Potential wood burners also should be aware of the debris, insects and fungi in decayed wood which add to housekeeping chores. Wood fires require some attention, stoking and periodic adjustment for good results and safety. With these factors in mind, one should consider that it may be more economical and practical over the long term to invest in good caulking and insulation rather than purchase a good wood stove and install a proper chimney. If, with these facts in mind you still are interested in heating with wood, there is further information which will help you toward the purchase, preparation, and use of firewood. Recommend this Page to a Friend Purchasing In purchasing wood, one basic piece of information to have is what constitutes a cord of wood.
Most states require that fuel wood be sold by the standard or fraction of a cord.
A standard cord of wood has been defined by law as a pile of sticks four feet in length piled four feet high and eight feet long. Other factors affecting the amount of solid wood in a cord are the size and straightness of the sticks and whether they are round or split. Because of these factors, a standard cord can vary from 60 to 110 cubic feet of solid wood. Another way to buy wood is by the truck load or by weight. If you purchase wood by the load, be sure to know that the amount can vary substantially depending on the size of the vehicle carrying it.