Homeowners typically pay for firewood based on wood type, moisture level, delivery distance, and quantity. The price range you’ll see reflects whether you choose seasoned split logs or kiln-dried rounds, plus regional labor and fuel costs. The cost for firewood is usually quoted as a per-drick cord, full cord, or per bundle, with delivery fees adding to the total.
Assumptions: Midwest and Southeast lumber costs, standard 16-inch lengths, stacked delivery, average moisture content around 20%.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firewood (per cord, seasoned) | $180 | $320 | $600 | Region-dependent; includes stacking |
| Delivery fee (within 20 miles) | $40 | $75 | $150 | Flat or distance-based |
| Kiln-dried firewood (per cord) | $380 | $520 | $800 | Higher moisture removal cost |
| Bundle (per bundle, 1/8 cord equivalent) | $6 | $12 | $20 | Common retail format |
Price Range By Wood Type And Region
The cheapest firewood tends to be softwoods like pine in inland regions, while hardwoods such as oak or maple cost more, especially near urban centers. Expect $180-$260 per cord for seasoned hardwood in many rural markets. In coastal or high-demand areas, hardwood can reach $350-$600 per cord when delivery and stacking are included. Kiln-dried hardwood may push to $520-$800 per cord, with rapid-drying premium adding further cost.
How Delivery Affects Total Cost
Delivery fees commonly add 20%–40% to the wood price or a flat $40-$150 per load. Dense urban zones with limited access often incur higher delivery surcharges. If the seller must haul through stairs, uneven driveways, or long distances, budget a higher delivery line item and possible on-site stacking fees.
Cost Breakdown: Major Components In The Quote
Below is a typical mix for a standard 1 cord order:
- Materials: Wood type, moisture level, cord size
- Labor/Haulage: Loading, unloading, on-site stacking
- Delivery: Distance, access, fuel surcharge
- Equipment: Forklift or crane fees if needed
- Permits/Taxes: Usually included in regional sales tax, not a separate permit
- Warranty/Return: Minimal or none; consider replacement policy
Variables That Change The Final Firewood Price
Two strong drivers are tree species and moisture content. Hardwoods with moisture under 20% cost notably more per cord than seasoned softwood. Regional demand and delivery distance are big modifiers; urban markets can see 15%–25% higher prices than rural areas for comparable wood quality. Kiln-dried options add an extra surcharge of roughly 15%–35% over seasoned wood, depending on the drying method and storage.
Ways To Cut Firewood Costs Without Sacrificing Value
Choosing a larger quantity for one delivery can reduce per-unit costs. Option bundles or multi-cord purchases often yield 5%–15% savings. Consider substituting well-seasoned mixed hardwoods for pure oak if the price gap is significant, and coordinate delivery to avoid repeat trips.
Cost Scenarios Based On Project Scope
For simple home heating needs, a single cord of seasoned hardwood in a rural area might be $180-$320, delivered and stacked. For a larger, seasonal woodpile in a metropolitan region, expect $350-$600 per cord including delivery. If a homeowner wants kiln-dried wood for a fire pit or display, line items could climb to $520-$800 per cord.
Regional Pricing Snapshot: Northeast Versus Southwest
Northeast pricing tends to be higher due to demand and transport distance, with seasoned hardwood often $300-$500 per cord delivered. Southwest regions may see $230-$360 per cord for seasoned hardwood, with delivery in the $50-$120 range. These ranges reflect typical seller margins and fuel costs.
Per-Unit Details: Bundles, Bundled Savings, And Per-Unit Rates
Bundles of 1/8 cord or 1/4 cord simplify ordering. Bundles commonly price around $12-$20 per bundle, roughly $96-$160 per cord equivalent. Per-bundle pricing is convenient for campers, fireplaces, and small households that don’t need a full cord at once.
Historical Trends And Seasonal Shifts In Firewood Pricing
Winter demand drives spikes in price. Expect price bumps of 10%–25% during peak heating months and modest declines in late spring. Weather, logging quotas, and regional harvest cycles also influence the availability and price volatility.
Three Realistic Quote Scenarios With Specs
Scenario A: 1 cord seasoned hardwood, rural delivery, 20 miles, standard stacking. Price range: $180-$320; per cord $170-$320 excluding delivery.
Scenario B: 2 cords hardwood, urban delivery, same day stacking, mild tax. Price range: $360-$640 for the wood; delivery $40-$120.
Scenario C: 1 cord kiln-dried hardwood, coastal market, premium moisture control. Price range: $520-$800; delivery $50-$150.
How To Read A Firewood Quote And Spot Red Flags
Look for clear cord size, moisture level, and delivery terms. Beware quotes that omit per-cord pricing or bundle size; this hides true costs. Verify whether stacking or unloading is included and confirm any seasonal surcharges upfront.
Summary Of Typical Costs At A Glance
Below shows a compact view of common price bands for general use:
| Situation | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seasoned hardwood per cord | $180 | $320 | $600 | Includes basic delivery |
| Kiln-dried hardwood per cord | $380 | $520 | $800 | Higher moisture removal |
| Delivery within 20 miles | $40 | $75 | $150 | Distance-based |
| Bundle (per 1/8 cord) | $6 | $12 | $20 | Common retail option |