What Is a Face Cord of Wood? Easy Size Breakdown

Published: 19 Apr 2025

If you have ever purchased firewood, you have likely encountered terms like face cord, full cord, or stove cord. These terms can be confusing, especially if you are new to buying firewood. Knowing the right measurements helps you get what you pay for. A face cord is one of the most common ways to sell firewood, but many people don’t understand what it really means.

In this guide, we will explain what a face cord of wood is, how it compares to a full cord, and how much wood you actually get. If you are heating your home or planning a camping trip, this post will help you choose the right amount of wood with confidence.

Table of Content

What Is a Face Cord of Wood?
Face Cord vs Half Cord vs 1/4 Cord
Conclusion

What Is a Face Cord of Wood?

A face cord of wood is a common unit of measurement for firewood. It is a stack of wood that is 4 feet high and 8 feet long. The depth (log length) can vary, usually between 12 to 16 inches. That means the size depends on the length of each log.

The wood is stacked in a neat row, like a wall. If you stand in front of it, you see the “face” of the wood, which is why it is called a face cord. Think of it as a flat wall made of firewood logs, all lined up and ready to burn.

You will often see firewood sold by the face cord, especially for small homes, cabins, or weekend use. It is less than a full cord but still enough for many users.

What Does a Face Cord of Wood Look Like?

A face cord of wood looks like a neat wall of stacked firewood. It is typically 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but the depth varies depending on the length of the logs. Most face cords use logs that are about 16 inches long. So, it’s like looking at the front “face” of a whole stack of wood—hence the name face cord.

To give you an idea, a face cord is about the size of a small closet or a large bookcase. If you stand in front of it, it might reach up to your chest or shoulders. Imagine stacking firewood in a rectangle on your backyard wall. That is close to what a face cord looks like.

If you have leftover wood after buying firewood, do not let it go to waste. You can use it for home upgrades, such as a beautiful cedar ceiling. Cedar not only looks great but also adds warmth and a natural touch to your space.

What Is a Face Cord of Wood Used For?

A face cord of wood is ideal for individuals who don’t require a large quantity of firewood. It’s great for heating small homes, using fire pits, or lighting up a campfire on the weekend. Many people purchase a face cord for short-term use, such as during a few cold nights or for a family trip.

If you only burn wood occasionally, a full cord might be too much. But a face cord gives you just enough. It is also easy to store in small spaces, such as a garage or backyard shed.

If you are grilling outdoors, camping with friends, or warming up your living room fireplace, a firecord is a smart and affordable choice.

What is the difference between a Face Cord and a Full Cord of wood?

A full cord of wood is the standard measurement used in the firewood industry. It measures 4 feet high × 4 feet deep × 8 feet long, which equals 128 cubic feet of tightly stacked wood.

A face cord, on the other hand, is only the front face of a full cord. It has the same height and length (4 ft × 8 ft), but the depth is based on the length of each log, usually 16 inches. That means a face cord is only about 1/3 of a full cord in volume.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Face Cord	Full Cord
Volume	About 1/3 of a full cord (≈43 cu ft)	Full cord (128 cubic feet)
Dimensions	4 ft high × 8 ft long × ~16 in deep	4 ft high × 8 ft long × 4 ft deep
Cost	Lower price	Higher price (more wood)
Common Use	Weekend fires, short-term use	Full-season home heating

How Many Face Cords in a Full Cord?

This is a common question: How many face cords make up a full cord of wood? The answer is simple: one full cord usually has three face cords.

Let’s break it down.

A full cord of wood measures about 4 feet high × 4 feet deep × 8 feet long.
A face cord has the same height and length (4 ft high × 8 ft long), but the depth is only as long as the wood pieces, usually 16 inches.

Now, if you stack three rows of 16-inch logs (which is 16″ × 3 = 48″), that gives you the full 4 feet in depth.

So, 3 face cords = 1 full cord of wood.

Face Cord vs Half Cord vs 1/4 Cord

When it comes to buying firewood, you might encounter various sizes and types. These measurements will help you choose the right amount for your needs. Let’s break down the differences between a face cord, a half cord, and a 1/4 cord.

What is a Half Face Cord of Wood?

A half-face cord is precisely half the size of a full-face cord. A full-face cord typically measures 4 feet high by 8 feet long, with logs that are approximately 16 inches long. A half-face cord would measure the same height and length, but with half the amount of wood. So, a half-face cord usually gives you about 21 cubic feet of wood.

This is a great choice if you need a smaller amount of wood for short-term use. It’s perfect for a small fireplace or if you need wood for a weekend.

What is a 1/4 Cord of Wood?

A 1/4 cord is a quarter of the size of a full cord of wood. Typically, it would be half the height and half the length of a full cord, meaning it usually contains about 10.5 cubic feet of wood. A 1/4 cord is ideal for occasional use, such as small fire pits or heating a small space.

How Are These Sold and When Are They Useful?

Firewood is typically sold by the cord or face cord, and smaller amounts, such as a half cord or 1/4 cord, are sold in similar terms. Understanding these sizes can help you determine the exact amount of wood you need.

Half cord of wood: Perfect for a short camping trip or for heating a small area for a limited time.
1/4 cord of wood: Great for a fire pit, small outdoor gatherings, or a small indoor fire.

How Much Wood is in One Face Cord?

A face cord of wood typically contains around 42 cubic feet of firewood. This is the volume of wood you get when you stack logs that are 4 feet high and 8 feet long, with log lengths typically ranging from 12 to 16 inches. It is essential to note that this measurement can vary slightly depending on how tightly the wood is stacked. On average, a face cord may contain approximately 120-150 logs, depending on the length and type of logs.

How Much Does a Face Cord of Wood Weigh?

The weight of a face cord depends mainly on the type of wood you are purchasing. For example, oak, a dense hardwood, will weigh significantly more than pine, a lighter softwood. On average, a face cord of wood can weigh anywhere from 1,000 to 1,800 pounds. Heavier woods like oak can push the weight closer to the higher end of that range, while lighter woods like pine will fall closer to the lower end.

What Is a Stove Cord? (Face Cord vs Stove Cord)

A stove cord is similar to a face cord, but with one crucial difference: the logs are cut shorter to fit inside a wood stove. Typically, this makes them more manageable for smaller wood-burning appliances. While a face cord is the standard measurement for firewood. A stove cord is ideal for people who use stoves or smaller fireplaces that require shorter logs.

Why Is It Called a Face Cord?

The term “face cord” comes from the way the wood is stacked. When you stack wood, the “front” surface or the “face” is the visible side that you see when looking at the stack. The term refers to the “face” of the stacked wood. Historically, it was used to describe the amount of wood visible from the front of a stack.

Conclusion

A face cord of wood is a simple and convenient way to buy firewood. However, it’s essential to know the size you’re getting. Always ask for the exact measurements before making a purchase. This helps you avoid confusion and get the right amount of wood for your needs. Make smart choices, stay warm, and always buy firewood with confidence.