Outdoor Blog

What is a Rick of Wood – And How Much Does It Cost?

Published

4 years ago

June 20, 2021

If you’ve been camping very long you probably know some of the basics of firewood.

You know that seasoned firewood works better than unseasoned, you know the differences between softwood and hardwoods, and you know how to store firewood effectively. Even the seasoned among us, however, may still be confused about firewood measurements.

This can be important when figuring out how much firewood to bring camping. You’ve probably heard of a “cord of wood,” but is that different from a face cord? And what on earth is a rick?

Stacks of firewood for industrial use

What on Earth is a Rick of Wood?

So there are a few different ways of measuring the amount of firewood in a stack. The most common and recognized measurement is a cord, which is measured by volume. A cord of wood is 128 cubic feet by volume. A rick of wood on the other hand (also called a “face cord”) is measured by only height and width.

The length of the logs (or depth of the pile) can vary, although typically firewood sold in this way is cut to 16” or 18”. You’ll still want to make sure you ask about the lengths of the logs because the size of a rick can vary based on the lengths of the logs (for instance, for use in a wood-burning stove) and you don’t want to get shortchanged on the volume of wood you’re receiving.

Even a rick of 16” logs is going to be less overall wood than one with 18” logs, so make sure to ask this question and have an idea of precisely how much wood you need. Another thing to keep in mind is that “rick” is not an unofficial or regulatory term for firewood.

Instead, it’s a commonly-used term in many parts of the US for any sort of pile. So people in these areas will often refer to a woodpile as a “rick.” Over the years this has led to the social standard that a “rick” of wood is about the same as a “face cord.”

We’ll talk more about what that means in a moment, but if you’re buying firewood and want to be sure of the measurements, a “face cord” is better to ask for than a rick. (Again, they’re roughly the same!)

What is a Cord of Wood?

While firewood can be bought in just about any quantity, from a few logs to a full pickup truck, few people understand how to properly measure an amount of firewood. There is, however, a standardized measurement system for a stack of wood.

So if you’ve been buying a “truck’s worth” it may be worth figuring out exactly how much wood you’re getting by translating the amount into cubic feet. A cord of firewood is any selection of wood that makes up a volume of 128 cubic feet.

Firewood is measured in this way (rather than by weight) because the weight of a full cord of wood varies greatly by the type of wood. A full cord of hardwood can weigh as much as 5,000 pounds, while softwood will barely weigh half that in the same volume.

Many people still choose to buy firewood in non-standard volumes, but it can help you get an idea of whether you’re paying a fair price to translate the amount you’re buying into cords or partial cords.

How Big Is A Cord of Wood?

To break down just how much wood is in 128 cubic feet, we can break down the standard cord of wood into its dimensions. A cord of wood is any stack of wood adding up to a volume of 128 cubic feet, but most commonly this means a stack 8’ wide, 4’ high, and with logs cut to 4’ long for a depth of 4’.

You can also buy a cord of wood with the logs cut shorter, but the other dimensions will increase, as long as the total volume adds up to 128 cubic feet, it’s a cord. To visualize it another way, the average pickup truck bed holds about ⅕ of a cord of wood.

A large pulpwood truck on the other hand holds about four cords. For most people, buying a part of a cord is more than enough for summer fun or weekend camping though. It’s important to remember that stacking makes a big difference!

Tightly and neatly stacked logs will take up much less space than a loose pile. You should also consider the length at which you’ll use the logs. If you want shorter logs (16” to 18”) you should ask for a face cord, also known as a “rick of wood.”

Other Measurements of Firewood: Stove Cord vs. Face Cord

There are a few other terms you should be familiar with when considering the amount of firewood you’ll need. As mentioned above, what some people call a “rick” of wood is the same amount of wood in a “face cord.” A face cord of wood has less volume than a full cord and is defined by having a depth of only one log.

A face cord of wood is usually 16 to 18 inches deep and comes to a volume between 40 and 50 cubic feet. One thing to look out for, though, is the difference between a “stove cord” and a “Face cord.” Like a face cord, the stove cord has a depth of one log’s length.

These logs are cut shorter, however, so that they can fit inside a wood stove. So a stove cord is about 12” in length, and will come to a volume of 32 cubic feet. So next time you’re getting firewood for use in fire pits or other open fire containers, it’s a better idea to get a face cord with longer longs and more wood. If you are using wood for a stove, however, the shorter “stove cord” is a good call.

How Much Does a Rick of Firewood Cost?

Now we get to the all-important question: how much is that stack of firewood going to cost? This is the main reason to understand different firewood measurements and how they compare. You don’t want to end up with additional costs because you’re getting less wood than you think.

So the first note is to ask for wood in cords or partial cords in order to make sure you know exactly how much you’re getting. If you ask for a “rick” or another informal measurement (such as a truckload, a rank, or a pile), you can translate the amount of wood you’re getting into cords by measuring the volume taken up by the wood.

In other words, multiply the length by the width by the depth of the stack of wood. If you’re buying wood by the truckload, you can measure the size of the truck bed to get a rough idea of how much wood you have. Or, measure the dimensions of the stack of wood you’re buying before moving it to get an accurate measurement of the volume.

How Much Firewood Do I Need?

Again, most people won’t need to buy a full cord of firewood. A full cord of wood is enough to last 6-10 weeks as your main source of warmth and energy. In other words, unless your home is using a wood stove as its main energy source, you’ll likely need a lot less wood.

If you’re just using a wood stove for cooking, have an outdoor firepit, or need firewood for camping, you’ll be measuring the amount of energy you need in hours. So you’ll need less than even a half cord, a third of a cord, or a quarter cord.

You’ll instead be buying pieces of wood by the bundle. As a rule of thumb, it takes about two hours to burn eight pieces of wood. If you’re stocking up for a summer of fires though, starting with a quarter cord can be a good idea. If it’s your first time buying firewood, there are few tips you can keep in mind to avoid getting ripped off.

To start, remember to ask for wood in cords, the standard unit of measurement, especially if you’re unfamiliar with fair firewood prices and need to compare to state guides. Every state has its own guides and regulations on firewood, and they can be very useful for making sure you’re getting a good deal. Again, though, you’ll need to know the measurement in cords to make the most of these resources.

How to Find Quality Firewood

When buying firewood, there are a few other distinctions you’ll want to be aware of as well. Different types of wood burn differently, and depending on how you’re using the wood, it can be important to get this right. Green wood, for instance, or wood that hasn’t been seasoned (dried thoroughly), will not burn as well as seasoned wood.

You can season wood yourself, but buying thoroughly dry wood is always easier. We’ll cover more on how to store wood for seasoning below. Next, you want to pay attention to the kind of wood you’re buying. First, there are hardwoods and softwoods which are the two main types of wood you’ll be choosing from.

Hardwoods, as you might imagine, are denser, and are generally better for heating than softwoods. You’ll commonly find Red Oak, Hickory, Maple, Locust, and Ash among the hardwoods available for firewood. Softwoods are more often used in woodworking, or as pulp, but sometimes they’re used for wood pellet fuel, and they tend to burn better than hardwoods in this form.

Some common softwoods you might see include Pine, Spruce, Cedar, and Cypress. These can also be used to change the temperature, smell, and other aspects of your fire for special applications. But for warmth and cooking, locally sourced hardwoods are best.

Source Locally Whenever Possible

Some states have strong regulations on sourcing firewood, in order to avoid bringing in invasive species from other regions. Always make sure the firewood you’re buying is sourced as locally as possible, and look out for state or local regulations on transporting firewood between different states and regions.

Invasive species can be devastating to local tree populations, so it’s up to everyone to source firewood responsibly and to make sure the wood you’re buying doesn’t have a dangerous stowaway on board.

Finding a Reputable Seller

You’ll generally have many wood suppliers to choose from at all levels of professionalism. Many people buy firewood from friends and neighbors, while others prefer buying at outlets or even big box hardware stores. There are a few things you can do to avoid paying additional costs though.

First, of course, make sure to have the seller stack the wood tightly and then measure it in cords. You should also make sure to get a receipt of some kind for your purchase, and you should ask about the type of wood as well as the seasoning (is it kiln-dried, unseasoned, etc.)

If you’re going to buy or sell firewood in a personal arrangement, make sure to agree on the terms ahead of time. Compare the prices being asked for to state guidelines and regulations, and make sure to properly measure and stack the wood being sold in order to avoid disagreements and miscommunications.

Firewoods storage place under the balcony in the yard

Storing Firewood

The last tip for buying firewood is to make sure the seller cuts the wood to your desired length. If you’re buying a full face cord, for instance, make sure to specify the length you need. Or buy a partial cord and ask for it to be cut down to the right size.

This will help with storing the firewood and you’ll have a better sense of how much space it will take up. If you’re able to buy seasoned wood, this will save you time and energy. The best wood is kiln seasoned, which means it’s dried out in a kiln, but this can also be more expensive than wood seasoned by the elements.

Here’s how to store unseasoned wood to encourage quick drying:

Decide where to store your wood. If you live in an especially wet or rainy climate, a shed may be better than leaving your woodpile fully exposed. If you do leave it outside, make sure to cover it during rain. A simple tarp works quite well.
Make sure to elevate the pile of wood off the ground, to prevent ground moisture from wicking up into your wood. The easiest way to do this is to make a short stack of recycled pallets and store your wood on top. The gaps in the pallets will also allow air to flow freely through the woodpile.
Leave a little space between the rows. Seasoned wood can be packed tightly and efficiently and you should stack wood tightly when measuring it for a purchase, but a looser stack is best for seasoning wood outside.

With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to fun around the campfire. Buying firewood can seem complicated with so many local and informal terms flying around, but simply asking the questions can help you find an honest retailer and make sure you get what you paid for.

Final Verdict:

Wood is a wonderful, ancient fuel and can be utilized safely and effectively for many different uses. From heating to cooking to fun, firewood is a versatile fuel and is also one of the more environmentally friendly options out there (as long as you’re not in a densely populated area).

It can also be cheaper for heating and is of course essential for campfire cooking! Getting started is easy once you understand the common firewood measurements, prices, and terms.

Bonus tip: Check out this video on how to build your own lumber rack for effective storage.

Outdoor Blog

How to Take Your Own Internet to Outdoor Events

Published

2 weeks ago

October 18, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

You’ve got the permits, the lineup, the stage design, and the crowd — but when it comes to WiFi, outdoor events can turn from dream festivals to data dead zones in minutes. Reliable connectivity is now as essential as power or sound. Whether it’s a music festival streaming to TikTok, a food fair using mobile POS systems, or a corporate brand activation relying on live dashboards, the internet connection is what keeps the gears turning.

But the truth is this: counting on venue WiFi at a large outdoor event is a gamble. Hundreds of devices fighting for the same bandwidth can jam up the signal before the headliner gets on stage. Public networks only have one backhaul connection, so your production crew, security cameras, and vendors could all be fighting with concert-goers streaming YouTube in the crowd.

So, if your aspiration is to keep the event chugging along like clockwork, the genius move is to bring your own internet — designed specifically for the occasion, private, and controlled by your event staff.

Why Venue WiFi Fails When Crowds Arrive

Let’s start with the numbers. According to Cisco’s 2024 Annual Internet Report, the average person now connects four to six devices at live events — phones, wearables, tablets, scanners, and streaming gear. Multiply that by 5,000 or 50,000 people, and you’re looking at a digital traffic jam.

Outdoor locations have a very minimal amount of wired infrastructure. The majority utilize older systems or common fiber links, which were not designed for thousands of users at once. When the signal is over-stretched, latency increases, access points fail, and the network grinds to a halt.

For event organizers, this is not only inconvenient — it’s a safety and revenue gamble. POS terminals won’t work. QR ticket scanners crawl. Even backup communication programs freeze.

The Smarter Solution: Creating Your Own Network

Constructing a stand-alone network for an outside event may seem daunting, but technology has made it relatively achievable. Instead of relying on one provider or tower, professional crews now use several sources of the internet to deliver redundancy and stability.

Outdoor WiFi specialists use multi-carrier cellular bonding, satellite uplinks, and WAN smoothing to keep traffic consistent even when one source is down. It’s a lot like having several water pipes feed one tank — if one pipe gets stopped up, others keep the flow consistent.

The best configuration depends on three variables:

Location: Urban park, remote valley, rooftop, or open desert all have different signal profiles and line-of-sight challenges.
Bandwidth Demand: Are you providing power to a 50-person AV crew or streaming to a million online viewers?
Duration: A day-long music festival versus a week-long brand tour will change the way you plan power, cooling, and redundancy.

Professional crews will often pre-deploy with site surveys — gauging carrier strength, spectrum congestion, and potential sources of interference such as LED walls or nearby broadcast towers.

Lessons from the Field

Outdoor WiFi would be a niche specialty, but in today’s world it’s simply part and parcel of modern event production. In the last decade, TradeShowInternet’s teams have helped support hundreds of big outdoor festivals and corporate activations, and there have been a few hard-won lessons along the way.

There was the time crews climbed a half mile up the flank of a Santa Fe mountain with over 200 pounds of gear to put in a solar-powered relay antenna for Red Bull’s Guinness World Record truck jump. A second assignment involved digging cable trenches through snake country in Los Angeles for Christian Dior’s fashion show.

When Univision taped La Banda on the beach in Miami, technicians climbed a 20-foot truss into a lightning storm to raise antennas. These are probably war stories, but they represent reality: each outdoor location introduces its own wildcards. Wind, weather, terrain, and local RF noise all push the limits of planning.

The lesson? Experience is as important as gear. Knowing when to use additional directional antennas, when to flip to satellite failover, or how to protect a router from 100-degree heat isn’t something you can read in a manual.

The Technical Side: How Redundant Networks Keep Events Alive

This is how seasoned outdoor internet crews engineer reliability into temporary networks:

Multi-Carrier Bonding: Equipment stitches together data from multiple cellular carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to maximize bandwidth and fill signal gaps.

WAN Smoothing: Packets are duplicated and relayed on secondary paths to prevent noticeable drops or hiccups in live streams.
Satellite Integration: Especially when out at remote sites or in mountain events where cell phone reception is spotty.
5G + LTE Hybrid Units: Combining newer high-bandwidth 5G networks with more predictable LTE offers well-rounded throughput.
Portable Mesh Access Points: Create overlapping areas of WiFi that eliminate dead spots across vast grounds or over tented locations.
Power & Weather Protection: Ranging from Pelican case enclosures to solar power solutions, all of which ensure uptime regardless of adverse weather conditions.

It’s a multi-layer strategy — not one device straining the load, but several working in tandem to handle bandwidth, robustness, and coverage.

Why Your Vendors, AV Staff, and Guests All Need Their Own Network Layer

External events normally have three distinct user communities that require the internet:

Production and AV Personnel – operation of live feeds, mixing panels, lighting, and communications programs.
Vendors and POS Devices – card transaction processing, QR menus, and inventory software.
Guests and Media – posting, uploading, or taking part in brand interaction activity.

Mixing them all on one open WiFi is risky. It provides security vulnerabilities and causes too much congestion. The preferred method is network segmentation, creating separate virtual networks that prioritize mission-critical traffic (production, POS, security cameras) and restrict non-mission-critical use like social browsing.

This is exactly how professional outdoor WiFi & Internet solution companies like TradeShowInternet build event systems. They design bespoke topologies that match the unique demands of every event, whether a food festival, marathon, or big corporate activation.

Budgeting and Planning: What Organizers Should Know

According to EventMB’s 2024 Event Technology Report, 73% of event planners say maintaining a reliable connection is important to attendee happiness, yet less than half have a standalone internet budget in place upfront while planning. That’s a recipe for last-minute scrambling.

For all to run smoothly, the network plan needs to be created alongside stage design and power planning — not an afterthought.

Some planning advice:

Start early: Conduct site surveys at least 30 days ahead of the event.
Prioritize wired backbones: Use fiber or Ethernet in production areas whenever possible.
Segregate guest WiFi: Utilize bandwidth caps or sponsored captive portals to control usage.
Redundancy: Cellular + satellite bonding is well worth the investment for mission-critical space.
Post-event review: Collect performance data to inform next year’s plan.

Real-World Use Cases

Outdoor connectivity is not just for music festivals. It’s a necessity for:

Marathons and triathlons – for timing chips, live maps, and emergency co-ordination.
Outdoor conferences or summits – where executives require office-grade internet to make presentations.
Food truck festivals and markets – all vendors need POS access.
Film and TV productions – production villages rely on low-latency connections for uploads.
Races and motorsport events – telemetry, live scoring, and media streaming.

Each of these environments needs a different trade-off among coverage area, upload speed, and mobility.

Why Experience Matters for Outdoor Internet Installations

Each outdoor location is unique. Trees, humidity, metal buildings, even bodies of water can affect wireless performance. Having individuals who’ve done hundreds of installations means fewer surprises and faster repairs when something unexpected happens.

That’s where TradeShowInternet, a leading outdoor WiFi & Internet solution company, comes in. The company has built up networks on deserts, beaches, helipads, mountain ridges, and pop-up brand villages — keeping organizers, vendors, and AV teams connected wherever the event is hosted.

Outdoor Blog

Outdoor Event WiFi: The New Backbone of Open-Air Experiences

Published

2 weeks ago

October 17, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

A concert in the canyon. A film night under desert stars. A bustling waterfront food festival with 10,000 guests. Across the country, outdoor events are turning parks, coastlines, forests, and fields into memorable destinations. But there’s one service now as essential as power, permits, and porta-potties: outdoor event WiFi.

Whether for ticket scanning, mobile POS systems, sponsor activations, or live-streaming performances, WiFi for outdoor events has become the invisible support that keeps everything running. Without it, payments stall, communication falters, and digital engagement stops.

Why Outdoor Event WiFi Is Mission-Critical

The outdoor events sector, from farmers’ markets to endurance races, is growing quickly. Allied Market Research predicts global festival revenues will exceed $50B by 2030. These venues offer unique charm, but they also pose a challenge: a lack of built-in internet infrastructure.

“Outside doesn’t mean offline,” says Emma Castillo, a production manager for festivals, film nights, and open-air corporate launches. “We rely on temporary internet for outdoor events to manage our security communications, allow vendors to keep selling, and ensure our livestreams don’t drop.”

Cellular service can struggle with the demands of thousands of devices. Some remote locations may not have any service at all. That’s where outdoor event WiFi solutions come in—portable, scalable, and designed for unpredictable weather.

How Outdoor Internet Keeps Events Moving

Today’s outdoor events rely on connectivity in ways that go far beyond letting guests post on social media:

Mobile POS & Cashless Payments – No signal means lost revenue for vendors.
RFID & Access Control – Real-time validation at gates and VIP areas.
Streaming & Social Content – From TikTok reels to sponsor livestreams.
Sponsor Engagement – QR contests, AR activations, and digital signage updates.
Safety & Logistics – Staff communication, emergency alerts, GPS tracking.

A recent Event Manager Blog study found 63% of sponsors now require guaranteed internet access before committing. Attendees want it too; more than half say connectivity is a key factor in their event satisfaction.

Outdoor Event WiFi Solutions in Action: “Lights on the Lake”

In June, the lakeside town of Lakeshore hosted a three-day open-air film festival. The views were stunning, but no wired internet was available, and mobile service barely worked.

The technical crew set up:

Multi-carrier 5G bonding for vendor and guest networks
Long-range weatherproof access points covering the pier and food court
A private secure network for organizers and emergency staff
A satellite uplink for backup

The festival processed thousands of transactions, streamed Q&A sessions with international filmmakers, and even operated a live voting app without a single connectivity failure.

Industry Perspective: Connectivity as a Core Utility

According to WiFit founder Matt Cicek, changes in event technology priorities have been significant:

“Five years ago, internet at an outdoor event was seen as a nice-to-have. Now, it’s as essential as running water and electricity. From safety coordination to sponsor returns, there’s too much at stake to leave it to chance.”

The Future of Temporary Internet for Outdoor Events

As events become more complex, WiFi for outdoor events from service providers like WiFit will play an even larger role. Expect advancements like:

Solar-powered network kits for sustainable operations
AI-managed bandwidth that adjusts to real-time crowd size
Edge computing for instant AR and interactive attractions

For event planners, the message is clear: the quality of your internet connection is as important as your stage, lighting, or sound system. The next time you’re booking a venue, remember—the crowd may be watching the performers, but they’re also looking at their screens. They expect both to work perfectly.

Outdoor Blog

Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2024

Caleb Cole

Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.

Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures

If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.

Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.

What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?

One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.

This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.

Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have

Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.

The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.

Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience

Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.

These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.

Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.

Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.