How Much Is A Rick of Firewood? [Cost, Size & Weight Chart]

Firewood is a timeless heat source, cherished for its crackling flames and cozy ambiance. As the temperatures drop, the demand for firewood rises, leaving many wondering about the cost and quantity of a rick and what variables contribute to its price tag. So, how much is a rick of firewood?

What is a Rick of Firewood?

A rick of firewood is a non-standardized unit of measurement for cut and stacked firewood. It is often considered to be one-third of a cord of wood. While the dimensions of a rick can vary, it’s commonly understood as a stack that is 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but only one-third the width of a full cord, which is roughly 16 inches wide.

How Much Is A Rick of Firewood?

A rick is 1/3 of a cord. A cord of firewood is typically 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long, equaling 128 cubic feet. A rick of wood generally measures 4 feet high, 8 feet long and 16 inches wide equaling 41.6 cubic feet. For hardwoods, a rick of firewood might cost approximately $83 to $167, and for softwoods, it could range from $50 to $100.

The price of a rick of firewood fluctuates based on various crucial factors such as geographical location, wood moisture content, seasonal demand, and the type of wood being offered.

Rick of Firewood Cost Chart

Wood Type	Rick Cost (Dry/Seasoned)	Rick Cost (Wet)
Oak Hardwood	$100 – $183	$66.67 – $133
Maple Hardwood	$93.33 – $173	$60 – $116.67
Pine Softwood	$40 – $83	$26.67 – $50
Birch Hardwood	$90 – $166	$56.67 – $106
Fir Softwood	$46.67 – $93	$30 – $60
Hickory Hardwood	$106.67 – $193	$73.33 – $133
Cherry Hardwood	$96.67 – $176	$63.33 – $123
Walnut Hardwood	$103.33 – $186	$70 – $140
Cedar Softwood	$50 – $100	$33.33 – $66
Spruce Softwood	$43.33 – $86	$26.67 – $53
Ash Hardwood	$86.67 – $163	$53.33 – $100
Pecan Hardwood	$110 – $200	$76.67 – $150
Redwood Softwood	$60 – $116	$40 – $76.67
Poplar Softwood	$36.67 – $73	$23.33 – $43
Locust Hardwood	$113.33 – $206	$80 – $156
Pine Hardwood	$83.33 – $160	$50 – $96
Alder Softwood	$53.33 – $103	$36.67 – $66

Why is it Called a Rick of Wood?

A “rick” of firewood is a regional unit of firewood measurement commonly defined as 4 feet high and 8 feet long. It is often associated with a stacking style where the ends are crisscrossed. The term “rick” may also be used to describe the act of stacking the wood in this manner, referred to as being “ricked” or “ricked up.”

This stacking style involves creating a row that is 4 feet tall and 8 feet long, and it is recognized for its efficient use of space and improved drying capabilities. The dimensions and the crisscross stacking method contribute to colloquially using the term “rick” for firewood in certain regions.

How Much is Half Rick of Wood?

The volume of half a rick of wood is 20.6 cubic feet. The estimated cost for half a rick of hardwoods could range from approximately $41.50 to $83.50, while for softwoods, it might be around $25 to $50.

How Much Does A Rick Of Wood Weigh?

On average, a rick of seasoned hardwood can weigh between 916 pounds to 1,200 pounds. Green or unseasoned wood tends to weigh more due to the higher moisture content and can weigh around 1,500 pounds or more.

Type of Firewood	Rick of Wood Weight (Seasoned)	Rick of Wood Weight (Green/Unseasoned)
Oak	916 -1200 lbs	1500 lbs or more
Maple	150 – 1000 lbs	1200 lbs or more
Hickory	875 – 1000 lbs	1300 lbs or more
Birch	750 – 1000 lbs	1200 lbs or more
Ash	500 – 750 lbs	1000 lbs or more
Pine	500 – 750 lbs	1000 lbs or more
Spruce	500 – 750 lbs	1000 lbs or more
Fir	2,000 – 2,500 lbs	3,500 lbs or more
Cedar	2,000 – 2,500 lbs	3,500 lbs or more

Rick of Wood vs Cord

	Rick of Wood	Cord of Wood
Dimensions	Varies, commonly 4 ft high, 8 ft long, 16 in wide (approximately 1/3of a cord).	Standardized: 4 ft high, 4 ft wide, 8 ft long (128 cubic feet)
Volume	Smaller volume, roughly one-third of a cord.	Larger volume, 128 cubic feet
Common Use	Suitable for smaller needs, easy to handle and transport.	Often used for larger heating needs or bulk storage.
Pricing	Typically priced proportionally lower than a full cord.	Price is higher due to larger volume.
Availability	Widely available, often sold by local suppliers.	Commonly available, especially in firewood markets.

How Long Does a Rick of Wood Last?

A rick of well-seasoned softwood may last approximately 1 to 3 weeks. However, a rick of well-seasoned hardwood, being 1/3 of a cord, may last approximately 1 to 1.7 months.

Factors Influencing Rick of Firewood Cost

Several factors can influence the cost of a rick of firewood. Here are some key factors that can impact the price:

1. Type of Wood:
   • Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and maple tend to be more expensive than softwoods like pine or spruce. Hardwoods generally have a higher energy content and burn longer.
2. Local Availability:
   • The cost of firewood can vary based on availability in your local area. If the wood is abundant, the prices may be lower.
3. Seasoning:
   • Well-seasoned or dry wood tends to cost more than green or unseasoned wood. Seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it burn more efficiently.
4. Delivery Distance:
   • The distance from the supplier to your location can impact the cost. Delivery charges may increase if you are located farther away.
5. Supplier Pricing:
   • Different suppliers may have varying pricing structures. Factors such as production costs, business overhead, and pricing policies can influence the overall cost.
6. Wood Length and Size:
   • The size of the firewood pieces, commonly measured in lengths, can affect the cost. Smaller pieces might be cheaper, but larger pieces may provide longer burn times.
7. Local Market Conditions:
   • Prices can be influenced by the overall demand and supply of firewood in your local market. Seasonal variations and weather conditions can impact pricing.
8. Quality and Grade:
   • High-quality, well-split firewood without defects may be priced higher than lower-quality wood. Some buyers may be willing to pay more for premium-grade firewood.
9. Bundle or Stacking Services:
   • Some suppliers may offer additional services, such as stacking or bundling the wood. These services can affect the overall cost.
10. Time of Purchase:
    • Prices may vary depending on the time of year. Firewood might be more expensive during peak demand seasons, such as winter, than off-season.