If you're looking to buy wood, one of the first questions you'll want to answer is how much you're getting for the price. A rick of wood is a common measurement given by firewood suppliers, but you may be wondering, just how big is a rick of wood? We've done the research and have all the answers you need.
Unlike a cord of wood, a rick of wood is not a standard measurement and can vary based on how the vendor chooses to cut and stack the wood. A cord of wood is always 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet, or 128 cubic feet. A rick of wood is usually 4 feet by 8 feet by either 12, 16, or 24 inches, which means it could range anywhere from 32 to 42 to 64 cubic feet. The average rick of wood is around 42 cubic feet or a third of a cord.
Keep reading for more information on measuring a rick of wood, how a rick of wood compares to a cord of wood, how much a rick of wood costs, how to stack a rick of wood, and more.
What Is a Rick of Wood?
When you're in the market for firewood, whether to heat your home in the winter or for backyard barbeques in the summer, you want to know just how much wood you're buying. This is crucial to ensure you'll have enough wood to get through the season and make sure you're getting a fair price. While a cord of wood is a standard and regulated measurement, a rick of wood is not. A rick essentially means a stack, and different wood suppliers may choose to cut, stack, and price a rick of wood differently.
A cord is the most common measurement you'll see when purchasing firewood. It is always 128 cubic feet, or 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet when stacked. In many states, the sale of firewood is regulated, and you will only see it sold as a cord or a fraction of a cord. However, if you do see a rick of wood advertised instead, you'll want to confirm how that particular seller defines and measures a rick, so you know exactly what you're getting.
In most cases, the size of the rick of wood will depend on how long the logs are cut. The length is usually anywhere from 12 to 24 inches, but it could be shorter or longer. The most common length is 16 inches since this is convenient for fitting in most fireplaces or wood stoves. If the rick is stacked like a cord, 4 feet high by 8 feet wide, then a rick of wood with 16-inch-long logs will be about 42 cubic feet or a third of a cord.
Again, a rick is not a standardized or regulated measurement, so you'll want to double-check how that vendor defines a rick of wood. Individual sellers may choose to cut and stack their wood differently, so the size of a rick can vary widely.
How to Measure a Rick of Wood
The best way to determine the size of a particular rick of wood is to measure it. Ideally, the wood will be cut and stacked neatly. Using a measuring tape, measure the length, width, and height, and then multiply those numbers together.
For instance, if the logs are cut 12 inches long and stacked 4 feet high by 8 feet wide, you would multiply 4 feet by 8 feet by 1-foot, which equals 32 cubic feet. If the logs are cut 24 inches long and stacked 4 feet high by 8 feet wide, you would multiply 4 feet by 8 feet by 2 feet, which equals 64 cubic feet.
The wood might not always be stacked in a standard 4 by 8-foot pile, so you'll want to make sure you verify all the stack measurements and not just the length of the individual logs. For instance, a 3 by 6-foot pile with 16-inch logs would only equal 24 cubic feet, rather than the 42 cubic feet you'd get with a 4 by 8-foot stack.
Which Is Larger: A Rick or Cord of Wood?
A cord of wood is larger than a rick of wood. A cord of wood is a standard and regulated measurement, and a cord always measures 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet or 128 cubic feet. A rick of wood is not a standard measurement, but it is usually about a third to a half the size of a cord of wood, or 42 to 64 cubic feet. The size of a rick of wood can vary greatly and depends on how long the logs are cut and how they are stacked.
How Much Does a Rick of Wood Cost?
You can expect to pay anywhere between $100 and $250 for a rick of wood. However, the cost of a rick of wood can vary based on many different factors, and it could be higher or lower where you live. For instance, the size of the particular rick, the type of wood (hardwood versus softwood), whether the wood is seasoned/dried, the time of year, and your region will all play a part in the cost.
Depending on the particular wood vendor and your needs, you might also need to pay extra for delivery or to have the wood stacked. Also, in many cases, you will see wood priced as a cord, a half cord, or a third of a cord, rather than a rick, so you will want to pay attention to all the specifics when evaluating the price.
How Do You Stack a Rick of Wood?
Stacking your wood properly will ensure that it stays neat, dry, and easily accessible. If the wood is not already fully dry, you will want to ensure it has plenty of air circulation so that it can dry out. Wet wood will not burn as efficiently and will create more smoke, among other problems. Your rick of wood should be stored somewhere outside, off the ground, and protected from precipitation. You can use something as simple as an old pallet to elevate and stack your wood, or you can purchase a rack specially designed for the purpose.
A rack like the one below will easily hold a rick of wood, and stacking is as simple as lying the pieces side by side and on top of each other until the rack is filled.
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You could also opt to build your own rack to store your rick of wood. A bracket kit like this will allow you to customize your firewood storage system to fit your specific size needs.
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No matter where you choose to store your rick of wood, stacking it in a single row around 4 feet high by 8 feet wide will ensure good air circulation. Just make sure the spot you choose for your stack is elevated off the ground and protected from the elements.
Will a Rick of Wood Fit in a Pickup Truck?
A rick of wood should fit in most full-size pickup trucks since an average size rick of wood is about 42 cubic feet or a third of a cord. A pickup truck with an 8-foot-long bed can usually hold up to 66 cubic feet or half a cord of wood. However, the capacity of pickup trucks can vary, so you'll want to consult your owner's manual for the specific dimensions and weight capacities of your pickup truck.
If your pickup truck has a shorter bed, or if the rick of wood you are buying is larger than the average size, it might not quite fit. Some pickup trucks have beds that are only 5 to 6 feet long, with a capacity of around 40 cubic feet or less. These trucks might still be able to hold a rick of wood, but since rick measurements can vary, and a rick of wood could run as large as 64 cubic feet, you'll want to confirm the dimensions of both the rick of wood and your pickup truck before attempting to load or haul it.
In Closing
The next time you're shopping for firewood, you should now have a better idea of what the term rick of wood means. Remember that while the average size of a rick of wood is around a third of a cord, or 42 cubic feet, this can vary greatly. Make sure you always confirm with the vendor how they cut and measure their rick of wood, and measure the stack yourself before purchasing if possible. This will guarantee you always get exactly the amount of wood you expect and need.
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