Before buying or moving wood, understand itscubic meter weightand itshumidityavoids many unforeseen, especially when juggling with family logistics or optimizing the available space. With precise benchmarks on the density of the essences and the conversions of the stone/m3, each one gains autonomy and reliability in its calculations, while exploiting this versatile material which, controlled, simplifies both domestic heating and creative projects.
Some even find that good weight anticipation makes the difference on a successful move or... a carefree delivery.
Summary of key points
- ✅ The weight of the wood varies greatly depending on the gasoline and moisture content.
- ✅ Good drying and storage management is essential to avoid excess weight.
- ✅ The conversion of the log length and the density coefficient is dependent on the length of logs, m3 and kilograms.
Contents
What is the weight of wood per cubic metre? Essentials
In practice, the actual weight of wood per cubic metre varies greatly depending on gasoline and moisture level. A cubic metre of dry oak is most often located between680 and 750 kg, while a cubic metre of dry spruce rather revolves around400 to 450 kg. If the moisture content rises (green wood), some species even exceed1000 kg per m3. These figures weigh in the balance when it comes to buying, storing or transporting: it is better to establish a reliable estimate from the start.
To allow you to compare at a glance some representative essences:
- Dry oak:Generally 680 to 750 kg/m3, ideal for long-term heating.
- Dry beech:a little lighter, with 650 to 720 kg/m3 (relatively appreciated in a stove).
- Dry Charm:around 700 to 750 kg/m3, known for its high energy.
- Spikea/Dry spruce:often preferred for small loads, from 400 to 450 kg/m3.
- Green wood:up to 1000 kg/m3, to be handled with caution during transport.
- Granulated:between 700 and 750 kg/m3, modern option for easy management.
A detail not to be underestimated: humidity can change the final weight of several hundred kilos. Some professionals recommend systematically checking this rate – a minimal fluctuation changes everything, especially for logistics or choice of heating mode.
Density and specific weight of wood species: understanding differences
At first glance, it is not uncommon to see differences in the weight of wood between experts. Depending on the gasoline and drying, the figures clash... What matters is the concept of density that makes all your estimates vary. Last point to note: density never offers "universal value" here, each essence has its profile.
How does density and gasoline influence weight per m3?
The weight of wood depends on two essential parameters: gasoline and humidity. Some types such as charm, oak or beech are known to be heavier and provide a strong heat power. Conversely, the fir and spruce remain very light. A well-dry wood (humidity less than 20%) not only optimizes thermal efficiency but also simplifies handling – it is quickly noticed when it comes to filling the trailer.
Below you will find some values of density, history of better anticipating transport and storage:
| Gasoline | Average weight per m3 (dry) | Weight per m3 (green) |
|---|---|---|
| Oak | 680-750 kg | 950 to 1100 kg |
| Beech | 650-720 kg | 900 to 1050 kg |
| Charm | 700-750 kg | 1000 to 1120 kg |
| Sapin/Spicya | 400-450 kg | 650 to 850 kg |
| Wood pellets | 700-750 kg | – |
This kind of painting proves to be valuable: it happens that a user optimizes his storage space or avoids overloading his shelter with these figures – especially when he lacks space after the full winter.
Why does wood moisture change everything?
It should be noted that humidity remains the key factor ignored by many: for example, a freshly cut oak can climb to 1100 kg/m3, an increase of about40 % dry weight. This surplus affects heating performance as much as on the tenability of handling, and it is not uncommon for a carrier to refuse a load deemed too risky.
It is best to use dried wood at less than 20% moisture: this greatly simplifies management, while allowing more efficient combustion. An expert from the sector regularly highlights this point with his clients.
Good to know
I recommend that you prefer a moisture level of less than 20% for your wood. This facilitates handling and optimizes combustion.
Conversion between a stone, cubic meter and kilograms: how to do the right calculation?
There is a regular confusion between the church and the cubic meter: the correspondence varies according to the length of the logs, which deceives even the regulars. Moreover, conversion is essential for storage and quotation.
How to convert a church into kilograms or m3?
In principle, a stylus is equivalent to 1 m3 of logs of one metre (well piled). But as long as the length decreases, the density compresses: thus, a 33 cm stony represents only about 0.7 m3 real, which may surprise during the final calculation.
- Stereo 1 m = 1.00 m3, standard base for calculation.
- Stereo 50 cm = 0.80 m3, generally used for household homes.
- Stereo 33 cm = 0.70 m3, compact and convenient solution for reduced storage.
Weight side, usually countbetween 400 and 500 kgfor a dry state according to gasoline. For oak:430 to 450 kg/dry. For dried spruce or fir:260 to 320 kg/stairs. A logistics trainer regularly recalls that it is best to keep these ratios in mind when you have to anticipate the load that your trailer or shelter can carry – which is also why some prefer short logs.
How to use the density coefficient?
The expansion coefficient is used to translate the "appearing" volume of logs into "real" volume, which can really impact the annual purchase or final invoice.
- Log 50 cm: coefficient = 0.8 (i.e. 1 stery = 0.8 m3 real).
- Log 33 cm: coefficient = 0.7 (so 1 stery = 0.7 m3 useful).
- Log 25 cm: coefficient = 0.6 (practice for modern stoves).
Some homeowners claim that this adjustment helps them better calibrate their order, and the impact on the price per kilo is not negligible: sometimes the real need is much lower than expected.
Comparison tables: focus on the weight of species and wood condition
Building on concrete data remains the surest way to limit bad surprises. In 2025, the most reliable reference values for easy identification were:
| Gasoline | Dry tare (kg) | Green tare (kg) | Weight per m3 dry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak | 430–450 | up to 900 | 680–750 |
| Beech | 420–480 | up to 900 | 650–720 |
| Charm | 420–480 | up to 1000 | 700–750 |
| Sapin / Spikea | 260–320 | 600–850 | 400–450 |
| Wood pellets | – | – | 700–750 |
Another point to expect: to heat a house of 100 m2 throughout the winter, it is usually necessary6-8 stèreseitherapproximately 2.4 to 3.6 tonnes(example on dry oak). This calculation sometimes discusses cards at the end of the season, especially for those who underestimate their stock!
Storage and drying tips: how to avoid the classic excess weight?
Store the wood in the right conditions, this is the key to limiting unforeseen events. Poorly dried wood, for example, can see its weight riseabout 20 to 30 per cent, while lowering yield and promoting mould. Some remember having had a bad surprise after a delivery stored too quickly in a space with little ventilation...
How to optimize storage to limit the weight to handle?
To keep the wood dry, it is best to choose a ventilated shelter, raise logs and avoid direct contact with the ground. Patients, many let their stock restat least 18 monthsbefore use: not only does the moisture level pass below the 20% mark, but handling is much easier.
- Target humidity: less than 20% to ensure efficient combustion.
- Prefer storage to water shelter, on pallets or solid ties.
- Checking regularly with a humidimeter is a trick frequently shared by heating professionals.
A micro anecdote: a user saw his delivery grow close to300 kgsimply because the wood was stacked on a raw slab exposed to moisture. Lesson? We save time (and energy...) to anticipate storage conditions.
For efficient insulation while controlling the weight of materials, discover our guide «Glass wool or wood wool: the comparison to choose its insulation ».
For harmonious interior design, the density of wood per cubic metre can also play a key role in your projects such as creating acuisine: this choice for a beautiful, practical and trendy worktop.
For your projects involving materials like wood, find out howmanufacture a noise-proof box for heat pump: complete tutorial and pro tipsto combine practicality and acoustic comfort.
FAQ on wood calculation and purchase: overview of frequently asked questions
It is the same scenario every year: the same questions come back when buying, and we gain from giving them a lighting time. Some answers, sometimes given by specialists in DIY forums, help avoid common mistakes.
What is the average weight of a m3 of dry wood?
Generally speaking, there is680 to 750 kgfor oak, beech or dry charm;400 to 450 kgfor dried spruce or fir; around700 to 750 kgconcerning granules.
How can I convert astery to kg/m3?
The church gives you 1 m3 for logs of 1 m and an average weight between400 and 500 kg(dry wood, depending on gasoline). If logs are 33 cm long, 1 stery = 0.7 m3 or about280 to 350 kg– This is a calculation that changes the load allowed for each trip.
Why does weight vary so much with moisture?
In a "very green" wood, water can represent up to50 %Total weight. Hence the interest of letting dry carefully before burning or transporting.
How much to buy or move to heat 100 m2?
Better go on6-8 stèresfor winter, either2.5 to 4 tonnesaccording to the petrol retained and the drying obtained.
Stereo, m3, apparent volume: how to distinguish these notions?
The building remains a stacking measure: apparent volume according to the storage method. The m3 aims rather at a strict volume, compacted. The shorter the log, the less empty, so the weight per m3 increases. This question is regularly cross-examined when calculating estimates for the installation of a stove.
Simulate and estimate the weight of your wood to the m3 or to the stern: quick use instructions
Want to go fast? Several online simulators – sometimes recommended in the 2025 technical guides – let you choose gasoline, log size and humidity to instantly estimate the weight to be expected. Is that really reliable? In most cases yes, and this helps to avoid bad surprise (a simple calculation can save many handling efforts!).
One trainer mentioned that some users did their encryption in advance and never had a bad surprise at the reception of the wood again.
Glossary & mistakes not to be committed anymore: the basics to get out quickly
Some people would have liked to understand earlier the difference between apparent volume and real volume: this "detail" saves time quickly... and avoid a lot of sternness when handling!
- Stereo:Measurement of apparent volume (stacked logs of 1 m, standard reference for controls).
- Real cubic meter (m3):Strictly compacted volume, which increases with reduction of log length.
- Numbering coefficient:key ratio to move from apparent volume to actual volume according to cutting and stacking (e.g. coefficient 0.7 for logs of 33 cm).
- Moisture:target less than 20%, an essential criterion for heating or use in construction.
It is better not to buy wood too fresh: its weight will be high, the combustion mediocre, and it happens that one forgets to convert correctly to astery A professional in the industry regularly warns: you should not underestimate the volume needed to spend a warm winter!
Updated on 23 March 2026
