What's the Size of a Rick of Wood? Understanding Cord, Face Cord, and Rick
The size of a rick of wood is surprisingly inconsistent, unlike the standardized cord. This lack of standardization is a common source of confusion when buying firewood. While a cord is a universally understood unit of measure for firewood, a rick is more regional and variable. Let's delve into the details:
Understanding the Different Wood Measurements:
Before we address the size of a rick, it's crucial to understand other common firewood measurement units:
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Cord: A cord of wood is a standard unit of measurement, equal to a stack of wood 4 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet. This is the most reliable and consistent way to buy firewood.
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Face Cord: A face cord is a stack of wood 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but the width is variable. This means the volume can change significantly, making it less precise than a cord.
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Rick: This is where things get tricky. A rick is a regional term, and its size can vary wildly depending on location and even the seller. It's often described as a smaller stack than a face cord, somewhere between a half-cord and a face cord. Some consider a rick to be approximately 1/3 of a cord.
So, how big is a rick?
There's no definitive answer. You might hear a rick described as:
- A stack of roughly 8-12 feet of wood length stacked 4 feet high and 1 to 2 feet wide (This is only an approximation).
Why the Inconsistency?
The lack of standardization for ricks stems from several factors:
- Regional variations: The term "rick" carries different connotations in different areas. What one seller considers a rick, another might call a half-cord or something else entirely.
- Loose measurement: Ricks are often measured less precisely than cords or face cords, leading to variability.
- Wood type and splitting: The size of the rick can be influenced by the type of wood and how it's split. Larger pieces will occupy more space, leading to a larger rick.
How to Avoid Confusion When Buying Firewood:
To avoid any misunderstandings and ensure you're getting the amount of wood you expect, always:
- Specify the unit of measurement: Clearly ask the seller if they are selling by the cord, face cord, or rick. If they use "rick," ask for the dimensions of the rick they're selling.
- Confirm the dimensions: Ask for the precise height, width, and length of the stack to calculate the volume.
- Use a cord as a benchmark: If possible, try to purchase firewood by the cord for a standardized measurement.
In conclusion, while the term "rick" is commonly used, it lacks the precision of "cord" or even "face cord." Always clarify the dimensions with the seller to avoid disappointment. Using cords remains the most reliable method for purchasing firewood.
Frequently Asked Questions (PAA) about Wood Measurement:
What is the difference between a cord and a rick of wood?
A cord is a standardized unit of measurement (128 cubic feet), while a rick is a regional term with highly variable dimensions. A rick is typically smaller than a cord, but its exact size is not consistent.
Is a rick of wood bigger than a face cord?
Generally, no. A rick is usually considered smaller than a face cord, but again, the size depends entirely on local customs and the seller.
How many ricks are in a cord of wood?
There's no fixed answer; it depends on the size of the rick. Some might estimate it to be approximately three ricks per cord, but this is just an approximation and may not always be accurate.
How do I measure a rick of firewood?
Since the size of a rick is not standardized, you must ask the seller for the specific dimensions (height, width, length) of their rick to calculate the volume.
What is the best way to buy firewood?
The best way is to buy firewood by the cord to ensure you receive a consistent and standardized amount of wood.
