If you buy firewood, you may hear terms like cord, face cord, or rick of wood. But what exactly is a rick of wood?
The short answer:
A rick of wood is a stacked pile of firewood that is typically 8 feet long and 4 feet high, with the depth depending on the length of the logs.
However, unlike a full cord, a rick is not an officially standardized measurement, which can sometimes cause confusion.
Let’s break it down clearly.
What Is a Rick of Wood?
A rick of wood is a stack of split firewood arranged neatly in a row.
The standard dimensions are usually:
- Length: 8 feet
- Height: 4 feet
- Depth: Equal to the length of the firewood logs
Since firewood logs are often cut to:
- 16 inches (most common)
- 18 inches
- 24 inches
The total volume of a rick depends on the log length.
Rick vs Cord: What’s the Difference?
A full cord of wood is a legally defined measurement in the United States:
- 4 feet high
- 8 feet long
- 4 feet deep
- Total volume: 128 cubic feet
A rick, however, is usually:
- 4 feet high
- 8 feet long
- Depth equals log length (commonly 16 inches or 1.33 feet)
So if logs are 16 inches long:
8 ft × 4 ft × 1.33 ft ≈ 42.7 cubic feet
That means:
A rick of wood (16-inch logs) is about one-third of a full cord.
Is a Rick the Same as a Face Cord?
In many regions, yes.
A face cord typically refers to:
- 8 feet long
- 4 feet high
- Depth equal to log length
So in most cases:
Rick = Face Cord
However, terminology can vary by region, so always confirm dimensions before buying.
How Much Does a Rick of Wood Cost?
The price depends on:
- Location
- Wood species
- Season (winter prices are higher)
- Log length
- Dryness (seasoned vs green wood)
Average price range in the U.S.:
- $75 to $200 per rick
Hardwoods like oak or hickory cost more than softwoods like pine.
Seasoned wood (properly dried) also costs more than freshly cut wood.
How Long Will a Rick of Wood Last?
That depends on:
- How often you burn wood
- Size of your fireplace or stove
- Outside temperature
For example:
- Occasional fireplace use: 1 rick may last most of winter.
- Daily wood stove heating: 1 rick may last 2–4 weeks.
If you heat your home primarily with wood, you may need 3–5 cords per winter, not just one rick.
How Much Does a Rick Weigh?
The weight depends on:
- Wood species
- Moisture content
Example:
- A full cord of seasoned hardwood may weigh 4,000–5,000 pounds.
- Since a rick (16-inch logs) is about one-third of a cord:
A rick of seasoned hardwood may weigh around 1,300–1,800 pounds.
Green (unseasoned) wood will weigh more.
Why Is a Rick Not a Legal Measurement?
The term “cord” is legally recognized in most states.
A rick is not officially standardized because:
- Log lengths vary
- Stack depth varies
- Sellers may define it differently
Because of this, always ask:
- What is the exact log length?
- What are the stack dimensions?
- Is it seasoned or green wood?
Visual Comparison
Here’s a quick size comparison:
- 1 Cord = 128 cubic feet
- 1 Rick (16″ logs) ≈ 42.7 cubic feet
- 1 Rick = About 1/3 cord
If logs are 24 inches long, a rick would be larger and closer to 1/2 cord.
Is Buying a Rick a Good Idea?
A rick is ideal if:
- You don’t have space for a full cord
- You only use wood occasionally
- You want to test a supplier
- You need a short-term supply
If you rely on wood for full winter heating, buying by the full cord is usually more cost-effective.
Final Answer: What Is a Rick of Wood?
A rick of wood is a stacked pile of firewood measuring:
- 8 feet long
- 4 feet high
- Depth equal to the log length
With 16-inch logs, a rick equals about one-third of a full cord.
Since it’s not a standardized unit, always confirm dimensions before purchasing.