How Much Is a Quarter Cord of Wood? Price, Size, Weight, and What You Actually Get
Quick answer: There are 32 cubic feet of stacked firewood, a quarter of the total 128 cubic feet cord, or a quarter cord of wood. There are vast differences in prices depending on the region, species, and whether the wood is seasoned or kiln dried. Many buyers pay approximately between 75 and 200 or more as a rough estimate with delivery being an additional cost in most cases. Always receive a local quote, as there is no national price.
You want wood a few cold weeks, not a winter. Or you want to check a supplier prior to ordering large. That is the size of a quarter cord, and it is where short loads and the use of words that are difficult to understand give the greatest trouble.
This is a guide to what a quarter cord actually is, what it is supposed to cost, how much it weighs, how long it should last and how to prevent shorting.
Key Takeaways
- A quarter cord is 32 cubic feet of tightly stacked wood.
- You are likely to pay higher per cubic foot than on a full cord.
- Kiln dried or experienced wood is more expensive, but burns cleaner and better.
- A quarter cord is not a face cord, but they are frequently used interchangeably by sellers.
- Measure it yourself, the stack. Believe not the word quarter.
What Is a Quarter Cord of Wood?
One quarter of a standard cord of wood is a quarter cord. A stack of 128 cubic feet is a full cord, and is 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long. The standard cord is specified in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 130, which most states use in the sale of firewood.
Divide 128 by four and you get 32 cubic feet. That volume counts the wood and the small air gaps between the pieces.
If you want the full breakdown of the standard unit, see how big a cord of wood is.
How Big Is a Quarter Cord? Stack Sizes That Equal 32 Cubic Feet
Any stack multiplying out to 32 cubic feet counts. The most frequently used shapes are:
| Height | Length | Depth (log length) | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 ft | 8 ft | 1 ft (12 inch logs) | 32 cu ft |
| 4 ft | 4 ft | 2 ft (24 inch logs) | 32 cu ft |
| 2 ft | 8 ft | 2 ft (24 inch logs) | 32 cu ft |
| 4 ft | 6 ft | 16 inches | 32 cu ft |
The final row is handy since 16 inches is the most widespread firewood length. A stack of 4 feet high, 6 feet long, 16 inch logs, is 32 cubic feet.
Hint: Before delivery, inform the seller of your log length and request him to specify the dimensions of the stack. Check the math on arrival then.
How Much Is a Quarter Cord of Wood? Typical Cost
A quarter cord is cheaper than a full cord, but per cubic foot is higher. The reason why sellers charge a premium on small loads is that the cost of handling, loading, and delivery do not decrease with the volume.
The following is a rough estimate. Assume a full cord will cost 300 in the area. This is approximately 2.34 cubic feet. Quarter cord at the same rate would be approximately $75, but small loads are normally marked up, thus a result of about 90 to 110 would be an average outcome. That is not a quote, but an illustration.
| Wood Type | General Price Direction |
|---|---|
| Mixed or softwood, green or lightly seasoned | Lowest |
| Seasoned hardwood (oak, maple, ash, hickory) | Mid to high |
| Kiln dried hardwood, premium retail packs | Highest |
I was unable to check up one good national average that would be confined to quarter cords, and the published figures are generally of full cords. The retail prices of kiln dried suppliers of quarter cord are usually much higher than those of a local supplier of seasoned wood.
Take the above ranges as a starting point and make two or three local calls to suppliers.
For the bigger picture, our guides on the cost of a cord of firewood and how much a full cord of wood costs show how full cord pricing works.
What Changes the Price
- Species: Dense hardwoods are more expensive than softwoods due to their greater heat per volume.
- Moisture: Green wood is cheaper than seasoned wood. The most expensive is kiln dried.
- Delivery distance: A majority of suppliers charge an extra fee and even short hauls may have a minimum fee.
- Stacking: It is usually more expensive to have the seller stack the wood.
- Season: Fall and early winter are the seasons when prices are expected to be higher as the demand is the highest.
- Region: Regions that have less local timber or higher fuel prices are more expensive.
Quarter Cord vs Half Cord vs Face Cord vs Full Cord
The words become unclear since there is no one legal definition of face cord. It is commonly 4 feet high and 8 feet long, although the depth is the length of the log, usually 12 to 16 inches.
| Unit | Typical Volume | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full cord | 128 cu ft | 4 x 4 x 8 ft |
| Half cord | 64 cu ft | Half of a full cord |
| Face cord, 16 inch logs | About 42.7 cu ft | One third of a cord |
| Quarter cord | 32 cu ft | One fourth of a full cord |
| Face cord, 12 inch logs | 32 cu ft | Matches a quarter cord |
A face cord of 12 inch logs happens to equal a quarter cord, but a face cord of 16 inch logs is larger. See face cord vs full cord and what a half cord costs for more detail. Some regions also use the word “rick,” covered in our rick of firewood guide.
How Much Does a Quarter Cord of Wood Weigh?
Weight is species and moisture-dependent. An average full cord of seasoned hardwood will weigh between about 3,000 and 4,500 pounds and green wood can weigh significantly more. A quarter of that makes a seasoned hardwood quarter cord approximately 750 to 1,100 pounds. Pine is lighter than softwoods.
These are approximations, as the density depends on the species, and the dryness of the wood. For species numbers, check how much a cord of wood weighs.
Will a Quarter Cord Fit in My Truck?
A pickup truck with a 6 to 8 foot bed can easily carry a quarter cord when the wood is stacked. Wood thrown loosely occupies more space, and thus the same volume might not fit. Check also your payload rating, as a wet or heavy load of about 1,000 pounds is considered part of the limit.
A compact car trunk is not sufficient to carry it, but a couple of trips in a hatchback or SUV can help.
How Long Does a Quarter Cord of Wood Last?
It varies with the way you burn. A quarter cord can last a season when the fireplace is used occasionally on weekends and holidays. In the case of a wood stove as your primary heating source it can only burn a few weeks straight.
Efficient stoves and insert units extend the length of wood further than open fire places which lose a lot of their heat up the chimney.
Our how long a cord of wood lasts guide explains this by appliance type.
Is a Quarter Cord Enough? Who It Fits
A quarter cord works well for:
- Occasional fireplace users
- Fire Pit owners in the backyard.
- First time buyers testing a supplier
- Individuals who have small storage capacity.
It is probably too small for:
- Homes that heat primarily with wood
- Every one who burns most evenings in the winter.
Assuming you will consume over a quarter cord, a half or full cord will tend to reduce the per-unit price.
Seasoned, Green, or Kiln Dried: Which Should You Buy?
The moisture of wood is more important than most buyers think. Wet wood is difficult to burn, it burns more smoke and creosote and it burns less heat. EPA Burn Wise program suggests burning wood that is seasoned, and this typically implies a moisture content of about 20 percent or less.
| Type | Moisture | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Above 30 percent | Wood you will season yourself for next year |
| Seasoned | About 20 percent or less | Everyday burning |
| Kiln dried | Low and consistent | Convenience, cleaner burn, small premium loads |
Trick: A moisture meter is inexpensive and eliminates the guess work. Divide a log, try the new face, and make 20 percent or less.
For species picks, read our best firewood to burn guide.
How to Buy a Quarter Cord Without Getting Shorted
- Request quantity in units. In your order use 32 cubic feet, not just quarter cord.
- Confirm log length. Normal is 16 inches, but varies.
- Enquire about moisture and species. Ask experienced or kiln dried in writing whether it is important.
- Obtain the total price. Include delivery and stacking.
- Measure on delivery. Compare the stack with the dimensions in the table above.
- Keep a receipt. It must indicate the seller, quantity and date.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming face cord = cord.
- Purchasing green wood and burning it immediately.
- Spending money on a quarter cord of loose pile.
- Do not consider delivery cost in price comparison.
- Direct storage of wood on wet soil.
FAQs
How much is a quarter cord of wood?
A quarter cord of wood typically costs about $75 to $200 or more, depending on the area, wood species, moisture level, and delivery costs.
How many cubic feet is a quarter cord?
A quarter cord of wood contains 32 cubic feet of stacked firewood.
How big is a quarter cord of wood?
A quarter cord is commonly stacked as 4 feet high by 8 feet long with 12-inch logs, or 4 feet by 4 feet with 24-inch logs.
What is the weight of a quarter cord?
A quarter cord of seasoned hardwood weighs approximately 750 to 1,100 pounds. Softwood and dry wood generally weigh less, while green wood weighs more.
What is a quarter cord?
A quarter cord is one-fourth of a full cord and contains 32 cubic feet of stacked firewood.
What is the number of logs in a quarter cord?
The number of logs depends on their length and diameter, so there is no exact number of logs in a quarter cord.
What is the length of a quarter cord?
A quarter cord does not have one fixed length because its dimensions depend on the length of the individual firewood pieces and how they are stacked.
Will a quarter cord fit in a pickup truck?
A quarter cord will typically fit in a full-size pickup truck when properly stacked, but you should always check the truck’s payload capacity before hauling firewood.
Will it be cheaper to purchase a full cord?
Yes. A full cord is generally cheaper per cubic foot than buying smaller quantities such as a quarter cord.
Which is the best wood to use in a quarter cord?
Oak, maple, ash, and hickory are excellent choices because they generally burn hot and provide long-lasting heat.
Can wood be sold as a quarter cord?
Firewood sales are regulated differently by state. Many states use the cord as a standard unit, so check your state’s weights and measures requirements.
At what time of the year is firewood the least expensive?
Firewood is often less expensive during periods of low demand, such as late winter or summer. Buying during these periods can also give wood time to season.
Is it possible that I can burn a quarter cord of green wood this winter?
It is not recommended to burn green wood. It contains excess moisture, produces more smoke, and generally burns less efficiently than properly seasoned firewood.
What do I do with a quarter cord?
Stack the firewood off the ground, cover or protect the top from rain and snow, and leave the sides exposed to allow good airflow and proper seasoning.
Final Thoughts
A quarter cord of wood equals 32 cubic feet, an excellent starting point of casual burners and first time purchasers. Price varies greatly on where you reside and what you purchase so compare quotes and not on a single price.
Pay attention to volume, moisture and the overall cost delivered. Measure the stack when it arrives.
