The NH Division of Weights & Measures, would like consumers to be educated before purchasing firewood for the 2019-2020 season.
Cord: The term “cord”, when used in connection with wood intended for fuel purposes, shall mean the amount of wood that is contained in a space of 128 cubic feet when the wood is “ranked and well stowed. (Pieces of wood placed in a line or row, with individual pieces touching and parallel to each other, and stacked in a compact manner.)
- Clearly inform your supplier of the quantity of wood you require in terms of cords (Firewood may only be sold by a cord or a fraction of a cord and may never be sold as a “truckload”, “face cord”, “rack”, or “pile”
- Inform the supplier that you require a receipt upon delivery stating the supplier’s name, address, and phone number, the species of wood purchased, the volume of wood supplied, and the price of the sale (Don’t prepay or pay for additional deliveries before you receive them)
- Write down the license plate number of the delivery vehicle
- Stack the firewood with individual pieces touching and parallel to each other, and stacked in a compact manner. Don’t mix the new delivery with firewood already on the property.
- Measure the firewood. For help on measuring firewood, visit the Division’s website for tips.
If you feel there is a problem with short measure, contact the supplier before you burn any wood.
For more information, contact the Division of Weights and Measures at (603) 271-3700 or go to nhwm@agr.nh.gov
Adapted from an article in the Weekly Market Bulletin written by Cheryl Ayer, Director of the Division of Weights and Measures.
