How Much Firewood Do You Really Need? A Guide to Bags, Logs, and Cords

As temperatures drop and the allure of a crackling fire grows stronger, many households start searching for reliable firewood sources. But once you dive into the world of firewood, a common question quickly arises: how much firewood do you really need? With terms like “firewood bag,” “firewood cord,” and “firewood logs” floating around, it’s easy to get confused—especially when purchasing firewood online or scheduling a firewood delivery. This guide breaks it all down for you, so you can plan ahead and ensure you stay warm all season long without overbuying or running short.

Understanding Firewood Measurements

Before you can estimate how much firewood you need, it’s essential to understand how firewood is measured and sold. Firewood is commonly sold by volume in various units including cords, face cords, ricks, and bags. These measurements can vary significantly depending on your region or supplier, which is why understanding each term is vital when buying firewood online or in person.

A full cord of firewood is the standard measurement in the industry and equates to 128 cubic feet of neatly stacked logs. The dimensions are typically 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long. This volume includes both the wood and the air space between logs. A face cord or rick, by contrast, has the same height and length (4 ft x 8 ft) but is only one log deep, often around 16 inches—making it approximately one-third of a full cord.

Then there are firewood bags. These are typically sold for convenience in small bundles or mesh sacks and can contain anywhere from 0.5 to 1 cubic foot of firewood. While ideal for occasional use like camping or backyard fire pits, firewood bags aren’t the most economical choice for heating a home. However, they are widely available at grocery stores, gas stations, or for quick firewood delivery orders.

Estimating Your Firewood Needs

How much firewood you need depends on several factors, including your climate, the size and efficiency of your fireplace or stove, how often you plan to burn, and what type of wood you’re using. Generally, a household using wood as its primary heat source through a cold winter may require 4 to 6 full cords. If you’re only using firewood occasionally—say, for ambiance on weekends—you might only need a half-cord or even just a few firewood bags.

Wood-burning stoves are typically more efficient than open fireplaces. If your stove is EPA-certified, it may produce more heat per log, meaning you’ll need less wood overall. Additionally, hardwoods like oak, hickory, and maple burn longer and hotter than softwoods like pine or spruce, so your choice of wood species will impact how much you need.

If you’re planning to heat your home every day from October through March, you’ll need more firewood logs than someone only burning fires in December and January. Your geographic location also plays a big role; those in colder northern climates will naturally need more firewood than someone in the South. Keeping a fire going 24/7 will consume significantly more than using your fireplace for a few hours in the evening.

Choosing Between a Cord, a Bag, or Individual Logs

Now that you understand the basic measurements, how do you decide what to purchase? If you’re buying firewood online or scheduling a firewood delivery, you’ll often be choosing between a full or face cord. These are the most economical options for frequent users. Make sure to check with your supplier on the exact measurements and whether the wood is seasoned (dried) or green (freshly cut). Seasoned wood burns cleaner and more efficiently and should always be your choice unless you plan to dry it yourself.

For occasional use, buying a firewood bag might be the simplest option. It’s clean, manageable, and perfect for storing indoors or in small spaces. It also avoids the commitment of buying a large quantity of wood you may not use.

If you’re purchasing loose firewood logs by weight or volume—common at garden centers or roadside vendors—be aware that moisture content can significantly affect weight. Wet or green wood may seem like a good deal but won’t burn as well, and you’ll need more of it to achieve the same heat output.

Consider how and where you’ll store your firewood, too. A full cord takes up a lot of space and needs to be kept off the ground and covered from rain while still allowing airflow to continue drying. If you’re limited on space, you may need to settle for smaller quantities.

Making the Most of Your Firewood Purchase

Whether you’re buying firewood online or picking it up locally, getting the most out of your purchase starts with knowing how to store and burn it effectively. First, ensure your wood is properly seasoned. Seasoned firewood should have been split and dried for at least 6–12 months. Look for visible cracks on the ends, a lighter weight, and a hollow sound when two logs are knocked together.

Proper storage is critical. Keep your firewood stack on a raised platform or pallets to allow air to circulate underneath. Store it in a location with good air circulation and cover the top to shield it from rain and snow—but leave the sides open to allow moisture to escape. Never store large quantities of firewood directly against your home; this can invite pests like termites and rodents.

When burning, use a mixture of kindling and small logs to get your fire started. Once established, transition to larger hardwood logs for sustained heat. Keep your chimney or flue clean and inspect it regularly to avoid creosote buildup, which can cause chimney fires.

If you rely heavily on firewood, consider investing in a moisture meter. It’s a small device that tells you the moisture content of your wood—ideally, it should be below 20% for optimal burning. This small investment can dramatically improve your fire’s efficiency and safety.

Planning Ahead for Firewood Delivery

One of the best ways to avoid the winter rush is to plan your firewood delivery well in advance. The demand for firewood spikes in late fall and early winter, meaning you might face delays or limited availability if you wait too long. Buying firewood online during the offseason, like spring or early summer, can often get you better prices and guarantee access to well-seasoned wood.

When scheduling a delivery, confirm the type and quantity of wood, whether it will be stacked or dumped, and any delivery fees involved. Reputable suppliers will be upfront about these details and may offer stacking services for an additional charge. If stacking is not included, be prepared with a suitable storage location before the delivery arrives.

Another benefit of purchasing firewood online is the ability to compare prices, read customer reviews, and verify the credibility of your supplier. Many online firewood sellers now provide detailed information about the type of wood, its moisture content, and how it’s been processed, making it easier to ensure you’re getting good value.

If you’re only buying a firewood bag or two, local stores or even gas stations can be convenient sources, especially in urban or suburban areas. While this may be more expensive per cubic foot, the convenience is worth it for occasional users.

Conclusion

Ultimately, how much firewood you need comes down to your lifestyle, heating habits, and how frequently you burn. Whether you’re buying firewood logs in bulk or grabbing a small bag for your firepit, planning ahead and understanding the language of cords, bags, and logs will save you time, money, and stress—and keep you warm all winter long.

Need Firewood in Lubbock, TX?

Here at Freedom Firewood in Lubbock, Texas, we take pride in offering a diverse selection of premium, fully seasoned, and ready-to-burn firewood to meet all your needs. Whether you’re looking for oak, hickory, mesquite, pecan, New Mexico pine, pinion pine, or a mixed variety, we have you covered. From one cord to a quarter cord, apartment stacks, and even convenient pre-bagged firewood, we provide the right quantity for you. Plus, with our local and long-distance delivery services, getting your firewood has never been easier. Contact us today to experience the warmth and quality of Freedom Firewood!