Wood species
White oak is a common high-quality firewood standard. Hardwoods burn longer with more heat; softwoods light easier but burn out faster.
Amount
A full cord is 4 ft x 4 ft x 8 ft = 128 cu ft. A face cord is 4 ft x 8 ft x log length (typically 16-18 inches) which is 1/3 of a full cord.
Wood moisture and burn setup
Wet wood loses energy boiling off water. Seasoned wood (split, stacked off the ground, covered on top, exposed sides) takes 6-12 months to dry properly.
Open fireplaces send most heat up the chimney. EPA-certified stoves are 4-7x more efficient and use 60% less wood for the same heat.
Heat output
Raw BTU content
0
million BTU in your wood
Usable heat
0
million BTU after efficiency
Heating oil equivalent
0
gallons of #2 fuel oil
Natural gas equivalent
0
therms of natural gas
BTU values assume properly seasoned wood. Comparison fuels are based on net heat output (similar appliance efficiencies). 1 gallon of #2 heating oil = 138,500 BTU. 1 therm of natural gas = 100,000 BTU. To replace a cord of seasoned hardwood, you need roughly 150 gallons of oil or 200 therms of gas. Always burn seasoned wood in an EPA-certified stove for safety and efficiency.