The price of a cord of firewood typically ranges from $150 to $600, depending on your location, the type of wood, and whether it’s seasoned or freshly cut.
Firewood prices can feel all over the place, but it’s not as random as it seems. Understanding what makes up a full cord, what affects the price, and how to get the best deal will help you save money and avoid being shorted. Let’s break it down.
What Exactly Is a Cord of Firewood?
Before talking dollars, let’s make sure we’re clear on what a cord is.
A cord is a stack of firewood that measures 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long. That adds up to 128 cubic feet of wood—imagine a small truck bed filled tightly with logs.
Firewood is sometimes sold in smaller amounts, so you’ll hear terms like:
- Face Cord: About one-third of a full cord, with logs typically 16 inches deep.
- Half Cord: Half the size of a full cord (64 cubic feet).
- Bundle: Small, shrink-wrapped packages of wood, usually sold at gas stations or stores for $5–$10.
How Much Does a Cord Cost?
The price of firewood depends on a few factors, but here’s a general range:
- Seasoned Hardwood: $300–$600 per cord
- Green (Unseasoned) Hardwood: $150–$300 per cord
- Softwood: $200–$400 per cord
Why the difference? Hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory burn longer and produce more heat, so they cost more. Softwoods like pine and spruce are cheaper but burn faster. Seasoned wood (dried for at least 6–12 months) is ready to burn, while green wood is cheaper but needs time to dry before it’s usable.
Factors That Affect Firewood Prices
Here’s why the price of a cord might vary so much:
- Wood Type
- Hardwoods: Dense and long-burning, perfect for home heating. Expect to pay more.
- Softwoods: Easier to split and cheaper but burn quickly, making them better for campfires.
- Seasoned vs. Green
- Seasoned wood is ready to burn immediately but costs more.
- Green wood is cheaper, but you’ll need to season it for 6–12 months before it’s usable.
- Your Location
- In cold regions (like the Northeast or Midwest), firewood prices climb in winter when demand spikes.
- In rural areas, prices are lower because firewood is easier to find.
- Delivery and Stacking Fees
- Delivery can add $20–$50 to your total cost.
- Stacking the wood for you might cost another $50–$80 per cord.
- Time of Year
- Buying in spring or summer often saves you money since demand is lower. Waiting until winter? Be prepared to pay a premium.
How to Make Sure You’re Getting a Full Cord
Not all firewood sellers play fair, so it’s important to know how to measure a cord yourself.
Here’s how to check:
- Stack the firewood neatly in a rectangular shape.
- Measure the height, width, and length—it should add up to 128 cubic feet (4x4x8 feet).
- If it looks loosely stacked or has lots of gaps, you’re likely getting less wood than you paid for.
Pro Tip: Avoid buying “truckloads” or “ricks” without exact measurements. These terms can mean different things depending on the seller.
How to Save Money on Firewood
Buying firewood doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. Here’s how to save:
- Buy Early: Stock up in the spring or summer when prices are lower. By winter, demand skyrockets, and so do prices.
- Buy Green Wood: If you have time to let it season, green wood costs much less. Stack it properly to dry.
- Shop Locally: Buying from local farmers or suppliers avoids delivery fees from big stores.
- Split Your Own: If you’ve got access to logs and a log splitter, splitting your own firewood can save hundreds of dollars.
- Skip Bundled Firewood: Pre-wrapped bundles are convenient but extremely overpriced compared to cords.
Is It Worth the Cost?
If you’re heating your home, a full cord of seasoned hardwood is often more cost-effective than electric or gas heating. Here’s a real-world comparison:
- Hardwood Cord: Produces 25–30 million BTUs of heat and costs $300–$600.
- Propane Heating: Costs around $2,000–$2,500 per season for similar heat output.
- Electric Heat: Costs even more, depending on energy rates.
For those who rely on wood stoves or fireplaces, firewood is not just a budget-friendly choice—it’s a lifestyle that provides warmth, self-sufficiency, and that unbeatable crackle of a real fire.
Final Thoughts
So, how much is a cord of firewood? On average, expect to pay $300–$600 for seasoned hardwood or $150–$300 for green wood. The price depends on wood type, location, and whether it’s ready to burn. To get the best value, buy early, measure your cord to ensure it’s full, and consider seasoning your own wood to save money.
When it comes to staying warm and cozy, firewood is more than worth the investment—just make sure you’re getting what you pay for!