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Bettesworth Construction
construction

What Is a Cord of Firewoodโ€”and Where Should You Put It?

A cord is 128 cubic feet of compactly stacked firewood. Hereโ€™s how to measure one and store it outdoors with a raised base and an open-sided top cover.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 3 min read
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A cord of firewood is 128 cubic feet of neatly stacked wood and the air spaces between the pieces. Store it outdoors on a raised base, protect the top from rain, and leave the sides open so moisture can escape. The right location also depends on your local fire and wildfire rules.

What counts as a cord of firewood?

A cord measures the space occupied by properly stacked firewood, not the volume of solid wood alone. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency distinguishes the cordโ€™s 128 cubic feet of stacked space from the approximately 80 cubic feet of solid wood within it; the remainder is the spaces between pieces. See the EPAโ€™s wood-stove and fireplace guidance.

The familiar arrangement is 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long: 4 ร— 4 ร— 8 = 128 cubic feet. It is an example, not a required shape. A stack measuring 2 ร— 4 ร— 16 feet also occupies 128 cubic feet.

How to measure a cord

  1. Stack the pieces compactly. Arrange them parallel and touching, with minimal gaps. A loose truckload cannot be compared directly with a compact, measured stack.
  2. Measure the stack in feet. Record its height, width, and length.
  3. Multiply the three measurements. The result should be 128 cubic feet for a cord. Californiaโ€™s Division of Measurement Standards explains this method in its firewood measurement guidance.

A rack, pile, or โ€œtruckloadโ€ is not a measurement. Terms such as โ€œface cordโ€ can also describe different quantities, and the rules for firewood sales vary by jurisdiction. Ask the seller to state the amount being sold on an invoice or delivery ticket. If the delivered quantity seems short, measure the stacked wood and contact the seller promptly. Californiaโ€™s guidance recommends contacting the seller first, then the local weights-and-measures office if the issue is not resolved; Washington State also advises contacting the seller promptly. Requirements and remedies depend on where you live. See California DMS and Washington Stateโ€™s firewood guidance.

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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Tikimilor 8ft Firewood Rack Holder, Adjustable Heavy Duty Fire Log Stacker Stand for Fireplace, Outdoor Indoor Metal Wood Pile Storage Organizer, Patio Logs Stand tool, Black
  • HEAVY TUBULAR STEEL:Wooden storage shelves are constructed of heavy-duty tubular steel with a two-layer black powder coat finish that is colorfast, rust-resistant and weatherproof.You can place the firewood rack in any hot, cold, warm or dry climate to provide enough fire wood for a year-round fireplace.
  • HEAVY TUBULAR STEEL:Wooden storage shelves are constructed of heavy-duty tubular steel with a two-layer black powder coat finish that is colorfast, rust-resistant and weatherproof.You can place the firewood rack in any hot, cold, warm or dry climate to provide enough fire wood for a year-round fireplace.
  • ENHANCED STABILITY: The 14 legs provide superior stability and weight distribution, ensuring the log holder remains steady even when loaded with heavy logs. This sturdy construction minimizes the risk of the wood storage racks tipping or collapsing, providing a safe and reliable firewood storage solution.
  • EASY TO INSTALL: Assembly of the outdoor wood storage is quick and straightforward with the included hardware and easy-to-follow instructions. The fire wood racks is compact enough to be placed in a garage, shed or near a fire source, providing maximum convenience while minimizing space usage.
  • AFTER-SALES SERVICE: At Tikimilor, we strive to provide exceptional after-sales service to ensure your complete satisfaction with your purchase. We are committed to resolving any issues or concerns you may have promptly and efficiently.

Where should you put a firewood stack?

Choose an outdoor spot with enough room for the stack, delivery access, and convenient retrieval. Raise the wood on stringers, old pallets, or a suitable firewood rack so it does not sit directly on the ground. A rack is a way to store wood; it does not determine whether the quantity is a cord.

Keep rain off the top while leaving the sides open. UNH Extension recommends raising firewood on stringers or old pallets and covering only the top, rather than wrapping the entire stack and trapping moisture. The EPAโ€™s storage guidance also recommends keeping firewood off the ground and protecting it from weather: UNH Extensionโ€™s firewood factsheet and the EPAโ€™s wood-stove and fireplace guidance. The EPA notes that its Burn Wise content stopped being updated on October 30, 2025, so treat that page as published guidance rather than a currently maintained program.

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BALIE SPACE 8ft Outdoor Firewood Rack Log Holder for Fire Wood Pile Storage
  • 14 Support Legs -- Our 8-feet tall wood rack is constructed with heavy-duty tubular steel and features 14 sturdy legs. This design ensures exceptional stability even under heavy loads. Additionally, the rack is coated with a double layer of black powder for long-lasting use both indoors and outdoors.
  • Adjustable Length -- This outdoor fire wood racks can be easily adjusted to accommodate different needs and situations. Suitable to hold all types of products. With various combinations available, it can be used in a range of locations such as porches, out-side fire pit, under eaves, backyard, patios, decks, and garages.
  • Raised Log Rack - Our stackable rack lifts logs 3.5 inches above the ground, improving air circulation for optimal burning. It's perfect for outdoor firepit, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, firewood piles and camping. Keep your firewood dry and readily accessible with our elevated rack.
  • Easy Assembly & Helpful Tips -- This freestanding firewood storage rack features a simple structure that can be easily assembled within minutes following the instructions provided. A helpful tip is to place the firewood rack on a firm and level surface for enhanced stability.
  • Worry-Free Shopping โ€“ Balie Space is committed to ensuring your satisfaction with our firewood rack. If you have any questions or encounter any issues, please feel free to contact us. Our dedicated customer service team is here to support you within 24 hours.

How to choose a base and cover

Storage option What it does What to check
Stringers or pallets Raise the stack off the ground; UNH Extension specifically mentions both. Use a stable base that fits the stack.
Firewood rack Holds and organizes the stack above ground. Check its capacity and footprint; a rack does not define a cord.
Top cover or tarp Sheds precipitation from above. Cover the top while leaving the sides open to avoid trapping moisture.
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Check local placement rules

There is no single clearance from a house or property line that applies everywhere. Fire-code setbacks, wildfire restrictions, and seasonal rules can depend on your location and conditions. Check with your local fire department or fire authority before choosing a permanent storage spot, especially where wildfire restrictions may apply.

Best Value
VIVOHOME 4 ft Heavy Duty Firewood Rack Outdoor with Cover, Black
  • DURABLE MATERIAL - This firewood cover is made of sturdy 600D Oxford fabric with PU coating, while the firewood rack is made from 1.2mm thickened steel tubes with a double powder-coated finish, which provides overall weather protection; and the log stand can accommodate 1/4 cord of firewood
  • WEATHER RESISTANCE - Premium fabric does not crack in hot or cold weather; A protective coating protects wood from burning or fracturing in summer, while a PU (outer layer) and PVC (inner layer) coating keeps logs dry; This log rack and cover combo keeps wood organized away from dampness and bugs during any season and rainy weather
  • AIR VENTILATION - The rack is designed to keep the firewood off the ground and facilitating easy stacking; Downward air vents provide dry ventilation, reduce potential condensation and moisture and wind lofting, keeping wood dry for use
  • EASY TO INSTALL - The firewood cover and rack combo is easy to install, and are perfectly matched with each other; Never worry about fitting wood to your firewood cover; Easy to clean, the firewood cover can simply be brushed
  • MEASUREMENTS - Firewood rack: 4ft x 4ft x 13.8 inch, firewood cover: 4ft x 3.5ft x 24 inch; Ideal for storing, drying, or heaping firewood; Fits on porches, in gardens, on decks, under eaves, on patios, in your yard, etc
Rank #4
Sale
Artibear Firewood Rack Stand 6ft Heavy Duty Logs Carrier Holder for Outdoor Indoor Fireplace, Matte Black
  • The fire wood rack measures appr 6.0 W x 1.1 D x 3.8 H feet, holds and stores up to 3/8 face cord of firewood and easily withstand a load of upto 1100 pounds. Perfect size to fit on outdoor porch, backyard deck, outside fire pits, under eaves, on patios, or put it on a hard surface, such as paving stones, concrete patio or gravel.
  • The 6 feet firewood storage holder is made of heavy tubular steel construction with a double black powder-coated finish, optimal durability, sturdy, rust and weather resistant. You can put it in any hot, cold, warm, wet or dry climates and hold enough wood for fireplace all seasons.
  • Features 2 anti tip lock rings and 10 solid rack legs, that means we take more care for the safe of your families. Secure the rack reliably and effectively prevent tipping over of the heavy firewoods, which could otherwise result in serious injuries and even fatalities in the case of babies, children. Just lock up the rack with extra anti-tip straps and put the rack on a hard surface.
  • Due to dry firewood burns better, lumber stacking rack keeps logs 4 inches off of the ground, it will give better airflow and maintains a sufficient distance from the ground, meantime avoid the bugs and wood rot. Holds fair amount of firewood log for the outdoor backyard fire pit, outside firepits, wood burning stove logs, rick, woodpile and logs for outdoor camping.
  • Artibear is dedicated to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly with any concerns. We offer a 1-year service, a 90-day refund policy, and 24-hour friendly and attentive customer support.
Rank #3
Woodhaven 8-Foot Raised Firewood Rack w/Cover, 1/2 Cord | Made in USA
  • ๐—œ๐—š๐—ก๐—œ๐—ง๐—˜ ๐—ง๐—›๐—˜ ๐—ก๐—œ๐—š๐—›๐—ง. Keep your firewood stacked, dry, and ready with this durable steel firewood organizer โ€” a stylish wood rack perfect as fire waood storage racks outdoor or indoor use. Holds 1/2 cord (64 cubic feet) of 24" logs and is crafted from heavy-duty 16-gauge U.S. steel for strength that lasts. Available with or without a cover, for easy and reliable storage. The standard cover measures 96L ร— 22W ร— 12H inches, keeping the top layer dry and ready to burn anytime.
  • ๐—Ÿ๐—˜๐—š๐—”๐—–๐—ฌ-๐—š๐—ฅ๐—”๐——๐—˜ ๐—”๐— ๐—˜๐—ฅ๐—œ๐—–๐—”๐—ก ๐—–๐—ฅ๐—”๐—™๐—ง๐—ฆ๐— ๐—”๐—ก๐—ฆ๐—›๐—œ๐—ฃ. Designed and engineered by the Alexander Family since 1927, this Woodhaven firewood rack is built to last for generations. Forged from heavy-duty steel with powder-coated finish, it's more than a log rack or firewood holder, itโ€™s a premium Woodhaven firewood rack made in USA โ€” a bold statement of strength and pride.
  • ๐—ฃ๐—ข๐—ช๐—˜๐—ฅ๐—™๐—จ๐—Ÿ ๐——๐—˜๐—ฆ๐—œ๐—š๐—ก, ๐—ฆ๐—œ๐— ๐—ฃ๐—Ÿ๐—˜ ๐—ฆ๐—˜๐—ง๐—จ๐—ฃ โ€” ๐—™๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—บ ๐—•๐—ผ๐˜… ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—•๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜‚๐˜๐˜† ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐Ÿฏ๐Ÿฌ ๐— ๐—ถ๐—ป๐˜‚๐˜๐—ฒ. No special tools, no hassle. This 8-foot outdoor firewood storage rack assembles quickly and easily, so you can spend more time enjoying the fire. Every detail is designed for effortless setupโ€”from precision-drilled holes that ensure structural integrity to stainless steel nuts and bolts that align perfectly for a smooth build. Built with lumber rack toughness, this lumber storage rack goes together cleanly and stays solid. This wood racks outdoor storage for firewood makes setup simple and frustration-freeโ€”an easy, reliable lumber storage rack ready for years of use.
  • ๐—–๐—Ÿ๐—˜๐—”๐—ก ๐—•๐—จ๐—ฅ๐—ก, ๐—–๐—”๐—Ÿ๐—  ๐— ๐—ข๐— ๐—˜๐—ก๐—ง๐—ฆ. The Woodhaven 8 foot firewood rack comes with a uniquely designed cover to keep the top rows of wood completely dry while allowing airflow, keeping the wood in optimal condition, and promoting faster curing. Built from powder-coated steel, this Woodhaven outdoor wood storage rack with breathable cover for dry logs holds 1/2 cord and serves as a premium fire wood racks outdoor solution for any outdoor fireplace or patio, delivering clean, ready-to-burn flames every time.
  • ๐—•๐—จ๐—œ๐—Ÿ๐—ง ๐—™๐—ข๐—ฅ ๐—•๐—œ๐—š ๐— ๐—ข๐— ๐—˜๐—ก๐—ง๐—ฆ ๐—”๐—ก๐—— ๐—š๐—ข๐—ข๐—— ๐—–๐—ข๐— ๐—ฃ๐—”๐—ก๐—ฌ. With room for a serious log supply, this 8-foot firewood rack outdoor keeps wood stacked and ready by your fire pit or gathering space โ€” durable design meets everyday ease. Perfect as a patio firewood rack for fire pit or chiminea, a space-saving firewood storage solution for decks, it keeps logs neatly stacked and ready.

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