A full cord of firewood in Massachusetts typically costs $350-$550 delivered, with prices varying by wood species, seasoning, delivery distance, and access to the stacking area. Smaller face cords often cost $120-$220, while premium kiln-dried hardwood and difficult delivery conditions can push the total higher.
For a standard load, confirm that the quote is for a full cord and ask whether delivery is included.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full cord, seasoned hardwood | $300 | $425 | $600 | Delivered within a seller’s usual service area |
| Full cord, green hardwood | $250 | $350 | $475 | Needs additional drying before efficient burning |
| Face cord, seasoned hardwood | $120 | $165 | $220 | Usually one-third of a full cord when stacked 16-inch pieces |
| Full cord, kiln-dried hardwood | $450 | $575 | $750 | Premium price for lower moisture content and ready-to-burn wood |
| Delivery outside the standard zone | $25 | $60 | $125 | May be a separate charge or built into the quote |
What a Massachusetts cord of seasoned hardwood costs
A full cord of seasoned hardwood commonly runs $350-$550 delivered in Massachusetts. A practical statewide budgeting figure is about $425 for ordinary mixed hardwood, assuming a standard drop-off within the seller’s delivery area and no stacking. Quotes below $300 may be for green wood, a partial cord, pickup, or a limited-time local offer; premium species or kiln-dried loads can exceed $600.
A legal full cord is 128 cubic feet of stacked wood, commonly arranged as a pile 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long. Actual pieces are often cut to 16 inches, but sellers may offer other lengths. Ask how the load is measured and whether the stated amount is stacked or loosely dumped. A truckload description alone does not establish cord volume.
Use $350-$550 as a starting range for one delivered cord of ordinary seasoned hardwood, then verify volume, moisture, and delivery terms.
Face-cord pricing is harder to compare because “face cord” is not a fixed volume unless piece length and stack dimensions are specified. A common face cord of 16-inch splits is about one-third of a full cord, so $120-$220 is a useful range. Three face cords may cost more than one full cord because smaller loads can involve repeated delivery and handling.
Assumptions: Typical Massachusetts delivery, standard mixed hardwood, normal driveway access, and no stacking or unusual handling.
How splitting, seasoning, and delivery shape the quote
Firewood pricing reflects more than the wood itself. Cutting, splitting, drying, storage, loading, transport, and the seller’s operating costs all contribute. Some suppliers include routine delivery in the per-cord price; others quote wood and transportation separately. Compare the all-in amount for the same volume and condition rather than choosing by the lowest advertised rate.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge | Common quote treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed hardwood, seasoned | $300-$550 per cord | Species mix, moisture, and cord volume | Often the base price |
| Splitting and cutting | $25-$75 per cord | Piece length, split size, and processing method | Usually included for standard firewood |
| Local delivery | $0-$75 per load | Distance, fuel, and minimum order | Included by some sellers |
| Long-distance delivery | $50-$125 per load | Route, travel time, and load size | May be a separate fee |
| Stacking at the property | $25-$60 per cord | Stairs, distance from truck, and pile location | Usually optional |
| Kiln drying or premium selection | $100-$250 extra per cord | Drying process and wood selection | Quoted as an upgrade |
Stacking is generally separate from drop-off. A crew may place wood near the driveway for little or no extra charge, but moving it to a backyard stack requires additional handling. For example, one worker spending 2-3 hours at a local rate of $25-$40 per hour represents $50-$120 in labor before travel or minimum-charge adjustments.
The clearest quote separates cord volume, wood condition, delivery distance, and any stacking fee.
Why oak, moisture, and piece length change firewood prices
Species and moisture content can shift the price substantially. Oak and other dense hardwoods are often priced above mixed hardwood because they provide longer-lasting heat when properly seasoned. A premium oak load may cost $400-$650 per cord delivered, while mixed hardwood commonly falls around $350-$550. Availability varies by supplier, so the label “hardwood” does not guarantee a particular species mix.
Seasoned wood is generally sold as ready for burning, but the term is not always supported by a moisture reading. Wood with moisture content around 20% or lower, measured on a freshly split face, is a useful target for efficient burning. Kiln-dried firewood often costs $450-$750 per cord because controlled drying adds processing and storage costs. Green wood can be $250-$475, but it may need months of protected drying before use.
Piece length matters for both fit and price. Sixteen-inch splits are common, while 18- or 20-inch pieces may be less convenient for smaller stoves and can require a custom cut. A seller may charge $25-$75 more per cord for nonstandard cutting or smaller splits. Ask whether the price covers the requested length rather than assuming all cordwood is cut alike.
Wood is sometimes sold by the face cord, rack, or bundle instead of a full cord. If a face cord has 16-inch pieces stacked 4 feet high and 8 feet long, it contains roughly one-third of a full cord. Longer pieces change that ratio. Get the stack dimensions and length before comparing a face-cord price with a full-cord offer.
For a stove that needs dry, short splits, moisture and piece length can matter as much as the advertised species.
Does a 16-inch cord cost more near Boston than in western Massachusetts
Location affects both supply and delivery expense. In and around Boston, the North Shore, and other dense eastern markets, delivered prices can run about 5%-20% above a comparable rural quote because of higher operating costs, traffic, and tighter delivery access. A standard cord that costs $350-$500 in a less expensive area might be quoted at $400-$600 near a large metro area.
Western and central Massachusetts can offer lower base prices where suppliers have nearby wood and easier truck access, although remote addresses may pay more for travel. A rural delivery beyond a seller’s normal route could add $25-$125, or the supplier may require a two-cord minimum. Do not assume that a rural address automatically means cheaper delivered firewood; distance from the supplier is often more important than county lines.
Within the same town, steep driveways, narrow roads, low branches, and limited truck turnaround space can change the delivery terms. A seller may leave the load at the nearest safe access point rather than carry or wheel it to a storage area. Confirm truck size and drop location before paying a deposit.
Compare delivered quotes from nearby suppliers, because route distance and access can outweigh regional averages.
How much extra delivery and stacking can add
Basic delivery is sometimes included in the cord price, especially for customers within a short service radius or orders meeting a minimum. A separate local delivery charge commonly falls between $25 and $75. For a farther address, fees can reach $125 or more, particularly for a small order that does not cover the trip. Ask whether the fee is per load or per cord.
Stacking often adds $25-$60 per cord for an accessible drop area. Long carries, stairs, uneven ground, or stacking inside a woodshed can push the charge to $75-$150. Some suppliers do not offer stacking, or set a minimum fee even when a smaller quantity is ordered. If stacking is quoted by time rather than volume, request the expected crew size and hourly rate.
Other potential charges include a small-order minimum, difficult-access surcharge, or a fee for waiting when the delivery site is not ready. These are not universal Massachusetts charges. They should be stated before delivery, not discovered after the truck arrives. Clarify whether a dump location is included and whether the driver will place wood on a tarp or only on the ground.
Delivery to a driveway and stacking at the woodshed are different services, so get separate prices for each.
Three Massachusetts firewood quotes for different household needs
A modest seasonal purchase may be a face cord rather than a full cord. For example, a household ordering one 16-inch face cord of seasoned mixed hardwood in central Massachusetts might pay $145-$190 for the wood, plus $0-$50 for delivery. The total would be roughly $145-$240, with no stacking. The equivalent volume is about one-third of a full cord if the stack dimensions match the usual face-cord definition.
A typical full-cord order near Worcester could include one cord of seasoned mixed hardwood at $375-$475, local delivery included, and optional driveway stacking for $30-$55. That produces an estimated total of $375-$530. A standard 16-inch cut and straightforward truck access are assumed; oak-heavy selection or a distant route may raise the quote.
A premium order near Boston might be one cord of kiln-dried oak at $525-$700, with $40-$100 for delivery and $50-$100 for stacking. The expected total is about $615-$900. This example assumes a precise species request, dry wood ready to burn, and additional labor to stack the load; it is not a statewide average.
Examples are most useful when each quote states the same volume, moisture condition, cut length, and service level.
When should a Massachusetts buyer order firewood
Prices and availability can tighten as cold weather approaches. Late summer or early fall may provide more choice and easier scheduling, while October through January brings stronger demand in many areas. A late-season buyer may face a limited selection, a longer wait, or a higher delivery fee rather than a universal seasonal surcharge. Asking suppliers in advance can help avoid an urgent order.
Buying green wood can reduce the upfront price by roughly $75-$175 per cord compared with comparable seasoned hardwood, but the savings only work when there is dry, ventilated storage and enough lead time. Green wood should be kept off soil and protected from rain while allowing air circulation. A buyer without suitable storage may spend more overall by purchasing seasoned or kiln-dried wood.
Delivery schedules also depend on weather and road conditions. Snow, mud, or a narrow access lane may delay a drop or require a different unloading location. Before booking, ask how long the quoted price is valid, whether a deposit is refundable, and what happens if weather prevents delivery on the scheduled day.
Early ordering can improve selection and scheduling, while green wood only saves money when drying time and storage are available.
Ways to lower a cordwood bill without sacrificing usable heat
Compare at least three local quotes using a consistent checklist: full-cord volume, species or mix, seasoning or moisture, split length, delivery, and stacking. Ask suppliers to state the delivered total in writing. A low per-cord price can become less attractive if it excludes a long-distance fee or refers to a smaller face cord.
Choose a standard 16-inch cut unless the stove or fireplace requires another length. Standard processing is often included, while custom cutting and very small splits can add cost. Mixed hardwood may also be a practical alternative to a specific premium species if the wood is dry and the pieces suit the appliance.
Ordering a full cord instead of several small loads can reduce repeated delivery charges, provided there is dry storage and the quantity will be used. Some sellers offer better per-cord pricing for two or more cords, but the discount may be offset by stacking, storage, or wood that remains unused. Confirm that a larger order is measured by stacked volume rather than described only as a truckload.
Prepare the drop area before the truck arrives. Clear branches, vehicles, snow, and debris from the route, and choose a location the driver can reach safely. If stacking is optional, compare the fee with the household’s time and handling needs; do not pay for a service that is not required.
The most dependable savings come from matching the wood quantity and condition to actual use, then comparing complete delivered quotes.