Units Of Measurements
Cord
This is a unit 8 feet long by 4 feet high by 4 feet deep, or 128 cubic
feet. Because of the irregular shape of logs, the average cord contains
only about 80 cubic feet. The way the wood is stacked largely determines
how much wood you actually receive. There is an old New England rule
for stacking that pretty well sums it up: “If you’re selling,
stack it so a cat can run through. If your buying stack it so it can’t.”
Face Cord/Run/Rick
This is a unit 8 feet long by 4 feet high and any depth. It’s
important to specify “full cord” if that is what you intend
to buy. If you don’t, you may end up with an abbreviated version.
Truckload
This is obviously a pretty vague unit measurement. What size truck?
The average cord of seasoned hardwood weighs about two tons. If it is
delivered in a half to pickup, you’re not getting a full cord.
By The Pound
A pound of wood, regardless of it type is a pound of wood. The only
difference in types of wood is density. An oak log weighs considerably
more than the same size pine log. This means there is more fuel packed
into the oak log, and it is worth more. When buying by any other unit
of measurement, you may pay more per pound for softwoods. If hardwood
is available in your area, it’s a good idea to specify hardwood
when ordering.
Placing The Order
It is best to buy from someone who has been recommended to you. The
second choice is to buy from a full time, established wood dealer. While
the number is increasing, there are very few around. The advantage to
buying from dealers is that you are buying from a businessman who has
a reputation to protect if he wants to stay in business.
Be Specific
When ordering, ask questions:
Is it hardwood or softwood?
100% hardwood?
What type of wood?
How much per cord?
A full cord?
Is it seasoned? How long?
To what lengths is it cut? Is it split?
Specify full cord if that’s how much you want. If you have a choice between hardwood or softwood, specify hardwood. If you don’t have a choice, you can always go somewhere else. Specify dry, seasoned wood. Tell tem you want it stacked, but be aware that many will charge you extra to do so.
When It Arrives
It is important to be there when the wood arrives and be firm about
getting what you pay for. Check the wood as it is unloaded . Then measure
it to make sure that what is delivered is what you paid for. Check for
dryness by looking for check marks. These are cracks that radiate outward
from the center of the whole log would be. The larger the better. Green
wood may appear dry, but without pronounced check marks, you can be
assured it is not. Another method of testing is to bang two pieces together.
Dry wood will give a dull thud. If you ordered hardwood, don’t
accept pine, cedar, or other softwoods. If you do, you are paying filet
mignon prices for hamburger.
Storing Your Wood
Wood should be split as soon as possible. Un-split wood will take considerably
longer to season. Wood should be stored off the ground. Ask your chimney
professional about a log rack. If it is possible, store wood in the
sun. Wood stored in shade takes longer to season and can decay. Cover
the pile with plastic on rainy days . Occasional light rains won’t
hurt, but continuous or heavy rains can slow down the seasoning process
considerably. Don’t store wood in the house or stacked up against
the house or garage. Cut wood attracks all kinds of varmints and undersirables.
