How Much Does a Cord of Wood Weigh? Full, Half, and Face Cord Guide
A cord of wood is the normal way to measure firewood, but different kinds of wood and different levels of dryness can make a lot of weight. A full cord usually weighs 3,000 to 5,000 pounds, not including the average weight of the cord itself. Before you buy or carry a cord of wood, you can plan for how you'll store it, how it'll get to you, and how much it'll cost if you know how much it weighs.
How Heavy Is a Full Cord of Wood?
When someone asks how heavy a cord of wood is, the type of wood, how wet it is, and how it is stacked all matter. The HY-C Firewood Size Guide says that a full cord is 128 cubic feet in size and can weigh anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 pounds.
A full cord of wood is three rows of logs, each about 16 inches long. When stacked, they make a four-foot-high, eight-foot-long pile. The total amount of wood and its weight when wet can change based on how the wood is stacked and how much water it holds.
Factors That Affect Cord Weight
The weight of a cord depends on the wood’s density and moisture level. Freshly cut wood, also called green wood, is much heavier because it still contains water.
Wood type: Hardwoods such as oak and hickory weigh more than softwood species like pine or spruce.
Moisture content: Freshly cut wood, or green firewood, can be 30–50% heavier than seasoned wood.
Drying time: Seasoned wood that has been air-dried for 6–12 months is lighter and produces more heat.
Kiln drying: Kiln-dried firewood weighs less but burns cleaner and hotter.
Stacking: Properly stacked logs with less random loading can improve drying and reduce total weight.
Firewood Size and Dimensions
Understanding firewood dimensions helps when buying or transporting. Firewood dealers use cords to measure wood volume. Smaller portions, like a face cord or half cord, are often sold to fit small pickups.
Full cord: 128 cubic feet of wood, about 3,000 to 5,000 pounds.
Half cord: 64 cubic feet, often fits in a standard pickup bed.
Face cord: About 42 cubic feet, roughly one-third of a full cord.
Firewood dimensions: Each log averages 16 inches in length for stacking efficiency.
Standard bed: A full-size pickup can handle about half a cord safely.
Choosing seasoned or kiln-dried firewood over green firewood ensures higher firewood quality. Kiln-dried wood has less moisture, meaning less smoke and more heat per pound.
Is a Cord of Wood a Ton?
Penn State Extension has information on how much a cord of wood weighs in tons. Hardwood weighs about 2.9 tons (5,800 pounds) per full cord, and softwood weighs about 2.68 tons (5,360 pounds).
Comparing Green and Dry Wood
The moisture in the wood makes the weight difference between green and dry wood. Green wood has water in it that makes it heavier, but seasoned wood doesn't have as much water, so it's lighter.
Green hardwood cord: Around 2.9 tons when freshly cut.
Seasoned hardwood cord: About 1.5 tons after drying.
Softwood cord: About 2.68 tons green and 1.3 tons dry.
Kiln-dried firewood: The lightest option, with the lowest moisture content.
Why Density and Moisture Matter
Different wood species have different densities, which change how much heat they produce. Denser wood gives more heat per cord and weighs more.
Hardwoods: Oak, hickory, and maple have high density and burn longer.
Softwoods: Pine, fir, and spruce burn faster and weigh less.
Moisture control: Kiln-dried or seasoned wood ensures efficient burning and less smoke.
Stacking tip: Keep logs elevated and covered to prevent moisture absorption.
In summary, a cord of green hardwood can weigh up to 6,000 pounds, while a cord of kiln-dried wood weighs closer to 3,000 pounds. The difference in weight also affects the heat output, making dry wood more efficient and easier to handle.
Can You Fit a Cord of Wood in a Pickup Truck?
A lot of people ask if a pickup truck can hold a full cord of wood. It depends on the size of the truck and how the wood is stacked. A Quora discussion says that half a cord of wood can be safely held by a full-size pickup truck with an 8-foot bed, and about a third of a cord can be held by a smaller truck. A full cord of wood, which is 128 cubic feet, can go over the weight limit of most trucks and make driving unsafe.
A full cord of wood usually weighs between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds. This depends on the type of wood, how wet it is, and whether it is seasoned or green. Because it has more water in it, green wood (for example, oak or birch) has a higher green weight. On the other hand, wood that has been dried in a kiln or seasoned has a lower dry weight and burns hotter.
Pickup Capacity and Space Needed
Different trucks can carry different volumes of firewood. The key is understanding firewood dimensions, cubic feet, and how logs are stacked or loaded.
Small pickups hold: About 1/3 of a cord or roughly 42 cubic feet of wood.
Full-size trucks: Can carry half a cord if the wood is stacked tightly and evenly in the bed.
Trailers: A standard 8-foot trailer can hold a full cord of wood if properly balanced and secured.
Weight considerations: Oak and birch weigh more, while softwood species are lighter but give less heat.
When measuring, remember that a standard cord is made of logs about 16 inches in length, stacked in three rows. This wood stack will form a pile four feet high and eight feet wide.
Safe Loading and Hauling Tips
Transporting heavy wood safely requires careful stacking, even weight distribution, and proper tie-downs to prevent movement.
Stack evenly: Distribute the weight across the bed to avoid tipping.
Use tie-downs: Secure the pile tightly so logs do not shift while driving.
Don’t overload: Trucks have payload limits—going over them can damage your suspension or frame.
Plan for space: Leave some air gaps between logs to promote airflow and easier unloading.
A smart idea is to measure your truck bed and compare it to the standard cord dimensions before buying. Firewood dealers often sell half cords or face cords because they fit better in most vehicles.
What Is a Good Price for a 1/2 Cord of Wood?
No matter where you live, what kind of wood you buy, or how it's made, firewood can be expensive. The Angi Cost Guide says that a half cord of wood normally costs $100 to $300. Softwoods cost less than hardwoods like oak and birch, which burn longer and hotter. Softwoods also create fewer coals and need to be reloaded more often.
Cost Factors and Firewood Measurement
The price depends on whether the wood is green, seasoned, or kiln-dried.
Seasoned wood: Costs more but provides better burning efficiency and less smoke.
Kiln-dried wood: Has the lowest moisture content, lights easily, and gives steady heat.
Green wood: Cheaper but heavier and produces more smoke with less heat.
Delivery and stacking: Firewood dealers may charge extra for labor and transport.
Each cord of wood is measured in cubic feet, so confirm with your supplier how much is being sold. A full cord of wood should be 128 cubic feet, while a face cord is about 42 cubic feet.
Buying Tips for Better Value
When buying firewood, make sure to understand the unit you’re paying for and where it’s stored.
Measure before buying: Verify that the pile’s width, height, and length match cord standards.
Buy early: Purchasing in spring or summer saves money before winter demand increases.
Store properly: Keep the wood in a dry shed or under a tarp to prevent moisture buildup.
Avoid random loading: Neatly stacked logs provide accurate measurement and easier handling.
Homeowners can better plan their heating needs, make the most of their space, and get the best deal by knowing how wood's volume and weight are connected. These firewood facts will help you avoid wasting money and space while making sure you have a warm fire all season, whether you buy seasoned wood for your fireplace or kiln-dried wood for clean burning.
Final Thoughts
Knowing a cord of wood's weight helps you figure out how to store it, how to move it, and how much it will cost. The weight depends on the species, how much moisture is in it, and if it is green, seasoned, or kiln-dried wood. A full cord of wood usually weighs up to 5,000 pounds and is 128 cubic feet in volume. Before you buy, make sure to check the wood's dryness, measure your space, and talk to your firewood dealer to make sure you get the right amount for your shed or fireplace.
FAQs
How much does a cord of wood weigh in pounds?
A full cord of wood weighs between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds depending on wood type, dryness, and species.
Does seasoned wood weigh less than green wood?
Yes, seasoned wood has lower moisture content, so it weighs less and produces more heat when burning.
How many cubic feet are in a standard cord of wood?
A standard cord equals 128 cubic feet of stacked wood, typically in three rows of 16-inch logs.
Can kiln-dried wood save space in storage?
Yes, kiln-dried wood has reduced moisture and shrinks slightly during drying, making stacking more efficient in a shed or trailer.
What’s the best way to store a cord of wood?
Stack your firewood in a dry area with airflow, off the ground, and covered with a tarp to protect it from rain and excess moisture.
