Cord vs. Rick of Wood: What’s the Difference?
We’ve all been there: you're about to buy the right type of firewood for a barbecue and have to choose between a rick or a cord of wood, but you’re not sure which one is right for you.
Unfortunately, this is a common challenge, with many people making the mistake of assuming a rick is a standard unit or just ordering without truly understanding the measurements.
That’s why we’re breaking down everything you need to know about a cord vs. rick of wood. With this guide, you’ll better understand how much wood you’re getting, what to buy based on your needs, and ultimately improve your knowledge as a barbecuer.
What Is a Cord of Wood?
A cord of wood is the primary unit of measurement of stacked wood, equal to 128 cubic feet. Understanding how this measurement works is key to ensuring fair transactions in the world of firewood.
Standard Cord of Wood Dimensions (4 ft × 4 ft × 8 ft)
Volume Explained: 128 Cubic Feet
As mentioned, a cord equals 128 cubic feet. To measure a cord, the wood is stacked in a line or row, with individual pieces touching and parallel to each other, leaving minimal gaps. The height, width, and length are then multiplied to reach 128 cubic feet. The equation looks like this:
4 ft × 8 ft × 4 ft = 128 cubic feet
A full cord is the safest way to buy firewood if you need enough supply for an entire season. Think of it like buying a dozen eggs. You expect all twelve, not “about” twelve. A cord guarantees a specific, standardized amount of wood.
Full Cord vs. Face Cord vs. Half Cord
In addition to understanding what is a cord of wood, we should also understand the different cord measurements.
- Full cord of wood: The amount of wood that fills a space equal to eight feet long by four feet high by four feet deep (128 cubic feet).
- Face cord of wood: A face cord of wood, or rick of wood, is a single stack of firewood that is four feet high and eight feet long. Since the depth can vary, this is a less consistent measurement.
- Half cord of wood: As the name suggests, a half cord is half the size of a full cord. A Half Cord Stacked Firewood is a versatile option, making it great for fires, smokers, outdoor cooking, and more.
When a Full Cord Makes the Most Sense to Buy
Overall, purchasing a cord of firewood remains the safest way to buy, as it’s a recognized standard measurement.
That said, purchasing a full cord of firewood is ideal for individuals who require large quantities of wood. For instance, if you own a restaurant that needs quality firewood all day, then it makes sense to purchase in bulk.
If you barbecue in your backyard every so often, then a smaller amount may be more practical.
What Is a Rick of Wood?
A rick of wood, often referred to as a face cord of wood, is a unit of measurement that typically describes a stack measuring 4 feet high by 8 feet long, with the depth depending on the length of the wood pieces.
A rick of wood is considered an informal measurement and often varies by region, meaning the total volume of wood can differ depending on log length and how the wood is stacked.
1. What Are the Measurements for a Rick of Wood?
A rick of wood is stacked 4 feet tall and 8 feet long, while the depth depends on how the firewood is cut. Most commonly, the depth ranges from 14 to 18 inches, which can create noticeable differences in the amount of usable wood in a pile.
2. Why a Rick of Wood Is Not a Standard Unit
Since the total volume depends on the length of the wood, a rick of wood is not considered a standardized unit of measurement. Remember the example we gave above about the eggs?
This helps explain the difference between a rick of wood vs. cord. If you opened a carton of eggs and realized there were only 11 eggs, it wouldn’t feel like a complete carton. A full cord is standardized at 128 cubic feet, but a rick can vary, meaning the amount you receive may not always be consistent.
3. Rick vs. Face Cord: Are They the Same?
A rick and a face cord often refer to the same size stack of firewood, with the depth based on the length of the logs. However, while “face cord” is more commonly understood to follow this structure, “rick” remains a regional term that can vary in meaning depending on location.
4. How Log Length Changes the Size of a Rick
Since the size of a rick of wood is determined by multiplying the height, width, and depth.The length of the logs has a direct impact on the total volume. Shorter logs result in a smaller overall volume, while longer logs increase the total amount of wood in the stack.
Rick vs. Cord of Wood: Key Differences
Is a rick of wood the same as a cord?
By now, we know the answer is no. Simply put, a cord is a standardized measurement, while a rick depends on the length of the logs.
To better understand the difference between a cord of wood vs. rick, let’s take a look at a comparison chart.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Full Cord | Rick of Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4 ft high × 8 ft long × 4 ft deep | 4 ft high × 8 ft long × depth varies |
| Total Volume | 128 cubic feet | Varies depending on log length |
| Depth | Fixed at 4 feet | Typically 14–18 inches (depends on log size) |
| Equivalent To | About 3 ricks | About 1/3 of a full cord |
| Standardized? | Yes | No |
| Consistency | Consistent and regulated | Can vary significantly |
| Pricing Clarity | Easier to compare prices | Harder to compare due to variation |
How Many Ricks in a Cord of Wood?
In general, there are about three ricks in a cord of wood when logs are approximately 16 inches long. This is because a full cord measures 4 feet deep, while a typical rick is about 16 inches deep. Since 16 inches is roughly one-third of 4 feet (48 inches), it takes about three ricks to equal one full cord.
Common Buyer Confusion (And How to Avoid It)
The cord vs. rick of wood discussion is far from new. A major source of confusion is the inconsistent use of the term “rick” by sellers. Some may use “rick” instead of “full cord” because it sounds smaller and potentially more affordable, even though the actual amount of wood can vary.
And while a rick is typically smaller than a full cord, buyers may assume they’re getting a standard quantity without fully understanding the measurements. To avoid overpaying or underbuying, always ask the seller to confirm the exact dimensions, including height, length, and depth, so you can accurately compare prices.
It’s also important to consider how much wood you actually need. For commercial grilling, a full or half cord may be the most practical choice. For occasional personal use, smaller quantities, such as smaller kiln-dried grill wood, may be a better fit.
How Much Is a Rick and Cord of Wood?
Several factors influence the price of a rick or cord of wood. Here’s what you should know:
1. Average Pricing for a Rick vs. a Cord of Wood
Cords typically have a higher upfront cost than a rick, but they provide better value per cubic foot. Because a full cord is standardized at 128 cubic feet, it often offers a more consistent and cost-effective option for those who need a larger supply.
That said, several factors affect the pricing of both a rick and a cord of wood, including:
- Regional pricing differences
- Type of wood
- Quality and moisture level of wood
- The depth and overall size of the rick
2. Is a Rick Cheaper Than a Cord? (Buyer Value Breakdown)
A rick may seem cheaper than a cord if you only look at the total price. However, since a rick is typically about one-third the size of a full cord, the lower upfront cost also means you’re receiving less wood. That’s why it’s important to compare the price per cubic foot rather than just the overall price.
Not all sellers list pricing by cubic foot, which can create confusion for buyers. If a seller simply advertises a “rick,” always ask for the exact stack depth and log length to understand how much wood you’re actually getting before making a purchase.
Where to Buy Firewood With Transparent Pricing
In addition to understanding how much is a rick and a cord of wood, it’s important to prioritize buying from sellers who offer transparent, clearly defined pricing. This helps you avoid inconsistent rick measurements and ensures you’re receiving an accurately measured amount of firewood.
At Old Potters, we offer kiln-dried firewood bundles with transparent sizing and delivery options. If you’re looking for ready-to-burn firewood with clearly labeled bundle sizes, shop our premium cooking wood today.
For customers who need a larger, well-defined supply, our Half Cord Stacked Firewood option is a practical step up from smaller stacks.
Conclusion
To sum it up, a cord is the official, standardized measurement of firewood, while a rick is informal and varies based on log length and stacking depth.
Now that we’ve discussed the differences between a cord vs. a rick of wood, you understand the risks of purchasing firewood without clearly knowing the price per cubic foot.
For that reason, always prioritize clear volume definitions over vague terms like “rick” or “truckload.”
At Old Potters, we clearly state the amount of wood you receive with each product and supply only high-quality wood that elevates the flavor of your food.
Ready to explore our firewood? Shop Premium Cooking Wood today.