What's a Cord? | Phoenix Nest Firewood
Firewood Measurements

What's a Cord?

Understanding firewood measurements helps you compare prices accurately and know exactly what you're getting.

The Legal Standard

The Full Cord

4'
high
×
 
4'
deep
×
 
8'
long
128 cu ft
Total stacked volume
~5,000 lbs
Approximate weight (dry)

⚠️ The Problem with Full Cords

A full cord is a massive amount of wood—difficult to handle, store, and transport for most homeowners. That's why smaller, more practical measurements have become common in retail sales.

Full Cord vs. Face Cord

One is legally defined, one is not

?

Face Cord

Variable / Non-Standard

A common but unofficial measurement with no fixed depth—it depends on how long the logs are cut.

  • Always 4' high × 8' long (the "face")
  • Depth varies: typically 16"–20"
  • At 16" depth = ~1/3 of a full cord
  • Illegal to advertise in many states
📦

Why "Face Cord" Is Everywhere

IBC totes and bulk bags have made the term popular because their volume (~50 cu ft loose) is close to what people expect from a face cord. It's marketing language that fits customer expectations—but always ask for the actual cubic feet or cord fraction to compare prices accurately.

Container Volume Calculations

How much wood actually fits in common containers

275-Gallon IBC Crate

Cage only, loose-thrown wood
Length
48"
Width
40"
Height
46"
0.284
cords (unstacked)
51.11 cu ft ÷ 180 cu ft/cord

Face Cord Bulk Bag

Mosquito mesh bag, loose-thrown
Length
42"
Width
36"
Height
58"
0.283
cords (unstacked)
50.92 cu ft ÷ 180 cu ft/cord
📐

The Math: Stacked vs. Loose

Unstacked (loose-thrown) wood takes up more space than neatly stacked wood. Industry standard: 1 full cord stacked (128 cu ft) ≈ 180 cu ft loose. We use the 180 cu ft conversion for all loose-fill calculations.

The Bottom Line

Both containers hold virtually identical amounts—about 0.28 cords of loose firewood. When comparing prices, always convert to price-per-cord to make an apples-to-apples comparison.

Transparent Measurements, Fair Prices

We list exact cord fractions on every product so you always know what you're getting. No vague "truckloads" or undefined terms.

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📍 Serving a 60-mile radius from Greenup, KY — Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia