Top Tips for Stacking and Storing Half Cord of Wood

When it comes to keeping your house warm throughout fall and winter, nothing beats the comforting crackle and glow of a wood fire. However, to reap the benefits of burning firewood you need to properly store and stack your woodpile. Improper methods can lead to mold, rotting, warping, decreased efficiency when burning, and insect damage. Follow these top tips to get the most out your half cord firewood delivery.

Benefits of Purchasing Half Cord Firewood

For many small homes, a half cord is the perfect amount of firewood to purchase at one time. At approximately 128 cubic feet when stacked, a half cord contains about 1.5-2 cubic yards of wood. This will typically yield 12-24 fires depending on factors like the wood species, moisture content, and size of your wood stove or fireplace . Going with a half cord over a full cord saves money upfront and you avoid purchasing more wood than you need for the season.

Perfect Amount for Small Homes and Limited Storage Space

A full cord of firewood takes up a lot of space and requires a large covered storage area. The smaller size of a half cord is easier to find room for and you can simply purchase another half cord later on if you end up needing more to get through winter.

High-Quality Kiln-Dried Wood Species

Reputable firewood suppliers offer prime wood species like oak, maple, and cherry in half cord units. The wood is often kiln-dried down to a moisture content of 20% or less for ideal burning efficiency. Kiln drying uses large ovens to remove water content from the wood consistently. This makes the firewood ignite quicker, burn brighter, and release more heat compared to wood with higher moisture levels.

More Affordable Option

You save roughly 30% off the cost of a full cord when ordering a half cord instead. This allows you to free up funds for purchasing a firewood rack , moisture meter, tarp, and other key firewood accessories.

How Much Wood is in a Half Cord

When stacked, an average half cord measures 4 feet by 4 feet by 2 feet. However, to yield the full 128 cubic feet the pieces need to be tightly packed with minimal gaps and air pockets. The standard firewood measurement specifications for a half cord are:

• Length of each piece - 16 inches
• Height - 4 feet (48 inches)
• Width - 4 feet (48 inches)
• Depth - 2 feet (24 inches)

Firewood Weight Depends on Wood Species

Depending on tree species and drying process, a half cord can weigh between 1,500 to 2,500 pounds. For example, a half cord of kiln-dried oak weighs around 2,000 pounds while the same amount of cherry or pine may only weigh 1,800 pounds.

Use a Truck Scale to Verify Weights

Many firewood sellers charge by the truckload which often roughly equates to a half cord. However, it's smart to verify the actual weight using truck scales to confirm you received adequate quantity. Under the Massachusetts firewood regulations, half cord firewood orders must meet a minimum weight of 1,700 pounds.

Volume vs Weight Measurements

While firewood is often sold by the pound, the standard unit is the cord which measures volume in cubic feet. This can make it confusing when trying to calculate quantities. The average density for seasoned firewood is about 3,000 pounds per cord. So a half cord measuring 128 cubic feet would weigh around 1,500 pounds depending on wood species and moisture content.

Proper Stacking and Storage Tips

Proper stacking and storage are imperative for keeping your half cord woodpile protected from the elements so it burns bright all season long. Follow these top recommendations:

Allow For Air Circulation Between Pieces

Stacking firewood tightly may seem like it saves space but restricting airflow can lead to mold, mildew and rotting over time. Leave small gaps between each piece to give moisture a route to escape.

Keep Wood Elevated Off the Ground

Set your woodpile on concrete blocks, timbers, or firewood racks to avoid direct ground contact. Sitting right on soil allows moisture to seep into the grain over months exposed to rain and snow. Pallets also work well to lift your stack.

Cover Top of Stack with Waterproof Heavy Duty Tarp

A tarp helps significantly reduce how much rainfall and snow lands directly on your stack. Look for durable, reinforced tarps designed specifically to cover firewood. Make sure it's secured tightly and allows airflow out the sides.

Face Woodpile Away From Prevailing Winds

Stack your half cord so the 4-foot height side faces into the wind rather than the 2-foot depth side. This reduces the chance of wind blowing rain or snow directly into cracks and openings in the pile.

Store in Sheltered Area Near Home

Keep wood stacks close to exterior doors near where you use your fireplace or wood stove. This prevents having to carry heavy, awkward arm loads from a distant part of yard. An added bonus is shortening the distance also reduces chances of strains, falls or dropping firewood on feet.

Key Safety Tips When Handling Firewood

Preparing, moving, and stacking firewood brings an array of safety hazards from muscle strains to getting hit by falling pieces. Keep these precautions in mind:

Wear Protective Gear

Use sturdy gloves to avoid splinters and eye protection when operating chainsaws or chopping wood with an axe. Wear steel-toe boots and keep ear protection on hand. Make sure chainsaws include chain brakes and anti-vibration features.

Stretch Out Muscles Beforehand

Limber up muscles with some squats, lunges, shoulder rolls, and toe touches. This prevents muscle tears and joint pain later on from repetitive heavy lifting and throwing. Remember to also stretch wrists, forearms, lower back, and thighs.

Get Help Moving Stack from Friends

Have a partner, friends, or hired help available whenever possible to assist with lifting large logs and awkward lengths. Make sure to lift safely with legs bent and back straight. Communicate clearly when passing wood to prevent collisions.

Look around the chopping block first and remove any debris that could cause an axe or hammer to ricochet unexpectedly. Secure logs firmly in place so they don't unexpectedly shift mid-swing. Targeting the same chopping surface preserves the sharpness of blade longer.

A half cord of wood should provide plenty of cozy fires for small homes all season long. Just be sure to follow proper protocols when it comes to stacking and covering your new woodpile. And don't forget to stretch beforehand - your back and shoulders will thank you later!