Face cord explained

A face cord is an informal measurement for stacked firewood,^[1] sometimes called a rick.^[2]

Width and height is typically the same as a cord (1cord), but the depth can vary.^[3] The front face is the same as a cord 4feetby8feetft (byft), hence the name. The depth is generally 16inch (for use in residential fireplaces) but can be anything from 12inch32inch.

This results in a volume of 32to. In the United States, several states only allow wood to be sold by the cord or fractions of a cord, to avoid confusion among consumers.^{[4] [5]}

The wood should be stacked "racked and well stowed" – meaning stacked so that the wood is parallel, and air gaps are minimized. It should not be cross-stacked (alternating directions), as this adds considerable empty space to the stack.

Common volumes for a face cord

• 4 feet x 8 feet x 12 inches = 1/4 cord (32 cubic feet)
• 4 feet x 8 feet x 16 inches = 1/3 cord (42.66 cubic feet)
• 4 feet x 8 feet x 24 inches = 1/2 cord (64 cubic feet)

Notes and References

1. Book: Cardarelli, F.. Encyclopaedia of Scientific Units, Weights and Measures. Their SI Equivalences and Origins.. Springer. 2003. 978-1-4471-1122-1. London. 52.
2. Web site: Unusual units. UNC. 28 December 2016.
3. Web site: Wood heating. Utah State University, Forestry Extension. 28 December 2016.
4. Web site: Firewood FAQ. Lumberjax. 28 December 2016.
5. Web site: Consumer tips firewood. Maryland Dept of Agriculture. 28 December 2016.