply these three measurements together to determine its volume in cubic feet.
In conclusion, while there's no fixed number of face cords in a full cord, understanding the volume calculations based on the depth of the face cord is key to fair pricing and accurate purchasing of firewood. Always ensure clear communication with your firewood supplier about the measurement type and dimensions involved.
