How Big Is a Bulk Bag of Logs? The Truth About Firewood Bag Sizes
When you buy a bulk bag of firewood, you naturally expect to know how much wood you are getting for your money. But comparing bulk bags from different firewood suppliers isn't always as straightforward as it should be.
Some suppliers (like us) provide clear dimensions, while others simply advertise a “bulk bag” or describe it as approximately 1m³. The problem is that bulk bags are not all the same size, and the amount of firewood you receive can vary considerably.
At Manchester Firewood Supplies in Urmston, we believe customers should be able to compare like for like. That's why we want to explain exactly what our bulk bags measure and why the dimensions matter.
What size is a bulk bag of logs?
The term “bulk bag” is widely used in the firewood industry, but it does not guarantee that every supplier uses the same bag dimensions.
Our bulk bags at Manchester Firewood Supplies measure:
80cm wide × 80cm deep × 80cm high.
That gives our bags a nominal external volume of:
0.512 cubic metres (just over half a cubic metre).
This is the geometric volume of the bag's dimensions, not a claim that it contains 0.512m³ of solid timber. Logs have irregular shapes, and the spaces between them affect how much actual wood fits inside.
We prefer to give customers measurable dimensions rather than rely on vague descriptions.
Why a 70cm bulk bag can be much smaller than our 80cm bag
Imagine two bags that look broadly similar in photographs. One measures 80cm × 80cm × 80cm, while the other measures 70cm × 70cm × 70cm.
The difference might not look dramatic, but the maths tells a different story.
| Bag dimensions | Nominal external volume |
|---|---|
| 80 × 80 × 80cm | 0.512m³ |
| 70 × 70 × 70cm | 0.343m³ |
A 70cm cube has approximately 33% less external volume than an 80cm cube.
Put another way, an 80cm cube has approximately 49% more external volume than a 70cm cube.
That is a significant difference when you are comparing prices. If the dimensions aren't advertised, it can be difficult for customers to spot the difference.
This doesn't automatically mean that a smaller bag is poor value. The price, log type, moisture content and quantity supplied all matter. But you need to know the size before you can make a fair comparison.
Does a bulk bag of logs really contain 1 cubic metre?
You may see firewood advertised as an “approx 1m³ bulk bag”. It's worth checking exactly what that means.
A bag measuring 80cm × 80cm × 80cm, which some of our main competitors use, has a nominal external volume of 0.512m³. It is therefore not a one-cubic-metre container.
A cubic metre is the volume of a cube measuring one metre on every side. That is substantially larger than our standard bulk bag.
There is another important distinction: the volume of a bag, the volume occupied by loosely loaded logs, the volume of neatly stacked logs and the volume of solid timber are not interchangeable measurements.
Logs contain gaps between pieces, and different stacking methods can produce different results. If a supplier advertises approximately 1m³, ask whether they mean the bag's external dimensions, the loose volume of the logs or an equivalent stacked volume.
Without that clarification, two suppliers can use similar-sounding descriptions while offering quite different quantities.
How to compare bulk bags of firewood fairly
Before ordering logs online, we recommend checking five things:
- Check the bag dimensions. Look for the width, depth and height in centimetres. If they aren't stated, ask the supplier.
- Check what the stated volume means. A nominal bag volume isn't necessarily the same as the volume of neatly stacked logs.
- Check the type of firewood. Oak, Ash and mixed hardwood can differ in burning characteristics and price.
- Check moisture content. Properly kiln-dried firewood is important for efficient burning. Don't compare a kiln-dried product with wetter wood on price alone.
- Compare the delivered price. Ours includes free delivery within 15 miles. Include delivery charges when comparing suppliers and check whether the bag can be placed conveniently at your property.
A little checking can help you avoid paying more than you intended for a smaller quantity of firewood.
Why choose Manchester Firewood Supplies?
We're based in Urmston and make and supply kiln-dried firewood to customers across Manchester and the surrounding area.
We believe buying firewood should be straightforward. Our standard bulk bags measure 80 × 80 × 80cm, so you have a clear starting point when comparing products.
We also offer a range of hardwood firewood, including Oak, Ash and mixed selections, with freel ocal delivery and bookable 4 hour delivery slots designed to make ordering easier.
Whether you're stocking up for winter, keeping a wood-burning stove going through the colder months or buying logs for an outdoor fire, we want you to know what you're ordering.
Buy bulk bag logs in Manchester
Looking for bulk bag logs in Manchester? Choose a local supplier that makes bag sizes clear. Explore our kiln-dried firewood range and order from Manchester Firewood Supplies, with free local delivery within 15 miles.
