What Is A Rick Of Wood? Rick vs Cord

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Ever heard of a rick of wood and wonder how much that is? To help out, I put together this guide to explain a cord versus a rick.

For those looking to buy or sell firewood, knowing the terms people use to measure stacks of wood is imperative. Words like rick, cord, face cord, and rank are common when dealing with firewood.

While the word “rick” isn’t as common in some parts of the country as other terms, it’s always good to understand all the methods people use to measure piles of wood.

What are the measurements of a cord of wood and how much it should cost?

Once you learn the difference between a cord and a rick, you’ll know exactly how much wood you should expect when you purchase either amount.

Cord Vs Rick

While the total volume of a cord is 128 cubic feet, the weight of the firewood varies greatly depending upon the species of wood and how dry it is. A cord of hardwood can weigh upwards of 5,000 pounds, while a softwood may weigh half that amount.

A cord of firewood is a tight stack that measures eight feet wide, four feet tall, and four feet deep.

Back in the 17th century, sellers would use cords of rope to hold together stacks of wood. Over the years, the term cord became synonymous with this measurement of wood when buying and selling.

Because a cord of firewood is a lot of wood (think two to three full loads in a pickup truck), many people opt to buy smaller amounts for home use.

The possibility of too much firewood is where a rick comes into play. While some of the measurements of a rick of wood are the same as a cord, not all are.

Next, I detail exactly how big a rick of wood measures.

How Big Is A Rick Of Wood?

A rick of wood consists of a stack eight feet wide, four feet tall, but only 16 to 18 inches deep.

Cord Of Wood Stacked

People also use the term “face cord” for this measurement of wood.

So both the terms rick and face cord mean the same thing when talking about how big a stack of wood is.

A rick depth measurement goes by the average cut length of a fireplace log, before being split into smaller pieces.

Most logs are cut down to between 16 and 18 inches long; therefore, this depth has become universal when discussing a rick or face cord.

Check out this handy guide if you want tips to cut your own logs down to the perfect size for splitting into fireplace wood.

Be careful to distinguish the difference between a face cord (rick) that has at least 16-inch-long logs and stove cord.

A stove cord is a stack of wood with logs only a 12-inches long, so it fits easily into a wood-burning stove.

In reality, the word “rick” isn’t a term that states use to regulate firewood sales. For states that do monitor firewood sales, only full cord (or fraction of cord) measurements are allowable.

The word rick can mean just about anything put into a pile. For wood sellers and buyers, a rick generally means one-third of a cord of 16-inch logs. But you’ll find buyers who call a pick-up bed full or other non-defined amounts of wood a rick.

How Much Does A Rick Of Wood Cost?

State regulations vary for the sale of firewood. Since a cord is the basis of standard measurement, a “face cord” is what you’ll be looking for if you want a rick of wood.

Face Cord of Wood For Sale

The cost of a rick of wood will vary according to factors such as:

  • The thickness/uniformity of the wood (thicker logs burn longer)
  • Logs split or not split (ready for use or needs work)
  • The moisture level of the wood (dry is better for burning)
  • Cleanliness of the wood (no mold, fungus, or insects)
  • Time of year (cold months increase price)

To figure out a cost for a rick of wood, I am going to base the price on one-third of the cost of a cord of nice-looking firewood.

I find that the average cost of a cord of wood in spring and summer run between $150-$250. The price rises to around $350-$500 in the wintertime.

So, expect a rick of wood to cost between $50-$85 in the warmer months and around $115-$170 during the colder months.

If you plan to use plenty of firewood during the winter, but like the ease of buying a rick of wood at a time, consider stocking up during the warm months to save money.

In Summary

Firewood can be the sole source of heat for some during the winter months, while others want occasional cozy nights around a fireplace or outdoor firepit.

Whether you need a cord or a rick of wood, I hope this guide teaches you how much wood to expect per load and how much it should cost.

Always check any firewood you plan to buy in person to make sure the quality is up to your standards, and the measurements add up.

Now that you understand what is a rick of wood versus a cord, you can buy or sell firewood with confidence knowing exactly what those terms mean!

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