Side-by-Side Comparison
Outdoor Living
Firewood Cords vs. Propane Tanks
Comparing 2 standards across 15 specifications. 15 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Firewood Cords
Propane Tanks
Firewood is legally defined by weights and measures as a Full Cord comprising exactly 128 cubic feet (4×4×8 ft / 3.62 m³) of tightly stacked wood. A Face Cord (Rick) measures 1/3 of a cord (42.7 cu ft) using standard 16-inch split logs seasoned to below 20% moisture.
Portable LP propane cylinders standardize capacities from 20-lb BBQ tanks (4.7 liquid gallons / 430,000 BTU) fitted with Type 1 QCC1 / OPD overfill valves, to 1-lb disposable camping cylinders and 100-lb residential cylinders filled to the 80% legal safety limit.
Specification Comparison Table
15 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
NIST Handbook 130 / EPA Burnwise Wood Burning Standards | DOT 4BA / NFPA 58 / CGA Standards |
|
Full Cord Volume
|
Exactly 128 cubic feet (3.62 m³ / 3.24 cu meters solid volume) | — |
|
Full Cord Dimensions
|
4 feet high × 4 feet wide × 8 feet long (1.22 × 1.22 × 2.44 m) | — |
|
Face Cord (Rick) Volume
|
42.7 cubic feet (1.21 m³) | Exactly 1/3 of a full cord | — |
|
Face Cord Dimensions
|
4 feet high × 8 feet long using standard 16-inch long logs (1.22 × 2.44 × 0.41 m) | — |
|
Standard Split Log Length
|
16 inches (40.6 cm) | Universal stove & fireplace standard | — |
|
Split Log Diameter
|
3 to 6 inches (7.6–15.2 cm) across split face | — |
|
Seasoned Moisture Target
|
Below 20% internal moisture content (EPA Clean Air requirement) | — |
|
1 lb Camp Cylinder (16.4 oz)
|
— | 0.24 liquid gal | 21,500 BTU | 1"-20 UNEF disposable connection |
|
20 lb BBQ Tank (Universal)
|
— | 4.7 liquid gal (17.8 L) | 430,000 BTU | Tare: ~17 lbs, Full: ~37 lbs | Dimensions: 17.8" H × 12.2" D |
|
30 lb RV Cylinder
|
— | 7.1 liquid gal (26.9 L) | 649,000 BTU | Tare: ~24 lbs, Full: ~54 lbs | Dimensions: 23.4" H × 12.2" D |
|
40 lb Commercial / Patio
|
— | 9.4 liquid gal (35.6 L) | 860,000 BTU | Tare: ~29 lbs, Full: ~69 lbs | Dimensions: 29.3" H × 12.2" D |
|
100 lb Residential Tank
|
— | 23.6 liquid gal (89.3 L) | 2,160,000 BTU | Tare: ~68 lbs, Full: ~168 lbs | POL valve |
|
80% Legal Fill Rule
|
— | Tanks filled to max 80% liquid volume to allow thermal expansion |
|
OPD Valve Standard
|
— | Overfill Prevention Device (triangular valve handle) mandatory on 4–40 lb tanks |