A 1/4 cord of wood typically costs $100-$250, with an average near $160 for seasoned, split firewood; premium hardwood or delivery to a distant address can push the total higher. Price depends on wood species, moisture, stacking, local supply, and whether the quote includes delivery and unloading.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 cord, pickup | $70 | $120 | $190 | Usually mixed or common hardwood; buyer loads or hauls |
| 1/4 cord, delivered | $100 | $160 | $250 | Local delivery; unloading terms vary |
| Premium seasoned hardwood | $150 | $220 | $350 | Species, dry stock, and remote delivery affect price |
| Price per full-cord equivalent | $280 | $640 | $1,400 | Quarter-cord rate multiplied by four; not always the bulk price |
| Stacked volume | 32 cu. ft. | 32 cu. ft. | 32 cu. ft. | A quarter of a standard 128-cu.-ft. cord |
What Does a Quarter Cord of Firewood Cost?
For a clearly measured quarter cord, expect about $70-$190 for pickup and $100-$250 delivered in many U.S. markets. A reasonable budget for ordinary seasoned hardwood delivered locally is $130-$200. These ranges assume split logs of typical fireplace length, roughly 16 inches, and a standard residential drop-off.
A true quarter cord is 32 cubic feet of neatly stacked wood, not a particular truck-bed load. A stack measuring 4 feet long, 4 feet high, and 2 feet deep equals 32 cubic feet. Because loose wood has air gaps and piles settle, a seller’s “quarter cord” should be defined as stacked or thrown volume in the written quote.
Species and seasoning make a substantial difference. Mixed hardwood, such as ash, maple, or oak, often falls near the middle of the range, while reliably dry oak or other premium hardwood can add $30-$100 or more. Prices near the low end are more likely with pickup, green wood, or a local seller with readily available supply.
Assumptions: U.S. residential purchase, split wood in common fireplace lengths, ordinary access, and no special stacking service.
How Splitting, Seasoning, and Delivery Shape the Quote
A firewood quote may combine the wood itself with labor, delivery, and handling. Ask whether the listed price covers a measured stacked volume, how dry the wood is, and where the driver will leave it. A low advertised price can exclude delivery or refer to loose volume, so comparing the final delivered amount matters.
| Quote component | Typical charge | What changes the charge | Check before ordering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood and splitting | $70-$180 per 1/4 cord | Species, log length, split size | Confirm hardwood mix and stacked volume |
| Seasoning or kiln drying | $20-$80 per 1/4 cord extra | Moisture level and drying method | Ask for moisture below 20% for efficient burning |
| Local delivery | $20-$75 per trip | Distance, minimum order, fuel | Confirm whether fees are included in the total |
| Stacking labor | $30-$100 per 1/4 cord | Carry distance, stairs, stack location | Ask if wood is dumped or neatly stacked |
| Extra handling or access | $15-$60 | Long carry, restricted access, special placement | Describe driveway and drop-off area |
Some sellers price delivery as a flat fee; others use a distance zone or require a minimum purchase. Stacking may be included for larger orders but charged separately for a small load. A basic labor estimate can be modeled as , though firewood vendors often quote a fixed handling fee rather than an hourly rate.
The delivered total can be $30-$150 above the wood-only price when travel and stacking are separate. This is especially relevant for a small order, where delivery costs are spread across fewer logs.
Why Species, Moisture, and Stack Size Change the Price
Wood species affect both the quote and how much usable heat a quarter cord provides. Oak and hickory commonly cost more than softer or mixed hardwoods, but they burn longer when properly seasoned. Prices may also differ for softwood, which is often less expensive and can suit kindling or particular heating uses, though it typically burns faster.
Moisture is a practical price variable, not just a product label. Properly seasoned firewood is generally below 20% moisture; wood sold as “seasoned” can still be too wet if it was stored poorly. Kiln-dried wood may add roughly $20-$80 per quarter cord, depending on region and seller, but can be useful when storage time is limited or consistent dryness is important.
Log length and stack measurement also matter. Common fireplace logs are around 16 inches, while a stove may need shorter pieces. Cutting to a custom 12-inch length can add around $10-$40 per quarter cord if it requires extra processing. A stack with pieces much longer than the firebox can create waste or require additional cutting.
Volume disputes often arise because “face cord” is not a standardized fraction of a full cord. A face cord may be one stack 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but its depth depends on log length. At 16-inch lengths, that is roughly one-third of a cord, not a quarter cord. A quarter cord is best confirmed by the stacked dimensions or cubic-foot volume.
Confirm species, log length, moisture, and measured volume before comparing two prices. A lower quote for green mixed wood may not be a better value than dry hardwood at a higher price.
How to Lower a Quarter-Cord Firewood Bill
Pickup is often the simplest way to avoid a small-order delivery charge, provided the vehicle can safely carry the load and the seller allows customer loading. For delivery, ask whether a second nearby order can be coordinated or whether the seller has a minimum order that makes a half cord more economical. Do not buy more than can be stored dry and used safely.
Choosing a common local hardwood mix instead of a specified premium species can reduce the wood price by $20-$80 per quarter cord. A mix is reasonable when the seller identifies the species and the wood is dry. Avoid paying extra for kiln drying if the wood can be stored under cover long enough to season further, but do not assume wet wood is ready to burn.
Prepare the drop-off area before the truck arrives. A clear, close-to-driveway location can prevent extra handling or stacking charges. If stacking is not essential, ask for a dump in an accessible spot and stack the wood independently. Compare at least three quotes using the same volume, log length, dryness standard, and delivery terms.
The most reliable savings come from comparing equivalent delivered quantities, not the lowest advertised price. Request an all-in total and verify whether tax, unloading, and stacking are included.
Delivered Firewood Prices by U.S. Region
Regional estimates vary with forest supply, transportation distance, winter demand, and local labor rates. The percentages below compare typical delivered quarter-cord pricing with a broad national benchmark; they are directional rather than fixed regional tariffs.
| Market | Typical delivered range | Relative price | Common price influence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast and Appalachia | $110-$230 | Near average to 10% lower | Strong hardwood supply, with winter delivery pressure |
| Upper Midwest | $100-$220 | About 5%-15% lower | Local hardwood availability; rural travel can add fees |
| Southeast | $100-$220 | About 5%-15% lower | Common hardwood mix; dry stock may be seasonal |
| Mountain West | $120-$280 | About 5%-20% higher | Hauling distance and limited local supply in some areas |
| Pacific Coast and major metros | $140-$320 | About 10%-30% higher | Urban delivery, labor, and premium dry wood |
Rural buyers may find lower wood prices but pay more for a long-distance delivery run. In dense cities, a short trip can still carry a high service minimum due to labor, traffic, parking, and restricted unloading. A local pickup price can therefore differ sharply from the delivered total within the same metro area.
Compare local quotes against the same 32 cubic feet of stacked wood and the same delivery scope. A regional average is a starting point, not a substitute for checking the vendor’s measurement and fees.
Pickup, Delivery, or Full Cord Pricing Compared
Pickup usually has the lowest price when a vehicle and safe loading arrangement are available. A delivered quarter cord costs more per unit because the seller makes a dedicated trip for a small amount. If the household expects to burn wood regularly, ordering a half cord or full cord can reduce the per-cord rate, but only if storage capacity and dry conditions are adequate.
At $100-$250 for a quarter cord delivered, the implied full-cord equivalent is $400-$1,000. A full cord may cost around $280-$800 in many markets, with higher prices for premium kiln-dried wood, urban delivery, or limited supply. Dividing a small-order price by four does not predict the actual bulk price; larger orders usually have different delivery economics and discounts.
A small “face cord” or pickup-truck load should not be treated as a standard volume unless dimensions are given. Truck beds vary in length and height, while loose pieces have different air gaps than a stacked pile. A seller who lists cubic feet or stack dimensions makes comparisons more straightforward.
Choose the smallest quantity that fits the storage area and expected burn rate, then compare its cost per stacked cubic foot. For occasional fires, paying a higher unit price for a quarter cord may be less costly than storing excess wood for years.
Three Quarter-Cord Quotes for Different Wood Specs
These examples show how details can change a quote. Totals are illustrative U.S. estimates rather than guaranteed local offers, and assume typical access without a long carry or stair work.
| Example order | Wood price | Delivery and labor | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 cu. ft. mixed hardwood, 16-inch logs, pickup | $90-$140 | $0-$15 loading | $90-$155 |
| 32 cu. ft. seasoned oak mix, local delivery | $130-$190 | $25-$60 delivery | $155-$250 |
| 32 cu. ft. kiln-dried hardwood, delivery and stacking | $180-$270 | $50-$120 delivery and stacking | $230-$390 |
For the first quote, a customer with an appropriate vehicle may avoid delivery, but should confirm loading is available and the actual volume is measured. The second represents a common household order with a local drop-off. The third includes higher-cost dry wood and labor to place it in a stack, which is useful when the storage area is not directly beside the driveway.
When comparing written estimates, check whether the quoted amount is stacked or loose, whether tax is included, and whether delivery covers placement or only curbside dumping. Ask for a revised quote if custom log length or a particular species is required.
The lowest of these totals may not provide the best value if its wood is damp, undersized, or less than 32 stacked cubic feet. The specifications should match before the price is judged.
Will a Quarter Cord Last Through Winter?
A quarter cord can supply occasional fireplace use, but it is generally a modest amount for heating a home throughout winter. How long it lasts depends on appliance efficiency, outdoor temperature, fire size, and frequency of use. An open fireplace can consume wood quickly while sending much of its heat up the chimney; a wood stove usually makes more heat from the same volume.
For occasional fires, 32 cubic feet may cover multiple weekends, but there is no dependable number of nights without knowing the appliance and burn rate. A household using wood as a primary heat source may need several cords, not a fraction of one. A seller or local heating professional can help estimate seasonal volume from the home’s heating demand.
Store wood off the ground with airflow and a cover over the top, leaving the sides exposed. Poor storage can undo the value of seasoned wood by allowing rain and ground moisture to reach it. Keep the stack at a safe distance from the home as local fire-safety guidance requires.
Budget for dry storage as well as the purchase price. If a quarter cord will be used slowly, covered airflow and careful stacking help preserve its burning quality and prevent waste.