How Many Pieces of Wood in a Face Cord? Unpacking the Fuzzy Math of Firewood
The question "How many pieces of wood in a face cord?" doesn't have a simple answer. Unlike a neatly measured cubic cord, a face cord is a much more ambiguous unit of firewood measurement. Its definition varies significantly depending on location and the seller's practices. This ambiguity leads to a lot of confusion, and unfortunately, there's no single, universally accepted number of pieces.
Let's break down why it's so difficult to give a precise answer and explore the factors involved.
What Exactly Is a Face Cord?
A face cord is typically defined as a stack of firewood that's 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but the thickness of the pieces is highly variable. This is the core issue. Some sellers might use pieces that average 4 inches thick, while others might use pieces that are 6, 8, or even 12 inches thick. The thicker the pieces, the fewer pieces you'll have in a face cord.
This lack of standardization means a face cord from one seller could contain significantly more wood than a face cord from another. You could easily have twice as much wood (or half as much) depending solely on the size of the individual pieces.
How Many Pieces? The Range of Possibilities
Given the variability in piece thickness, offering a specific number of pieces is misleading. However, we can provide a range, keeping in mind that this is a rough estimate and may vary considerably.
A face cord with thinner pieces (e.g., 4-6 inch average thickness) might contain anywhere between 60 to 100 pieces, while a face cord with thicker pieces (e.g., 8-12 inch average thickness) could contain as few as 20 to 40 pieces.
The species of wood also plays a minor role. Denser woods will typically have fewer pieces in a face cord for the same volume.
How to Avoid Confusion: Focus on Volume, Not Piece Count
To ensure you get what you expect, it's far more reliable to purchase firewood by the cubic cord rather than a face cord. A cubic cord is a standard unit of measure (4 feet x 4 feet x 8 feet), which eliminates the ambiguity of piece size and provides a consistent volume of wood.
If you're stuck buying by the face cord, take these steps:
- Ask about piece thickness: Before purchasing, explicitly ask the seller about the average thickness of the pieces they'll be using. This will give you a better idea of the approximate volume you're receiving.
- Carefully inspect the stack: Measure the height and length of the stack yourself to ensure it conforms to the advertised dimensions.
- Consider other factors: Wood species density, splitting quality (larger pieces are more dense), and the presence of bark also affects how much usable firewood you’ll get.
Why Do People Still Use Face Cords?
Despite its inherent ambiguity, the face cord persists mainly due to its convenience for smaller orders or for situations where precise measurement is less critical. It's often used for supplemental firewood, rather than the primary fuel source for an entire winter.
What is a rick of firewood?
While this article is focused on face cords, it is helpful to note that a rick of firewood is another ambiguous term. Similar to a face cord, a rick also lacks standardization and usually doesn’t specify the wood piece’s thickness. Therefore, it’s best to measure the rick using standard units like cubic feet or cubic yards to get a consistent measure.
In conclusion, while it's impossible to give a definitive answer to "how many pieces of wood in a face cord?", understanding the factors that influence the number helps you make a more informed purchase and potentially avoid disappointment. Always prioritize clear communication with your seller and consider opting for the more standardized cubic cord measurement whenever possible.
