The term "face cord" is a common measurement used in the firewood industry, but its weight can vary greatly depending on factors such as wood species, dimensions, and moisture content. Understanding face cord weight is crucial for ensuring you have the right amount of firewood for your needs, whether you're a homeowner keeping your fireplace stoked or a business owner planning your wood supply.
A face cord is typically defined as a row of wood stacked three feet high, four feet wide, and one foot deep. This loosely stacked 'face' of wood can contain anywhere from 1 to 2 cords of actual wood, depending on how tightly it's stacked. However, the weight of a face cord can vary significantly due to the factors mentioned earlier. Let's delve into these factors and what they mean for face cord weight.
Factors Affecting Face Cord Weight
The primary factors affecting face cord weight are the type of wood, its size, and moisture content. Understanding these factors can help you estimate the weight of a face cord more accurately.
Type of Wood
Different types of wood have different densities. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and birch are denser than softwoods like pine or fir. Therefore, a face cord of hardwood will weigh more than a face cord of softwood, even if both are stacked identically.
Here are some approximate face cord weights for common wood types, assuming a medium density and moisture content:
- Oak: 800-1000 pounds (363-454 kg)
- Maple: 750-900 pounds (340-408 kg)
- Birch: 700-850 pounds (318-386 kg)
- Pine: 500-650 pounds (227-295 kg)
- Fir: 450-600 pounds (204-272 kg)
Wood Size (Length and Diameter)
The length and diameter of the wood pieces in a face cord also affect its weight. Longer pieces and those with a larger diameter will weigh more than shorter, thinner pieces.
For instance, a face cord consisting of 16" logs will weigh more than one filled with 12" logs, assuming the same wood type and moisture content. Similarly, it would weigh more than one filled with 20" logs but with smaller diameters.
Moisture Content
The moisture content (MC) of wood significantly impacts its weight. Green wood, freshly cut and full of water, can have MCs upwards of 60%. Conversely, seasoned firewood, properly dried to a MC of 20-25%, will be much lighter.
Moisture content is often measured in percentage terms. To convert MC to weight reduction, you can use the rule of thumb that for every 1% increase in MC, the wood weighs about 0.6 pounds (0.27 kg) less per cord.
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Converting Face Cord Weight toActual Cord Wood Volume
Once you understand the weight of your face cord, you might want to convert it to the actual amount of wood you have, measured in cords. A full cord is 128 cubic feet of wood, typically measured in oven-dry weight (around 1586 pounds or 720 kg for mixed hardwood).
To convert face cord weight to actual cords, you'll need to factor in the desejensity of the wood and its moisture content. First, determine the averagedensity of your wood (not the moisture content) using the chart from the previous section. Then, use the following formula:
Actual cord volume = (Face cord weight / Wood density) * (1 + (Moisture content / 100))
Now that you understand the ins and outs of face cord weight, you're better equipped to order or measure your firewood. Whether you're adding cozy ambiance to your home or running a business that depends on reliable wood supplies, accurate estimation of face cord weight ensures you have just the right amount of firewood when you need it.