I finally looked up how much a cord of wood actually weighs

I was moving some oak for a project and my back was killing me. Out of curiosity, I checked a forestry service website. They said a full cord of dry red oak can weigh over 4,800 pounds. That's more than a small car. I always just thought of it as a volume measurement, not the crazy weight. It explains why my old truck sags so much when I load it up. Has anyone else been surprised by the real weight of materials we handle every day?

3 comments

3 Comments

matthew16621d ago

Used to think a cord was just a big pile of wood, no big deal. Then I helped a buddy unload a half cord of seasoned hickory. My knees almost buckled on the third trip from the truck to his shed. That's when it hit me that we're basically moving solid, heavy rock disguised as logs. Makes you respect anyone who does that for a living. Now I seriously question my life choices every time I buy firewood.

emery_black21d ago

Saw a video once where a guy weighed a single piece of seasoned oak. That stuff is crazy dense, no wonder a whole cord feels like moving a car. Really puts the whole firewood thing into perspective.

nora11021d ago

Sounds like you need a wheelbarrow more than a new life plan.