What Size Is A Rick Of Wood
As a gardener who spends chilly evenings by a wood stove, I get asked all the time “what size is a rick of wood?” It’s a simple question with a few regional twists, and understanding the answer will save you money and headaches when you buy firewood. I’ll walk you through the definitions, the math, and practical tips from my own wood-stacking mistakes so you buy the heat you actually need.
Rick versus cord: the basic difference
People use the words rick, face cord, and cord interchangeably, but they mean different things. A cord is the official unit: 128 cubic feet of stacked wood measured as 4 feet high by 8 feet long by 4 feet deep. A rick (also called a face cord in many places) usually refers to a stack 4 feet high by 8 feet long, with the depth equal to the length of the logs. That last detail—the log length—is why the size of a rick can change.
Typical sizes and conversions
Here are the common scenarios you’ll encounter when someone talks about a rick of wood:
- If the logs are 16 inches long, then a rick is about 4 ft high × 8 ft long × 1.33 ft deep = roughly 42.7 cubic feet, which is about one-third (0.33) of a full cord.
- If the logs are 24 inches (2 ft) long, then a rick becomes 4 × 8 × 2 = 64 cubic feet, or about one-half (0.5) of a cord.
- If the logs are 12 inches long, a rick is 4 × 8 × 1 = 32 cubic feet, or one-quarter (0.25) of a cord.
So the short answer: a rick of wood is usually a face cord — commonly about one-third of a full cord — but the exact volume depends on the log length the seller uses.
How to measure a rick yourself
When you’re looking at a stack and you want to know how much wood you’re actually getting, measure three things and do a quick calculation. From my own experience buying wood for winter, measuring saved me from a big surprise.
- Measure the height of the stack in feet (commonly 4 feet).
- Measure the length of the stack in feet (commonly 8 feet).
- Measure the depth (log length) in inches, then convert to feet (divide by 12).
Multiply height × length × depth (all in feet) to get cubic feet. Divide by 128 to convert to cords. Example: 4 ft × 8 ft × 1.33 ft (16 in) = 42.7 cu ft ÷ 128 ≈ 0.33 cord.
Practical buying tips and common pitfalls
I learned the hard way to ask for log length and whether the seller means a rick or a cord. Here’s what I now always ask and why it matters:
- Ask the seller whether “rick” means a face cord and what the log length is. Get the log length in inches written in your order.
- Ask if the wood is measured stacked or loose. Stacked measurement is what matters for home delivery; loose volume can mislead you.
- Specify cords if you want a guaranteed volume. Saying “I want one cord” removes confusion.
- Check moisture/seasoning. A full cord of green wood will weigh and burn differently from a seasoned rick.
“I once ordered what I thought was a rick and ended up with half a cord of 24-inch logs—pleasant surprise till the price tag showed why. Ask lengths.”
How many ricks equal a cord?
Because a rick’s depth varies, the number of ricks per cord changes. Here’s the rule of thumb:
- If a rick is 16-inch logs (≈42.7 cu ft), you need about 3 ricks to equal a cord.
- If a rick is 24-inch logs (64 cu ft), you need about 2 ricks to equal a cord.
- If a rick is 12-inch logs (32 cu ft), you need 4 ricks to equal a cord.
Stacking and wasted space — why a rick isn’t exact
Wood stacks include air gaps between logs, and stacking method (crisscross ends versus straight stack) affects the actual wood volume versus air. When you buy by the rick you’re buying the stack as measured, including those voids. That’s why buying by the cord (128 cu ft stacked) gives the most consistency.
Personal experience and final advice
From my years lighting backyard bonfires and keeping a stove fed through winter, my rule is simple: if you want predictable heat, order by the cord or by cubic feet and state the log length. If you’re buying locally and prices are good, a rick can be a bargain—just know what it actually contains. I prefer 16-inch logs for my woodstove; they’re easy to handle and dry out quickly. When buying, I always have the driver show me the stack before payment. A polite, firm question about length saves a lot of “surprises” later.
In short: a rick of wood is typically a face cord and often around one-third of a full cord when logs are 16 inches. The actual size can vary by log length and local custom, so measure, ask, and convert before you buy.
Quick checklist before you buy
- Ask: “Is that a rick or a cord?”
- Confirm log length in inches.
- Ask if measurement is stacked or loose.
- Request to see the stack before payment.
- Consider moisture content—seasoned wood is worth the wait.
Happy stacking, and may your winter be warm with wisely purchased wood. If you want, tell me what stove you have and the size of your space—I’ll help estimate how many ricks or cords you’ll need based on my winters of experience.
