How Much Firewood Is A Face Cord? (Dry Elm Weight Guide)

Let’s debunk a common myth right off the bat: that all firewood is created equal. It’s not! And understanding the nuances, especially when we’re talking about a face cord of wood – and specifically dry elm – is crucial for efficient heating and getting the most bang for your buck. I’ve spent years in the woods, felling trees, processing timber, and stacking cords of firewood. Through those experiences, I’ve learned that knowing your wood, its weight, and its burning characteristics can significantly impact your winter warmth. This guide will dive deep into the specifics of a face cord of firewood, focusing on dry elm, and give you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.

Understanding Firewood Measurements: Beyond the Face Cord

Firewood measurements are often a source of confusion. Let’s clarify the terms, starting with the most common one: the cord.

What Exactly Is a Cord of Firewood?

A cord is the standard unit of measurement for firewood. It’s defined as a neatly stacked pile of wood measuring 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long. This gives a total volume of 128 cubic feet. Think of it as a solid block of wood, though, of course, air gaps exist within the stack.

Deciphering the Face Cord (or Rick)

The face cord, sometimes called a rick or stove cord, is where things get trickier. A face cord is essentially a portion of a full cord. It’s typically 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but its depth (the length of the individual pieces of wood) can vary. This variation is critical.

Why the Depth Matters: A face cord’s volume depends entirely on the length of the firewood pieces. If the wood is cut into 16-inch lengths, a face cord is one-third of a full cord. If it’s cut to 12-inch lengths, it’s one-quarter of a full cord. Always clarify the length of the wood when purchasing a face cord to understand how much you’re actually getting.

My Experience: I once bought what I thought was a great deal on a “face cord” of oak. When it was delivered, the wood was only 12 inches long! I ended up with significantly less wood than I anticipated. Lesson learned: always ask about the dimensions.

The Importance of Volume vs. Weight

While volume measurements like cords and face cords are common, understanding the weight of the wood is equally important, especially when considering different wood species. Weight is a good indicator of the potential heat output. Denser, heavier woods generally contain more energy per unit volume.

Elm: A Firewood Deep Dive

Elm can be a bit of a controversial firewood choice. It’s not the easiest to split, but its burning characteristics can make it worthwhile.

Identifying Elm Trees

Before you even think about firewood, you need to identify elm trees correctly. Elm trees are deciduous hardwoods known for their distinctive vase-like shape. Key identifying features include:

Leaves: Alternate, oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges and asymmetrical bases. The asymmetrical base is a key identifier.
Bark: Varies depending on the species, but generally deeply furrowed and ridged.
Shape: Typically a tall, vase-like shape, though this can be affected by disease or environmental factors.

Caution: Dutch elm disease has devastated elm populations in many areas. Be mindful of this when sourcing elm firewood. Diseased trees may be more difficult to handle and could harbor pests.

Elm Species and Their Characteristics

Several elm species exist, each with slightly different properties. Common North American species include:

American Elm (Ulmus americana): Once a dominant tree, now less common due to Dutch elm disease.
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra): Known for its inner bark, which has medicinal properties.
Red Elm (Ulmus serotina): Less common than American or slippery elm.

The specific species can influence the wood’s density and burning characteristics. Generally, American elm is considered a decent firewood, while slippery elm may be slightly less desirable.

The Pros and Cons of Burning Elm

Elm has both advantages and disadvantages as firewood:

Pros:

Good Heat Output: Elm provides a respectable amount of heat when burned, though not as high as some denser hardwoods like oak or maple.
Moderate Smoke: When properly seasoned, elm produces a moderate amount of smoke.
Relatively Easy to Start: Elm ignites fairly easily compared to some denser hardwoods.

Cons:

Difficult to Split: This is the biggest drawback. Elm has a stringy, interlocked grain that makes it notoriously difficult to split, especially when green.
Can Be Smelly When Green: Freshly cut elm can have an unpleasant odor.
Prone to Dutch Elm Disease: As mentioned earlier, this is a significant concern.

My Experience: I’ve wrestled with elm logs that seemed determined not to split. Investing in a good hydraulic log splitter is almost a necessity if you plan on processing a lot of elm.

The Weight of a Face Cord of Dry Elm: Getting Specific

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: the weight of a face cord of dry elm. This is where precise numbers and careful consideration come into play.

Factors Affecting Firewood Weight

Several factors influence the weight of a face cord of wood:

Wood Species: Different wood species have different densities.
Moisture Content: Green (unseasoned) wood contains a significant amount of water, which adds to its weight. As wood dries, it loses moisture and becomes lighter.
Piece Size and Packing: How tightly the wood is packed and the size of the individual pieces can affect the overall weight.
Elm Species: As mentioned above the specific elm species will influence the weight.

Estimating the Weight of Dry Elm

To estimate the weight of a face cord of dry elm, we need to consider its density and moisture content.

Density of Elm: The average density of dry elm (at 12% moisture content) is around 35 pounds per cubic foot. This can vary slightly depending on the specific elm species.
Moisture Content of Dry Firewood: Properly seasoned firewood should have a moisture content of 20% or less. Ideally, it should be closer to 15%. I aim for 15-20% in my own firewood.
Volume of a Face Cord: As we discussed earlier, the volume of a face cord depends on the length of the wood pieces. Let’s assume a standard 16-inch length. This means a face cord is 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 1.33 feet deep (16 inches converted to feet). The total volume is 4 x 8 x 1.33 = 42.56 cubic feet.

Calculation:

Solid Wood Volume: Since a face cord contains air gaps, we need to estimate the solid wood volume. A reasonable estimate is that wood occupies about 60-70% of the total volume. Let’s use 65%. Solid wood volume = 42.56 cubic feet x 0.65 = 27.66 cubic feet.
Weight of Dry Elm: Weight = Solid wood volume x Density = 27.66 cubic feet x 35 pounds/cubic foot = 968.1 pounds.

Therefore, a face cord of dry elm (16-inch pieces) is estimated to weigh around 968 pounds.

Important Note: This is an estimate. The actual weight can vary.

The Impact of Moisture Content

Moisture content is a huge factor. Green elm can weigh significantly more than dry elm. Freshly cut elm can have a moisture content of 50% or higher. This added moisture can increase the weight of a face cord by hundreds of pounds.

Example: If the elm has a moisture content of 50%, it could easily weigh 50% more than the dry weight we calculated. That would bring the weight of our hypothetical face cord closer to 1450 pounds!

How to Measure Moisture Content

Investing in a moisture meter is essential for accurately determining the moisture content of your firewood. These devices use probes to measure the electrical resistance of the wood, which is correlated to its moisture content.

How to Use a Moisture Meter:

Split a piece of firewood.
Insert the probes of the moisture meter into the freshly split surface.
Take several readings from different pieces of wood to get an average.

Target Moisture Content: Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less for optimal burning.

Seasoning Elm: The Key to Good Firewood

Seasoning is the process of drying firewood to reduce its moisture content. This is crucial for efficient burning, reduced smoke, and increased heat output.

Why Seasoning Is Essential

Improved Burning: Dry wood burns hotter and more efficiently.
Reduced Smoke: Wet wood produces excessive smoke, which can be a nuisance and a health hazard.
Increased Heat Output: A significant portion of the energy in wet wood is used to evaporate the water, reducing the amount of heat released.
Reduced Creosote Buildup: Burning wet wood increases creosote buildup in your chimney, which can be a fire hazard.

How to Season Elm Properly

Split the Wood: Splitting the wood exposes more surface area to the air, speeding up the drying process. Remember, elm is difficult to split, so a log splitter might be necessary.
Stack the Wood: Stack the wood in a single row, off the ground, in a sunny and windy location. This allows for maximum air circulation.
Elevate the Wood: Use pallets or scrap wood to elevate the wood off the ground. This prevents moisture from wicking up into the wood.
Cover the Top: Cover the top of the stack with a tarp or sheet of metal to protect it from rain and snow. Leave the sides open for ventilation.
Allow Adequate Time: Elm typically takes 12-24 months to season properly, depending on the climate and the size of the pieces.

My Experience: I’ve found that stacking elm in a crisscross pattern helps improve air circulation and speeds up the drying process.

Signs of Properly Seasoned Firewood

Cracks in the End Grain: As wood dries, it develops cracks in the end grain.
Lighter Weight: Seasoned wood is noticeably lighter than green wood.
Dull Thud: When you strike two pieces of seasoned wood together, they will produce a dull thud rather than a sharp sound.
Moisture Meter Reading: A moisture meter reading of 20% or less.

Tools for Processing Elm Firewood

Processing elm firewood can be challenging, so having the right tools is essential.

Chainsaws: The Workhorse

A good chainsaw is the foundation of any firewood operation.

Size and Power: Choose a chainsaw with enough power to handle the diameter of the elm logs you’ll be cutting. A 50-60cc chainsaw with a 18-20 inch bar is a good all-around choice.
Safety Features: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chaps.
Maintenance: Keep your chainsaw properly maintained. Sharpen the chain regularly, clean the air filter, and check the oil levels.

My Recommendation: I prefer Stihl or Husqvarna chainsaws for their reliability and performance.

Log Splitters: Taming the Elm

Given elm’s difficulty in splitting, a log splitter is a worthwhile investment.

Hydraulic Log Splitters: These are the most common type. They use hydraulic pressure to force a log against a splitting wedge. Choose a model with sufficient tonnage for the size of logs you’ll be splitting. A 20-25 ton splitter is generally adequate for most firewood applications.
Manual Log Splitters: These require manual effort to split the wood. They are less expensive than hydraulic splitters but are more physically demanding.
Splitting Wedges: If you’re splitting smaller pieces of elm by hand, a good splitting wedge is essential. Choose a heavy-duty wedge made from hardened steel.

Tip: When splitting elm, try splitting from the outside edges of the log rather than directly through the center. This can sometimes be easier.

Other Essential Tools

Axe: For limbing trees and splitting smaller pieces of wood.
Sledgehammer: For driving splitting wedges.
Cant Hook or Peavey: For rolling and positioning logs.
Measuring Tape: For measuring firewood lengths.
Wheelbarrow or Cart: For transporting firewood.
Gloves: To protect your hands.
Eye Protection: Safety glasses or a face shield to protect your eyes from flying debris.
Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing from chainsaw noise.
Steel-Toed Boots: To protect your feet.

Safety First: A Firewood Processing Must

Safety should always be your top priority when processing firewood.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Helmet: Protects your head from falling branches and debris.
Eye Protection: Safety glasses or a face shield to protect your eyes.
Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing.
Gloves: Protect your hands from cuts and splinters.
Chainsaw Chaps: Protect your legs from chainsaw cuts.
Steel-Toed Boots: Protect your feet from falling logs.

Safe Chainsaw Operation

Read the Manual: Familiarize yourself with the chainsaw’s operating instructions and safety features.
Inspect the Chainsaw: Before each use, inspect the chainsaw for any damage or loose parts.
Start the Chainsaw Safely: Start the chainsaw on the ground, with your foot firmly planted on the rear handle.
Use Proper Cutting Techniques: Use proper cutting techniques to avoid kickback.
Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep bystanders at a safe distance from the work area.
Never Cut Above Shoulder Height: This increases the risk of losing control of the chainsaw.

Safe Log Splitter Operation

Read the Manual: Familiarize yourself with the log splitter’s operating instructions and safety features.
Wear Eye Protection: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
Keep Hands Clear: Keep your hands clear of the splitting wedge.
Never Operate the Log Splitter Alone: Have someone nearby in case of an emergency.
Maintain a Stable Base: Ensure the log splitter is on a stable, level surface.

General Safety Tips

Work in a Well-Lit Area: Ensure adequate lighting, especially when working in the evening.
Take Breaks: Avoid fatigue by taking frequent breaks.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially when working in hot weather.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Watch out for tripping hazards, falling branches, and other potential dangers.
First Aid Kit: Keep a well-stocked first aid kit readily available.

Storing Firewood Properly

Proper storage is essential to keep your firewood dry and ready to burn.

Location, Location, Location

Choose a Dry Location: Store your firewood in a location that is protected from rain and snow.
Elevate the Wood: Elevate the wood off the ground to prevent moisture from wicking up into it.
Allow Air Circulation: Stack the wood in a way that allows for good air circulation.
Avoid Storing Wood Indoors: Storing firewood indoors can attract insects and rodents.

Stacking Techniques

Single Rows: Stack the wood in single rows, with the pieces oriented in the same direction.
Crisscross Stacking: Stack the wood in a crisscross pattern to improve air circulation.
Circular Stacks: Build circular stacks for a decorative and functional storage solution.

Covering the Wood

Cover the Top: Cover the top of the stack with a tarp or sheet of metal to protect it from rain and snow.
Leave the Sides Open: Leave the sides open for ventilation.

Burning Elm: Tips for Success

Even with properly seasoned elm, some techniques can maximize its burning efficiency.

Starting the Fire

Use Kindling: Start the fire with small pieces of kindling.
Gradually Add Larger Pieces: Gradually add larger pieces of firewood as the fire grows.
Top-Down Burning: Consider using the top-down burning method, where you place the larger pieces of wood on the bottom and the kindling on top. This can result in a cleaner and more efficient burn.

Maintaining the Fire

Add Wood Regularly: Add wood to the fire regularly to maintain a consistent heat output.
Adjust Airflow: Adjust the airflow to control the rate of burning.
Remove Ashes Regularly: Remove ashes from the firebox regularly to improve airflow.

Dealing with Elm’s Unique Characteristics

Expect Some Smoke: Even when properly seasoned, elm can produce a bit more smoke than some other hardwoods. Ensure your chimney is clean and well-drafted.
Monitor Creosote Buildup: Regularly inspect your chimney for creosote buildup. Have it cleaned if necessary.

Elm Firewood: Is It Worth It?

So, after all this, is elm a worthwhile firewood choice? The answer, as with most things in life, is “it depends.”

Factors to Consider

Availability: Is elm readily available in your area?
Price: Is it priced competitively compared to other firewood species?
Your Equipment: Do you have a log splitter to handle the difficult splitting?
Your Time and Effort: Are you willing to put in the extra effort required to process elm?
Your Heating Needs: Will elm provide sufficient heat for your needs?

My Final Thoughts

Elm is not my favorite firewood. Its splitting difficulty is a significant drawback. However, if it’s readily available and priced well, and you have the right equipment, it can be a decent option. Just be sure to season it properly and be prepared for a bit more smoke than you might get with other hardwoods.

Alternative Firewood Options

If elm isn’t the right choice for you, consider these alternative firewood options:

Oak: A top-tier firewood choice, known for its high heat output and long burn time.
Maple: Another excellent firewood option, with good heat output and relatively easy splitting.
Birch: Burns hot and clean, but burns relatively quickly.
Ash: A good all-around firewood choice, with decent heat output and easy splitting.

Conclusion: Knowledge Is Key

Understanding the nuances of firewood, from measurements to species-specific characteristics, is essential for efficient and safe heating. While elm presents some challenges, knowing its weight, seasoning requirements, and burning properties empowers you to make informed decisions. Remember to prioritize safety, invest in the right tools, and season your wood properly. With the knowledge you’ve gained from this guide, you’re well-equipped to tackle your firewood needs and stay warm all winter long.