Measuring a cord in practical terms

[DPDISXR4Ti]

I just had what was supposed to be 2 cords of wood delivered - not "face cords", but 2 full cords. I fully understand that the technical definition of a cord is 4' x 4' x 8', regardless of the cut length. This would all work out easy if logs were cut to 24", but obviously they're not, and typical length seems to vary anywhere from 12" to 20".

What I'm being told is that in practice, what you get when you order a cord is two 4' x 8' rows, regardless of the cut length. I nicely, but firmly disagreed, indicating that a stacked cord needs to measure 4' x 4' x 8' regardless of log length. Fortunately we settled on a more agreeable cost, but it was a somewhat contentious conversation.

Who is right?

 

[KsWoodsMan]

2 rows of 12 - 20 inch wood 4 X 8 feet does NOT make a cord.

The general concensus here will be that he was trying to pull a fast one on you . He has probably done it in the past and will continue to do it.

Sounds like he was trying to sell you 2/3 cord for full price. :monkey:

 

[KMB]

I just had what was supposed to be 2 cords of wood delivered - not "face cords", but 2 full cords. I fully understand that the technical definition of a cord is 4' x 4' x 8', regardless of the cut length. This would all work out easy if logs were cut to 24", but obviously they're not, and typical length seems to vary anywhere from 12" to 20".

What I'm being told is that in practice, what you get when you order a cord is two 4' x 8' rows, regardless of the cut length. I nicely, but firmly disagreed, indicating that a stacked cord needs to measure 4' x 4' x 8' regardless of log length. Fortunately we settled on a more agreeable cost, but it was a somewhat contentious conversation.

Who is right?

You are right. 4' x 4' x 8' tightly stacked = 1 cord. I cut to 16" lengths. So 3 stacks of 16" x 4' x 8' tightly stacked wood gives me a chord. 2 stacks of 24" x 4' x 8' tightly stacked wood would be what is needed to make the cord. I usually throw in a few more pieces of firewood for good measure, and when I cut to length I'm usually at about 17" lengths.

Kevin

 

[woodbooga]

Here in NH, a cord is a cord is a cord. 4x4x8. All the papers whose classifieds run firewood ads include a notice from the Dept. of Ag's bureau of weights and measures spelling this out.

One may sell wood in informal units, e.g., wheelbarrowful, pickup load, truckload. But it's buyer beware since the product is not using the standard cord as a measuring stick.

I think you were right to insist that you get your true value.

Another thread deals with how to calculate using uneven firewood lengths:

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=71872

Handy to know since few cut to convenient-to-calculate lengths of 12" or 24" inches.

 

[STLfirewood]

That is whay I sell wood by the rank around here. Most people sell 2 rows of 4x8 as a cord. They cut the wood around 18". If I advertise my price for a true cord I dopn;t get a lot of calls because people think the price is to high. They don't understand the other person is hosing them. Once they call I can explain the true measurement and they understand they are getting the right amount.

Scott

 

[Austin1]

It does not mater what length the wood is cut, I cut 16'' and 18'' lengths. All that maters is it is 128cu feet of wood that = a cord. 1 cord =128cu' of wood any less is not a full cord.

 

[computeruser]

Do we measure pounds, feet, or acres "in practical terms"? I think not. A cord is what it is, just as liter or cubic yard or some other volumetric measure is what it is.

 

[Austin1]

Do we measure pounds, feet, or acres "in practical terms"? I think not. A cord is what it is, just as liter or cubic yard or some other volumetric measure is what it is.

That's it a 128 cu feet = a cord

 

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Do we measure pounds, feet, or acres "in practical terms"? I think not. A cord is what it is, just as liter or cubic yard or some other volumetric measure is what it is.

I fully agree. I was just trying my best to be as neutral as possible in my original post.

Appreciate the input.

 

[Mike Van]

My 18" wood, the stack is 4' high, but 2 rows a little over 10' long to make a cord. You have to come up with the 128 cf of volume to have a cord.

 

[toddstreeservic]

My guess is that you will NOT be a repeat customer?

 

[yotehowler]

As everyone said, a cord =128cf

I believe that around here the County Weights and Measures Dept. would take great interest in someone selling a cord of wood that does not equal that 128cf measurement.

That being said, some dealers must get away with it because most of my first time customers have been quite surprised at the amount of wood they received when they ordered a cord from our company. We always deliver a fat cord, usually about 134cf.

 

[Haywire Haywood]

That being said, some dealers must get away with it because most of my first time customers have been quite surprised at the amount of wood they received when they ordered a cord from our company. We always deliver a fat cord, usually about 134cf.

I had that reaction last year. I had a guy order a cord and when I pulled up with my truck and trailer stacked full, he asked who the wood in the truck was for. LOL... he was quite surprised when I said, "It's all yours, one full cord."


Ian

 

[Ohiowoodguy]

:agree2: A cord is 128 cubic feet, 4x4x8 is only one way to stack it- never seen one exact in 50 years!

I know it doesn't make sense, but stack 3 rows of 16" wood and measure the depth- its usually more than 4' on average

 

[Ductape]

Though i'm not a firewod dealer, i've been known to provide a cord or two to a friend or family member if i have more than i need. For me, its pretty easy to judge whether or not i delivered them a cord. My dump trailer is 6' X 10' X 2' (to the top of the steel sides). Only gotta add another eight cubic feet to have a full cord. Its nice to be able to argue whether or not its a cord BEFORE i dump it !

 

[leon]

firewood and its sale

This is exactly why I intend to sell firewood
by the kiln dried ton as that is also a legal
method of firewood measurement here in
New York State.

The firewood buyers do not realise how much
air space there is in a stacked cord etc. so a
weighed ton with a certified scale ticket will
solve a lot of problems.

Ok, so I probably started a flame war now ;^(.


opcorn: :bang: :notrolls2: :angrysoapbox: uttahere:

 

[Andy99]

I just ordered 3 cords of wood and had it dumped on Wed Night. I stacked some wed night and some Thursday night after work and finished the stacking today. After measuring it I have less then 299 cubic feet.:jawdrop: Now I have to deal with getting this straightened out. Its very frustrating since I paid the guy cash. I'm in NY. I'M hoping the wood supplier is going to do the right thing.

 

[yotehowler]

I just ordered 3 cords of wood and had it dumped on Wed Night. I stacked some wed night and some Thursday night after work and finished the stacking today. After measuring it I have less then 299 cubic feet.:jawdrop: Now I have to deal with getting this straightened out. Its very frustrating since I paid the guy cash. I'm in NY. I'M hoping the wood supplier is going to do the right thing.

OUCH!!!

I hope he makes it right!

I always try to make sure my customers are satisfied with the amount of wood before I start offloading. I've been stacking the wood in the truck and/or trailer just so the customer doesn't have any doubts. We're are a new company trying to build a customer base so we want to make sure they understand and are happy with the amount of wood they are receiving. I suppose that once we build a base and have repeat customers (who hopefully will have a better idea how much a cord is by then) we may forgo stacking on the truck/trailer . I still think I'd stack it in the truck/trailer for a new customer though.

 

[Haywire Haywood]

with my truck and trailer, I have to stack it or I don't get a cord on there... LOL

I delivered 1/3 of a cord to another fellow last year and he said, "You sure stack that truck tight.." I said "That's the only way I can get 1/3 cord on a short bed pickup without mounding it over bed high and risk losing some on the road." I still have to oval it a little.

I'm getting a headache rack with full length rails in the next week or so. Then I'll have some tiedowns so I can strap a load down if I go over level and won't chuck a piece of firewood through my back glass like I've come close to a couple times.

Ian

 

[DPDISXR4Ti]

This is exactly why I intend to sell firewood
by the kiln dried ton as that is also a legal
method of firewood measurement here in
New York State.

Seems like a fair approach really. The challenge, as I'm sure you realize, will be in educating your customers on what X tons of firewood looks like and roughly equates to in cords.

Interesting that there are NYS legal measurements on firewood. Is there any on-line reference that you're aware of?