If you’ve ever tried to buy firewood, you’ve probably come across terms like “cord,” “face cord,” and “rick” — and wondered what any of them actually mean. A quarter cord is one of the most practical amounts for casual buyers, but prices vary widely. Here’s everything you need to know before you spend a dollar.
What exactly is a quarter cord?
A full cord of firewood is a tightly stacked pile measuring 4 feet high × 4 feet wide × 8 feet long — a total volume of 128 cubic feet. A quarter cord is exactly one-fourth of that: roughly 32 cubic feet of stacked wood.
In practical terms, a quarter cord typically looks like a stack about 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 2 feet deep. It’s a manageable quantity for homeowners who use a fireplace occasionally or want to get through a mild winter without committing to a full cord purchase.
32 cu ft
Volume of a quarter cord
$50–$125
Typical price range (US)
~1–2 mo
Supply for casual use
How it compares to other common measurements
Full cord
4 ft × 4 ft × 8 ft — 128 cu ft
(Most wood / best value)
Face cord
4 ft × 8 ft × log length
(~16″)~1/3 of a full cord
Quarter cord
4 ft × 4 ft × 2 ft — 32 cu ft
Best for light use
Note that “rick” and “face cord” mean different things in different regions and are not standardised measurements — unlike a full cord, which has a legal definition in most US states. Always ask for exact dimensions when buying anything other than a full cord.
How much does a quarter cord cost?
Prices depend on your region, the wood species, whether it’s seasoned or green, and whether delivery is included. Here are typical ranges across the US:
| Region | Quarter cord (approx.) | Full cord (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NY, MA, CT) | $80 – $125 | $300 – $500 |
| Midwest (OH, MI, WI) | $55 – $95 | $200 – $350 |
| Southeast (NC, GA, TN) | $50 – $85 | $180 – $300 |
| Pacific Northwest (OR, WA) | $65 – $110 | $250 – $400 |
| Mountain West (CO, UT) | $70 – $115 | $275 – $425 |
Delivery typically adds $25–$75 depending on distance. Seasoned hardwood (oak, hickory, maple) costs noticeably more than green wood or mixed softwood loads — but it burns better and is worth the premium for indoor use.
Why buying a quarter cord costs more per unit
Here’s a cost reality that surprises many first-time buyers: a quarter cord almost never costs exactly one-quarter of a full cord price. Sellers charge a convenience premium for smaller loads — splitting, loading, and delivering a quarter cord takes nearly as much effort as a full cord delivery.
If you use a fireplace or wood stove regularly through winter, buying a full cord (or even half a cord) almost always works out cheaper per log. A quarter cord makes the most financial sense as a one-off purchase, a supplement to an existing supply, or for testing a new supplier’s wood quality.
Tips for getting the best deal
Buyer’s advice
- Buy in late summer or early autumn. Winter demand drives prices up 20–40% in cold-weather regions. Stock up before the rush.
- Ask for exact dimensions. Legitimate sellers will confirm the stack size; vague answers about “truckloads” or “ricks” are a red flag for short-measuring.
- Check moisture before buying. Seasoned wood should have visible end-grain cracks and feel noticeably lighter. Wet wood burns poorly and dirties your chimney.
- Split costs with a neighbour. Buying a full cord and splitting it with someone nearby is often the cheapest per-log route for both parties.
- Source locally. Firewood transported long distances can carry invasive insects and fungal species. Many states have regulations restricting wood movement — local is better on every count.
How long will a quarter cord last?
This depends heavily on how often you burn and what you’re burning in. As a rough guide for a standard open fireplace burning 2–3 evenings per week, a quarter cord lasts about 4–6 weeks in mild weather, or 2–3 weeks during a cold snap when you’re burning daily. For an efficient wood stove, the same supply can stretch considerably longer — sometimes 6–8 weeks of occasional use.
If you’re heating a primary living space with wood, a quarter cord is best viewed as a short-term supply or emergency backup rather than a season’s worth of fuel.
Bottom line
A quarter cord of firewood typically costs between $50 and $125 in the US, with regional variation and wood species making a big difference. It’s a convenient quantity for light or occasional use, but you pay a convenience premium compared to buying in bulk. If you burn regularly, upgrading to a half or full cord will save money in the long run — especially if you buy early in the season and store it properly.