Understanding Firewood Measurement: The Cord and Board Foot

Firewood is a crucial resource for many, especially in areas where access to modern heating systems is limited. The unit used to measure firewood, the cord, is a standardized measure that helps ensure uniformity across the industry. Understanding this measure and its application can greatly aid those who use or sell firewood.

What is a Cord of Firewood?

A cord of firewood is defined as a stack of wood that measures 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long. This configuration results in a volume of 128 cubic feet of well-stoved wood. The term "well-stoved" refers to the wood being cut into stove-sized pieces, typically 16 inches, 18 inches, or 24 inches in length, and neatly stacked to minimize wasted space. This standardization ensures that each cord contains the same amount of energy and meets the heating needs for which it is intended.

Measuring Firewood: The Cord

The dimensions of a cord are fixed and must be adhered to for it to be considered a full cord. However, the way the wood is stacked can vary. Typically, the stack is measured in cubic feet, meaning it is harder to use a measuring tape to determine the exact dimensions. Instead, the four key dimensions (4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long) are used. The length of the individual pieces does not matter as long as they meet the stovewood criteria mentioned earlier.

For those living in areas like Vermont, where woodstoves are common, a cord of wood can mean the difference between warmth and cold. It is important to note that many vendors may have their own definitions of a cord, but unless they meet the specified criteria, it is not considered a full cord.

Firewood Measurement and Delivery

Many modern pickup trucks have beds that are 4 feet wide and 6 feet long. To deliver a full cord, a pickup truck would need at least 5 foot 4 inches of side rails, which would account for the extra length needed due to the 8-foot dimension. Additionally, storing the cord in a pickup truck often involves side rails to ensure the wood is neatly stacked and safely transported. The dimensions of the truck bed and the requirement for side rails make it clear that transporting wood by the cord is both practical and standardized.

Measuring Lumber: The Board Foot

While the cord is the primary measure for firewood, lumber is often measured by the board foot. A board foot is a unit of volume used primarily for measuring sawn timber. It is defined as a 1 foot by 1 foot by 1 inch (12 inches by 12 inches by 1 inch) of wood. However, this measure can get complicated due to different practices in the dimensional lumber industry.

In the lumber industry, there are variations in the use of board feet, depending on whether the wood is rough lumber, dimensional lumber, or softwood or hardwood. This can make it difficult to understand exactly how many board feet are in a given amount of timber. For instance, rough lumber might be measured slightly differently than dimensional lumber, which is precisely cut to specific dimensions.

Woodworking Projects

If you are passionate about woodworking and are interested in building your dream project, there are numerous resources available to help. Websites such as Project Guide offer detailed plans for over 16,000 projects. Each project is thorough, providing step-by-step instructions, material lists, and detailed schematics from all angles. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced woodworker, these resources can provide invaluable guidance, making the woodworking process both manageable and enjoyable.

From small furniture pieces to complex structures, the detailed plans and instructions available through such platforms can facilitate precise construction and minimize the need for guesswork. This ensures that each project is completed to the highest standard, leaving the woodworker satisfied with the final result. These resources are particularly useful for beginners looking to learn the ropes and for experienced woodworkers tackling more complex projects.

Conclusion

Understanding firewood measurement, particularly the cord, is essential for anyone who buys, sells, or uses firewood. Similarly, the board foot measurement is important for those working with lumber. By adhering to these standards, one can ensure clarity and consistency in measurements, which is crucial for users and sellers alike. Whether you are building a woodstove in Vermont or constructing a dream project, these measurement units can make the process smoother and more effective.