Half Cord of Wood: The Ultimate Guide for Warm, Cozy Nights

So, What on Earth Is a Half Cord of Wood?

Let’s start with the obvious question: What is a half cord of wood? Sounds simple, right? But walk into any lumber yard, and you’ll quickly discover that not everyone means the same thing when they say “half cord.” Confusing? Absolutely. That’s why we’re here.

A half cord of wood is exactly what it sounds like—half the volume of a full cord. But wait, let’s back up a bit. A cord is a standard unit of measurement for stacked firewood in North America. A full cord measures 4 feet high by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet of neatly stacked logs. So, logically, a half cord comes in at 64 cubic feet.

Simple math, but there’s more to the story than just numbers.

A half cord of wood is the sweet spot for many homeowners, campers, and weekend fire-pit aficionados. It’s not too big, not too small—just right. You get enough wood to last through a few chilly weekends without feeling like you need a forklift to move it.

Fun Fact: In colonial America, the term “cord” came from the cord or rope used to tie up a stack of wood so it could be measured.

Measuring a Half Cord: Is It Rocket Science?

Short answer? No. Long answer? Sometimes it feels like it.

Measuring firewood isn’t always cut and dried (pun very much intended). A true half cord should stack up to 64 cubic feet of wood, but how you stack it really matters. A tight, well-stacked pile with minimal gaps will give you a true half cord. But if you just toss the logs into a loose pile, you’re cheating yourself out of precious burning material.

There are generally two ways people stack a half cord of wood:

1. Traditional Stack:
   4 feet high × 4 feet wide × 4 feet long

2. Longer Stack, Lower Height:
   2 feet high × 4 feet wide × 8 feet long

Either layout will get you to 64 cubic feet, but always make sure you’re stacking the logs neatly. A “rick” or “face cord” (more on that in a bit) may look similar to a half cord, but it’s typically only one row deep.

Pro Tip: Use a measuring tape and actually do the math. Don’t just eyeball it—unless you enjoy overpaying for air.

Half Cord vs. Face Cord: Don’t Get Bamboozled

Now here’s where people start to get tripped up. Walk into a firewood supplier’s lot and they might toss out words like “face cord,” “rick,” or even “truckload.” These terms are NOT standardized, and that can lead to some pricey confusion.

A face cord is one row of firewood that’s 4 feet high and 8 feet long—but the depth can vary. Typically, it’s 16 to 18 inches deep, which is about one-third of a full cord. So no, a face cord is not the same as a half cord.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Moral of the story? Always ask about volume, not just vague terms.

How Much Does a Half Cord of Wood Weigh?

Now here’s where it gets juicy.

The weight of a half cord depends on a few variables:

• The type of wood (oak vs. pine = big difference)

• The moisture content (green vs. seasoned)

• How tightly the wood is stacked

Here’s a rough idea based on seasoned wood (the kind you actually want to burn):

So yes, a half cord is heavy—up to a ton in some cases. Make sure your pickup truck can handle it before you go hauling wood around like a lumberjack on a caffeine high.

How Long Will a Half Cord of Wood Last?

Ah, the million-dollar question.

How long your half cord lasts depends on:

• How often you use it

• The efficiency of your fireplace or wood stove

• The type of wood

• Whether it’s seasoned or not

Let’s assume you’re burning seasoned oak in a wood stove. If you’re heating your home every evening and on weekends, a half cord might last you 4 to 6 weeks. Using it just for ambiance on the weekends? You could stretch that baby for two to three months.

Rule of Thumb: One full cord typically heats an average home for 6 to 10 weeks in mild climates. So a half cord = half that time.

The Best Types of Wood for Your Half Cord

Spoiler alert: not all wood burns the same. Choosing the right kind can mean the difference between a cozy fire and a smoke-filled room that smells like regret.

Here are some top choices for firewood and how they stack up:

🔥 Best for Heat and Long Burns:

• Oak: Dense, burns slowly, excellent heat output.

• Hickory: Hotter than oak, smells great, long-lasting.

• Maple: Another solid contender with decent heat.

🔥 Best for Starting Fires or Quick Use:

• Pine: Lights fast, smells wonderful, but burns quick.

• Cedar: Great aroma, easy to light, crackles a lot.

🔥 Avoid These:

• Green wood: High moisture, poor burn, lots of smoke.

• Softwoods (for long burns): Burn too fast, more creosote.

Did You Know? Burning green wood can lead to creosote buildup in your chimney, which is a major fire hazard. Always go seasoned!

How to Store Your Half Cord of Firewood Like a Pro

Let’s be real—firewood is useless if it’s wet, moldy, or crawling with bugs. Proper storage makes all the difference.

Here’s how to store a half cord effectively:

• Elevate it: Keep the wood off the ground with pallets or a rack.

• Cover the top, not the sides: Airflow is key. Use a tarp over the top to protect from rain, but keep the sides open to avoid trapping moisture.

• Face it south or west: Sun exposure speeds up the drying process.

• Keep it close, but not too close: Store it at least 20 feet away from your home to avoid inviting termites.

Pro Tip: Stack your firewood bark-side up if it’s going to be exposed to rain. Bark acts as a natural moisture barrier.

What’s the Cost of a Half Cord of Wood?

Ready to open that wallet?

The price of a half cord depends on:

• Your location

• Season (winter = higher demand)

• Type of wood

• Whether it’s delivered or you pick it up

On average in the U.S., a half cord of seasoned hardwood goes for $150 to $250. If you live in a colder climate or in a big city, expect to pay more.

Want to save some cash? Buy your wood in spring or early summer. You’ll get better deals—and it’ll have time to season before you burn it.

Can You Cut Your Own Half Cord of Wood?

Sure, you can! But only if you’re into chainsaws, physical labor, and wearing flannel shirts unironically.

If you’ve got access to land and dead or fallen trees, harvesting your own firewood can save money. But make sure you:

• Have the right permits (check with your local forestry department)

• Know the tree species

• Own safety gear (don’t skimp here!)

Also, keep in mind the seasoning time. Freshly cut wood can take 6–12 months to dry properly.

Is Buying a Half Cord Worth It?

Absolutely—if you use firewood even semi-regularly. A half cord strikes a perfect balance between cost, storage space, and usage.

For:

• Occasional fireplace users

• Fire pit lovers

• Small households

• Backup heat sources

…it’s the Goldilocks option. Not too much, not too little.

If you’re only burning wood twice a year, go for a quarter cord or some bundles. If you heat your home daily with a stove, upgrade to a full or even multiple cords.

Wrapping It Up: Half Cord of Wood = Full Load of Value

So, there you have it—a half cord of wood is much more than a pile of logs. It’s warmth, comfort, and a connection to the age-old tradition of heating with fire. Whether you’re a seasoned wood-burning vet or a fireplace newbie just getting your feet (and toes) warm, knowing your firewood facts pays off.

And now, the next time someone throws around terms like “cord,” “face cord,” or “rick,” you can smile knowingly, nod like a pro, and—if you’re feeling generous—drop some wood wisdom on them.

Because knowledge, like firewood, is best when shared. 🔥