Firewood shrinks as it dries. So, if y0u make a 4ft tall stack, it will not be 4ft by time it is seasoned. So, how tall a stack does one sell? Now, the kicker here is that hardly anybody sells truly seasoned wood around here. So, they are selling 4ft tall stacks if you're lucky! (If you don't measure, you can get shorted, some of these guys are not honest, imagine that! I've seen it firsthand.) Anyway, if one sells a stack of green wood that is 4ft tall, I suppose that there is nothing unethical about that. Other than you shouldn't call it seasoned! (Although, there is another catch... what is the definition of 'seasoned?) Regarding the definition of a cord, I don't know that a cord of wood being 4x4x8 is defined as seasoned wood. It would be interesting to read the statutes for states that actually have firewood laws. I tend to make them 4ft if it's seasoned and about 4.5ft if it's not, what do you think? I don't want any buyer to feel that they got less than what is right!
I looked up the regulations once and around here "seasoned" was defined as 90 days drying time. So they are legally selling "seasoned" wood but you sure wouldn't want to try to burn it right away! Brad
Correct. Cord is a measurement of volume, not moisture content. So you could sell a cord of dry wood, or a cord of green (wet) wood. Both would be 4x4x8 ft, or 128 cubic feet, at least at that one point in time.
Do you really or you are yanking our chain. I would get halfway through and lose count. Then start over again. The hazards of getting older.
No BS. Is an OCD thing. Ive had exact half cord stacks and have counted the splits. Lots of times its from an unmeasured stack or two or more stacks. If it looks like im short ill throw more on the truck. 16" splits. I think Yawner had asked about this a couple years ago and i did the experiment.
Yep, I do remember that. The counting method is only for those who can make splits the same average size on a consistent basis, lol. I had a helper here yesterday and I noticed that his split output, the splits were far smaller than usual, so, the split count/cord would be far higher!
You are right. I usually stack to 4 1/2' high and it shrinks to around 4'. As for seasoned, I wish that word was not used for firewood. I season my food but not my firewood. What one should aim for is dry wood, or to be more exact, wood at 20% moisture or less.
Anybody pulling out a tape measure over a half inch im not selling to i block people on Facebook marketplace all the time for low balling or being cheesey…its 50 dollars for whats in that 4x4 rack and thats non negotiable
Years ago I used to buy an occasional load of firewood from a guy who sold half cords by the split count. He was amazingly accurate!
