We all wonder every time we buy a shipment of wood, what quantity we actually bought and how we can check the supplier, who most often says a quantity convenient only for him.
A ster meter is a stack of wood with a length, width and height of one meter, where the useful volume is less than one cubic meter. One ster meter is equal to approximately 0.66 cubic meters of wood, because a ster meter is not a fixed quantity but depends on the thickness and the way the wood is laid, which creates more or less free space between the pieces.
As a rule, dry hardwood weighs between 750-850 kg per 1 full m³. Therefore, applying the coefficient of 0.66, one ster will weigh between 495 and 561 kg of firewood, and a double ster around a ton of wood.
One of the questions we often receive from customers who purchase a wood-burning boiler is related to the calculation formula for a cubic meter of wood. We also intended to discuss how to calculate a cubic meter of wood in this article, because we know how important the purchase of solid fuel is for the boiler. And since wood is most often sold by the cubic meter, it is necessary to know the calculation formula in order not to be deceived by wood traders for the boiler.
What you should know about calculating a cubic meter of wood
What does a cubic meter of wood mean? Well, a cubic meter of wood is a stack of wood that has the length, width and height of one meter. However, the volume is much smaller than in the case of a cubic meter of wood, and this is where the confusions that many customers of wood-fired power plants get stuck.
The reality is completely different. More precisely, one cubic meter of wood is the equivalent of approximately 0.65 – 0.66 cubic meters. However, one cannot speak of an exact amount of wood in one cubic meter, since this differs from one case to another depending on the thickness and the way the wood has been arranged. Basically, some traders try to deceive their customers by leaving more space between the wood, so that a much smaller amount of wood for the fire results.
As for the weight of a cubic meter of wood, it is between 500 and 560 kg in the case of firewood. Practically, to reach the weight of a cubic meter of hardwood you need almost two cubic meters.
It is important to know the following: a cubic meter is much smaller than a cubic meter, and this is because the wood can be placed in such a way that there is as little wood as possible.
When you go to buy wood for your boiler, you must immediately take this into account. Do not confuse the cubic meter with the ster meter, because you will definitely be deceived. If you still opt for ster meters of wood for the boiler, it is important to carefully follow the way in which they were placed. This is to avoid receiving less than you pay for.
How much does a wood-fired boiler consume?
It is quite difficult to talk about a standard consumption of wood-fired boilers. And this is because the consumption of a wood-fired boiler differs depending on many factors. The energy power of the wood as well as the power of the boiler, the surface that requires heating, etc. must be taken into account.
Firewood can be beech, oak, fir, birch, pine, poplar, etc. However, the consumption of a wood-burning boiler is advantageous enough for you to consider this heating method.