A full cord of firewood is a lot of firewood, and such a large order may not be for everyone. However, there are some situations when buying so much at a single time would be beneficial. For example, ordering in bulk could result in some cost savings and convenience for certain people.
Today, we will discuss four fantastic reasons to buy a full cord of firewood instead of smaller ordering options. But first, we have a crucial disclaimer: Don’t order just any cord of firewood.
Don’t Order Just Any Cord of Firewood
We’ve already said it once, but it bears saying one more time – a full cord of firewood is a lot of firewood.
When purchasing a full cord of firewood, quality is paramount. You want to ensure that the wood you order is of the highest standard, guaranteeing a safe and efficient burn. This is why we recommend only ordering kiln-dried hardwood, a type of firewood that has been carefully engineered for the highest-quality fires. By choosing this option, you can feel confident that you’re getting the best possible quality for your money.
Why Kiln-Dried?
Kiln-dried firewood has been painstakingly engineered for the highest-quality fires. How? Placing the wood in a dry kiln for about two days at over 260 degrees. The process purifies the wood from undesirables like mold, mildew, bugs and chemicals while bringing the moisture content below 20%.
Low moisture content in firewood is crucial because it makes the wood easier to light and reduces the amount of smoke and creosote produced during burn. No more choking and watery eyes when trying to enjoy your firewood!
Why Hardwood?
Hardwoods, like oak, are denser than softwoods, like pine. Greater density helps your fires burn hotter for longer since there’s more to burn. This not only gives you the best possible fires but might also save you money! When each piece of firewood lasts longer, your cord may last longer overall.
Fantastic Reasons to Buy a Full Cord of Firewood
You’re about to order firewood, but you’re unsure how much you need. Most customers order a bundle, ¼ face cord, ½ face cord or a face cord. In fact, we usually encourage these smaller orders for a few reasons:
- They’re easier to transport
- Less storage space is required
- Most people find them to be enough wood for their needs
But what about when you need a lot of firewood or might benefit from stocking up? There are a few reasons why purchasing a full cord of firewood at once is the better option, and below, we’ll discuss four of those.
1. Firewood Is Your Primary Heat Source
Is your home heated by fireplaces or wood-burning stoves? According to the U.S. Census, 1.9% of American homes still rely solely on wood for their heat, while more than 30% of homes are heated by wood in certain counties. Stocking up on firewood is a fantastic idea if you fall into that statistic.
What if your home isn’t only heated by firewood, but it accounts for 50% or more of your heating needs? We still say buying in bulk and purchasing a full cord outright is a fantastic idea.
Stocking up means you’ll have plenty of firewood to keep your home warm, and you shouldn’t have to worry about running out when you need it most. In this situation, we recommend ordering your next cord of firewood when you have a week’s worth of wood left.
2. You Regularly Host Large Bonfires
Bonfires are popular during the summer and fall as a great way to spend time with friends and family after dark. After all, there’s nothing quite like a roaring bonfire, great company and (of course) roasted marshmallows. Some people host their friends and family at a bonfire once or twice a year. If that’s you, buying a few bundles of firewood for each event should suffice.
But what about the people who regularly host large bonfires? If you have large bonfires at least once a week or more throughout the summer or fall, you could benefit from ordering a full cord of firewood. This will ensure you have plenty of wood to keep that fire roaring as late (and often) as you want.
3. You Have Ample Storage Space
Kiln-dried firewood needs a dry, safe storage space that meets specific requirements. The space should be covered, and it should allow wood to be stored a few inches above the ground. If the storage is outside, you’ll want to keep it away from overhanging branches and the side of your house.
If your storage area is inside (like in a well-ventilated garage), ordering a kiln-dried cord of firewood is even more critical. Kiln-dried wood is the only type guaranteed to prevent bugs and pests from entering your home because it’s been purified.
Do you have the space to store a cord of firewood properly? Go for it! Ordering in bulk is often more cost-efficient and convenient.
4. You Want to Cost Share
Do you have several people nearby who also need firewood? Maybe your friends, family or neighbors also use bonfires, fireplaces or wood stoves. In that case, you may want to consider ordering a cord of firewood and cost-sharing with others. This can be an excellent way to get precisely the right amount of firewood for each of you while potentially paying a little less per log.
However, for this to work, at least one of the cost-sharing participants must have a pickup truck. Otherwise, you’ll be unable to transport any of the firewood from the initial delivery location. Of course, if you’re sharing with your neighbors, you could build shared wood storage at your property lines to make things simple and efficient!
Full Cord of Firewood FAQs
You likely have some questions before you order a full cord of firewood. We’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions we get asked by customers. We hope you find them helpful!
What is the benefit of buying a cord of firewood versus a face cord or bundle?
The primary benefits of buying a full cord of firewood instead of a face cord or bundle are cost and convenience.
Most firewood suppliers offer a discount on larger orders so that each piece of wood ends up being cheaper. This can be an excellent benefit if you need a lot of wood. Plus, there’s the convenience of never running out of wood when you need it most.
When should you not buy a full cord of firewood?
You shouldn’t buy a full cord of firewood if you’re only a casual user. For example, people who occasionally run their fireplace for aesthetics or have bonfires only a few times a year won’t want to purchase in bulk. If you don’t have dry, safe storage for so much wood, you’ll want to stick to smaller orders so the wood doesn’t get wet and ruined.
What’s the difference between a face cord and a full cord of firewood?
A face cord is smaller than a full cord. The exact size of a face cord can vary from one firewood supplier to the next. However, the most common measurements are four feet high by eight feet long and a depth of between 12 and 18 inches.
How many pieces of firewood are in a cord?
The exact number of pieces of firewood in a cord will vary from one order to the next. Instead of “per piece,” cords are measured by volume and are 128 cubic feet or four feet high by four feet wide and eight feet long.
How long will a cord of firewood last?
How long your cord lasts will depend on how frequently you burn firewood. Some people may find that a full cord lasts all winter, while others may need three or even four cords before spring arrives.
If you’re unsure how long a cord will last, tracking that time for the first few orders is the best way to understand your unique needs. You can average the times together to get an estimated length of time to determine your annual cord of firewood needs in the future.
How many cords of wood to heat a house all winter?
Most homes need between one and three cords of wood to heat them through the winter. However, this can vary based on factors like how insulated your home is, how much square footage you have and how cold the winter is. Some smaller homes in mild winters will need less than a full cord, while larger homes in bitter winters may need four or more.
Will a cord of firewood fit into a pickup truck?
No. A cord of firewood will not fit in a standard pickup truck. If you plan to order a full cord, we highly recommend placing your order for delivery instead of pickup.
Need a High-Quality Cord of Firewood near Chicago, IL?
Want a full cord of firewood for your home near Chicago, IL, kiln-dried to perfection by a reputable company? Lumberjacks has you covered! We’ve provided convenient firewood delivery and curbside pickup for decades from our convenient locations in Lake in the Hills and Woodstock. Call or fill out the form below to place your order today. We can’t wait to hear from you!
