How Much Is A Rick Of Wood? Measurements And Comparison To A Cord

A rick of firewood is USUALLY the same as a face cord of firewood. It’s just another term for the same amount of wood.

A rick of wood is NOT measured by weight, as that varies depending on the type of wood and moisture content. It is measured by the foot/inch.

The size of a rick of wood when stacked should be 8 foot x 4 foot x 16 inches. This is also a third of the size of a cord of wood.

We say USUALLY because a rick of wood is not actually a standard unit of measure like a cord of wood. It can vary from person to person. If you are buying using this unit of firewood measurement, make sure you both agree on how much it really is.

Rick Of Wood Size

This is an example of a rick of wood, aka, a face cord of wood. The stack is 8 x 4 foot, and the lengths of wood are at least 16 inches.

A cord of wood is roughly 3 times this, and you’ll often see images of a cord stacked in this width but 3 rows deep.

The important thing to keep in mind when buying a rick cord of wood is the length of the piece of wood. It should be cut between 16 and 18 inches in length.

Most firewood sellers, when they are using their chainsaws to section up logs for splitting, only eyeball the length rather than measuring it out.

That’s why there’s some variation in the length. However, if you are consistently getting pieces of wood that are less than 16 inches long, you might want to question it.

If you only have a compact wood-burning stove, you might want shorter lengths anyway.

How Big Is A Rick Of Wood?

Bear from Bear Independent shares more on the cord of wood vs rick controversy in this video.

He’s been processing and selling firewood for over 21 years and so, as you can imagine, has plenty of insights.

This is what he says:

• A cord is 4 x 4 x 8 foot or 128 cubic feet
• A rick is whatever someone says it is
• It’s not a uniform unit of measure
• People sell a rick of wood as anywhere from a 1/4 cord to 1/2 a cord
• More often than not, however, it’s a third (or face-cord)

Ultimately, he recommends only buying wood using the cord unit of measurement. This is standardized and official. You are less likely to be swindled.

However, if both you and the seller agree on what a rick is beforehand, go for it. Not everyone needs a full cord of wood. If it’s only for fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, or mini wood-burning stoves, a rick of wood will be enough.

How Much Does A Rick Of Wood Cost?

The cost of a rick of wood will vary depending on where you live and on what size you’ve agreed upon.

Also, it will depend on whether or not it’s been seasoned, the variety of wood, the delivery details, and a range of other factors.

However, as a general guideline, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 for a rick of seasoned hardwood pick-up.

Remember that you can always get it cheaper if you:

• Buy it wet/green
• Get it in greater volumes
• Pick up rather than have delivered
• Get it well before winter, even up to a year before

The price always goes up during peak times in the winter, and it can even be difficult to find dry firewood in some places. In my area, the firewood prices go through the roof in the middle of winter.

When buying firewood, it’s also a good idea to have a firewood moisture meter on hand to test if what you are buying is what you’re getting!

Rick Of Firewood

So now you know how much is in a rick of firewood… it depends on who you ask.

In the area where you live, it may be an accepted standard of measure, so don’t get upset when this is the measurement listed for sale. More than likely it’s a third of a cord of wood. Just double-check before you hand over the money!

The other idea is to start collecting your own firewood. When we first started collecting firewood, we got a cheap Husqvarna 450, which has been perfect for processing firewood.

Let us know if you have any questions down below because we are happy to answer them.