Woodworking 101: How Much Wood Will I Get In A Rick?

To really understand just how much wood is typically stacked into a rick, you first need to know the measurements of a ‘cord’ of wood.

A cord of wood has the dimensions of 4′ X 4′ X 8′. In other words, it is four feet in height, has a depth of four feet, and is eight feet wide.

In addition to this, the lumber inside a cord is cut down to 16’’ lengthwise, and they are fitted together tightly to make a full cord.

Altogether, a full cords volume is often 128 cubic feet. And I use the term often because if the wood is tied loosely, the volume can be as much as 180 cubic feet (which makes it almost impossible to give an exact volume of a cord of wood).

Now, firewood supplies are usually sold in measures, and in many areas the only legal firewood measurement is a ‘Cord’. Therefore, it is tough for most people to workout how much wood is present in a ‘rick’.

However, if you are buying a cord of wood – as mentioned above – you can expect to receive 128 cubic feet of wood. But if you are purchasing a rick of wood, then expect to receive 42.6 cubic feet of wood.

Okay, here is where the math gets a little tricky...

A cord of wood has three rows, each row is known as a ‘rick’.

So, if we divide the volume of a cord by 3, we get the volume of a rick; 128 (one cord) / 3 = 42.6 (one rick)

So, to answer the original question, there is about 42.6 cubic feet of wood in a rick of wood.

It is worth clarifying that the measurement and size of a rick can vary by state and/or country. For example, the Sheldon Cord is bigger than a full cord.

Similarly, the Face Cord has more depth than a full cord, (with dimensions that stretch to 4’ x 16’ x 8’.

NOTE: We recommend you always confirm the volume of the rick first, before purchasing it.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whether you’re buying a cord or rick, the wood will be stacked in a regular way, known as ‘rank of wood’.

A rank of wood is a well-stowed, arranged stack of wood. It is aligned in a neat parallel formation so that no extra space is wasted.

So, before buying the rick, ensure that the formation is clean. If it is clean, and the wood is stacked compactly, it will be a great deal.

How Many Pieces of Wood Are In A Rick?

If you are particularly interested in the pieces of wood in the rick, there will be around 75 pieces.

Bear in mind, there is no official number for this when it comes to either a cord or a rick. You can’t compel the seller to give you the exact number, however, they often have an idea regarding how many pieces of woods are present in their stack.

They can give you a standard number so that you can decide whether thats the right amount of wood for your plans.

Does The Weight of The Wood Matter?

Yes, the weight of the wood in the rick matters.

It is often between 1,566 and 2,025 pounds, and it can be carried easily in a 1/2 ton pickup.

California’s Energy Commission’s Consumer Energy Center has provided us some weight ratios that can assist greatly, especially if you are interested in some specific type of wood.

For instance, a cord of Alder wood weighs around 2,500 pounds, Maple 2,350 pounds, Douglas Fir 2,400 pounds, and Oak (White) 2,880 pounds.

How Much Is A Rick of Wood Worth?

Generally, it costs between $40 and $60 USD, but you can expect to pay more in winter.

Besides, in some regions, the cost can be as high as $120. It all depends on the demand for firewood and the place you are living in.

Apart from this, some other factors play a significant role when it comes to valuing a rick of wood.

For example; how dry the wood is, how thick the firewood is, and how clean the overall rick of wood is too. All these factors will determine the quality of the rick.

If it is at all possible, try to take the opportunity to check the quality of the rick in person before paying for it. That way you can be sure you are on the right side of a good deal.

Are There Any Other Tips For Getting A Rick?

Several things can help you get a rick for the right price.

First, ensure there is no wasted space. It should be arranged properly.

Second, before buying the rick, insist it is cut to its burning length. This will be an absolute time saver, as some sellers don’t offer the right burning length, which means you will have to cut it yourself (which can take a lot of work).

Lastly, keep in mind, (depending on the region) the seller can charge an extra $100 to $150 for transport and handling – which could more than double the cost of purchasing a rick.

What About The State Laws?

When it comes to state laws, it is required to advertise and sell firewood by the cord.

This law is designed for the protection of the consumers, mainly so that they can get the correct amount of wood for their money.

But if you are interested in a rick only, and not the entire cord, it is more of a regional or local preference. For that reason, price gouging – especially during harsh winters – can occur.

In some regions, however, the sellers sell the rick according to the amount of wood that is contained in the bed of a pickup.

If you face this issue, measure the height, weight, and depth of the pickup, and use the free firewood cord calculator online to see what you are getting.

You can find an online cord calculator over on the Maine.gov website.

If the calculated results are around 42.6 cubic feet or more, it means you are getting the right amount of wood.

Final Thoughts

On the whole, a rick could mean anything.

But if you follow the tips and tricks detailed above, then you can save money and get the right amount of wood every single time.

So to sum up, here are 5 helpful tips to keep in mind the next time you go to purchase firewood;

1. The standard length of firewood in a rick is 16 inches.
2. Dealers of the firewood can only sell it in either cords or ricks.
3. The first measurement of the stack is the actual legal measurement.
4. Measurements of a rick of wood can vary by as much as 10 percent.
5. If you buy and stack the wood, your stack will have a new legal measurement.