Word of Advice

5 May 2008

Are you getting the right amount of firewood?

Winter is well and truly knocking on our doors with its icy fingers so the time has come for a lot of us to stock up with firewood for use over the winter months. But how can you make sure you’re getting what you pay for?

Measuring wood

Firewood can’t legally be measured in ‘cords’ anymore, but some people may still refer to this measure. When converted to a metric measurement, a cord is equal to 3.62 cubic metres. Just as you can’t buy a pound of apples or a pint of milk, nor can you buy firewood by the cord as it’s not a metric quantity. It’s recommended that references and advertisements to sales by volume should be in cubic metres (m3).

When making any purchase, it’s important to have an appreciation of the amount you should be receiving. It’s likely you’ll know roughly what a litre of milk looks like and how many apples you’ll get for a kilogram. The same applies to firewood – to avoid getting ripped off, it pays to know approximately the amount you expect to receive for the price you’ve paid.

Legal measurements

Firewood can be sold either by volume or by description, e.g. a truck load, a trailer load or sackful. It is accepted that firewood will be sold as a ‘thrown measure’ – that is as if it were thrown into a container, not as if it were stacked.

While firewood merchants are not required to sell wood by volume, those that do must use an approved measure. An approved measure could be a truck, trailer or bin that has been approved and verified as accurate by the Measurement and Product Safety Service (MAPSS). MAPSS’ role includes ensuring that trade is conducted on the basis of fair and accurate measurement.

An approved measure for firewood will have a lead stamping plug imprinted with a Crown. It will also be marked with its volume in cubic metres, and an identification and certificate approval number. MAPSS can tell you the traders in your area that have a certificate of approval for their firewood measures.

When buying and receiving a delivery of firewood by volume, the merchant should provide you with an invoice stating the true net weight or measure of the quantity delivered.

How to get a fair deal

Shop around to get a competitive price. Look in the Yellow Pages, your local newspaper or community newspaper and trade magazines for local firewood merchants and check out the going rate. Ask friends for a recommendation of a reputable source.

If you buy by volume, check the merchant has a MAPSS certified measure. If you buy by description, make sure you’re happy with the quantity before committing to buy it. You may want to see it first.

Remember to ask about the condition of the firewood. Wood that is green or wet is poor quality for burning and will lose density as it dries. Also, remember that different types of wood may burn at different rates - so the cheapest wood may not necessarily be the most cost-effective overall.

Making a complaint

If you think you’ve received less firewood than you ordered, don’t use it. Keep the wood in a secure place and contact MAPSS for advice. MAPSS may be able to investigate the complaint. Call freephone 0508 MAPSS Info (0508 627 774).

More information

Visit the Ministry of Consumer Affairs website.