What is a rick of firewood? If you are relatively new to buying wood for your fireplace, you might be wondering about the different sizes of firewood bundles they sell and the various names they go by.
You get the cords, half cords, eighth of a cord, and so on. Understanding the different wood bundle sizes and their names will help you pay a good price and get exactly what you need. Read on to find out more.
What is a Rick of Firewood?
A rick is a stack of firewood that is 4 ft. tall and 8 ft. long, which is offered in a variety of widths depending on the region, local market, and firewood supplier.
When learning about a rick, it is common to hear the term “cords” of firewood. Essentially, a rick is a fraction of the full cord.
Generally, a full cord is about 48 inches wide. For example, a 12-inch wide risk equals a quarter of a cord. A 16-inch wide rick is about a third of a cord, and a 24-inch wide is half a cord of wood.
(Basket of logs in front of a fireplace)
How to Split Wood into Ricks?
Wood splitting has been around since the first record of history. Splitting your firewood for your outdoor oven or fireplace can be rewarding and less costly than buying it.
These are the necessities when splitting wood into ricks:
- Firewood (dried)
- Splitting axe or maul
- Chainsaw
- Chopping block/flat surface
- Protective eyewear, footwear, and safety gloves
Measure the Wood
Before splitting the wood, you should have a pencil or marker. Use this to mark every 16 to 18 inches long on the wood.
This will help you cut accurately into ricks and allows the pieces to stack well. If you are experienced, you can notch the logs with the axe.
(man chopping wood)
Cut the Logs into Sections
You must cut your wood into manageable pieces for splitting and cross-cutting. This also helps the wood weather faster when exposed to the wind and sun. Well-weathered wood burns evenly.
Cross-cut the Wood with a Chainsaw
Only do the cross-cutting once the other sections of the logs have been cut to measure. The measurement is the most important part, as this makes the firewood rick.
Take your time, and don’t rush through the process. Use a chainsaw to make the cuts square and evenly shaped.
Split the Logs with a Splitting Machine or Cudgel Axe
Take the 16 or 18-inch sections and split them into logs. This process will take a while to make the amount of firewood you want. You would make about 128 cubic feet of lumber.
This is enough to fill up a truck. If you use lots of ricks of firewood a year, you should invest in a firewood processor.
Lay Out a Tarp on the Ground Before Stacking
Before you begin stacking your ricks of firewood, ensure your wood is not touching the ground. Leaving the wood on the bare ground can invite bugs and dirt to go into the wood and prevent it from burning evenly.
(Stack of firewood)
Stack the Wood in Cords
Properly stacking the risks of wood ensures that the wood burns evenly and no rocks or dirt are sticking to your firewood. If it is not properly stacked, you may be unable to use it and end up with a waste!
Cover your Rick of Firewood
Now that you have sorted out your rick of firewood, it is time to cover it. Using a plastic tarp, so the water runs away from your wood pile would be best.
Keep some space around the stack; putting them too close together might lead to mildew growth inside the tarp.
Once you complete the process, you will learn how to make certain parts faster and more efficient. Dry wood is completely essential for the cold months.
How Much Does a Rick of Wood Cost?
You can expect to pay around $150 to $250 for a rick of oak firewood. The prices will vary on the type of wood you choose, region, and firewood supplier.
Different types of wood include red oak, maple, and black locust. It also depends on whether your firewood is seasoned, how it was seasoned, and the fireplace vendor.
If you choose to get your firewood delivered, you might pay around $1 or $2 for every loaded mile. You can also opt to pick the wood yourself to reduce this cost.
Other suppliers also charge a stacking fee of around $20 to $30, but some might do it for free.
(Wood burning)
FAQs
Signs of Well-Weathered Firewood
Here are some signs of wood that is ready to burn:
- The wood is lighter because it has become dry.
- The bark will fall off or become loose.
- It has cracked or split ends.
- No wood smell.
- The wood is grey.
How Long Does a Rick of Wood Last?
Your risk of wood should last about 6 to 10 weeks. However, it is better to have extra firewood for those colder nights.
How Much Does a Rick of Wood Weigh?
The weight depends on the size as well as the type of firewood. Red and white oaks are usually heavier types of wood. Some may weigh around 5500 pounds in a single cord.
Spruces are the lightest type of wood, weighing about 2500 pounds. Depending on the width, firewood can weigh around 625 to 3000 pounds.
What Is the Difference Between A ‘Rick’ And A ‘Cord’
Risk refers to stacking wood in a 4×8 foot stack, whereas a cord of wood measures 128 cubic feet.
Conclusion
Now that you are well-versed with a rick of firewood and other important information that goes with it, you’re good for the winter! You don’t have to worry about your fireplace lacking wood; your home will be cozier than ever.