The typical price for a cord of firewood varies by type, moisture, location, and delivery. Buyers should expect a range that reflects hardwood vs softwood, seasoned versus green wood, and regional market conditions. This article breaks down the main cost drivers and provides practical price estimates in USD.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Type (Hardwood vs Softwood) | $180 | $280 | $420 | Hardwood tends to cost more; softer species cheaper. |
| Moisture Content (Seasoned vs Green) | $160 | $260 | $400 | Seasoned wood usually sells for a premium over green wood. |
| Delivery & Access | $20 | $60 | $120 | Urban delivery can raise costs; long drive adds fees. |
| Cord Size & Measurement | $150 | $260 | $400 | 1 full cord is 128 cubic feet; some sellers offer face-cord pricing as a discount risk. |
| Stacking, Split, or Imbalanced Loads | $0 | $20 | $60 | Charges apply if extra labor is required at delivery. |
| Permits or Local Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | Typically not required for personal wood purchases. |
Assumptions: region, wood species mix, moisture level, delivery distance, and whether stacking is included.
Overview Of Costs
Prices typically range from about $180 to $420 per cord depending on wood type and moisture content, with an average cord price near $280–$300 for common regional mixes. The per-cord cost often translates to roughly $1.40–$2.80 per thousand cubic feet of delivered volume when scaled by the 128 cubic feet in a standard cord. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Buyers should expect additional costs for delivery, stacking, or handling if not included in the base price.
Cost Breakdown
| Components | Low | Average | High | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (Wood Type, Kiln-Dry/Seasoned) | $160 | $260 | $420 | Species selection and moisture drive burn quality and price. |
| Labor & Handling | $0 | $20 | $60 | Includes stacking or loading at the pickup site. |
| Delivery/Delivery Distance | $20 | $60 | $120 | Longer trips or gated neighborhoods add costs. |
| Permits & Regulatory Costs | $0 | $0 | $0 | Usually not required for residential wood purchases. |
| Taxes | $0 | $0 | $0 | Sales tax varies by state and local jurisdiction. |
| Waste/Disposal | $0 | $0 | $0 | Typically not applicable unless the seller charges for excess waste. |
What Drives Price
Wood species and moisture are the primary price levers. Hardwood such as oak, hickory, or maple costs more than softwood like pine or poplar. Moisture content matters: seasoned wood (air-dried) typically commands higher prices than green or freshly cut wood because it burns more efficiently and produces less smoke. A standard full cord delivers about 128 cubic feet of stacked wood, but some sellers offer face cords (roughly 1/3 of a cord) at a discount; verify the actual volume before purchase.
Factors That Affect Price
Regional variation and delivery logistics significantly affect pricing. The Northeast often sees higher prices due to demand and shorter shoulder seasons, while the South may price more competitively for hardwoods used in fireplaces. Weather can influence kiln-drying availability and thus price. A typical buyer should consider the following drivers: wood species mix, moisture level, cord dimensions, delivery distance, and whether stacking or disposal is included.
Regional Price Differences
Three common U.S. regional patterns show notable deltas from the national average. In the Northeast, expect prices 5–15% higher than the national average due to demand and transport costs. The Midwest tends to align with the average or slightly below, depending on local firewood markets. The West and rural western areas may see more variable pricing based on forest access and seasonality, occasionally ±10% from the average. Always compare nearby suppliers to capture genuine regional pricing.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical purchases.
-
Basic: Softwood, green, no delivery
Wood: softwood, green; Cord: full; Materials: $180; Labor: $0; Delivery: $0; Total: $180–$230 -
Mid-Range: Softwood, seasoned, standard delivery
Wood: softwood, seasoned; Cord: full; Materials: $260; Delivery: $60; Labor: $20; Total: $340–$380 -
Premium: Hardwood mix, seasoned, delivery with stacking
Wood: hardwood mix; Cord: full; Materials: $420; Delivery: $120; Labor: $60; Total: $600–$680
Assumptions: region, wood species mix, moisture level, delivery distance, and whether stacking is included.
Cost By Region
Prices can vary by market size and proximity to forests. In urban markets, delivery surcharges and higher convenience costs can add 10–25% to the base price. Suburban markets often sit near the national average, while rural markets may offer lower wood prices but longer delivery times. A practical approach is to obtain quotes from 3–5 local sellers and verify cord measurements, moisture content, and whether delivery includes stacking or disposal fees.
Extras & Hidden Costs
Surprises can add to total cost if not anticipated. Hidden factors include mismatched cord dimensions, non-standard measurement (face cords vs full cords), added stacking or loading fees, and seasonal surcharges during peak demand. Some sellers charge environmental or fuel surcharges for long-distance deliveries. Check if the price quote clearly specifies the cord size (128 cubic feet) and whether the price is for a delivered and stacked cord or for pickup only.
Price Components
Table helps visualize total estimate composition.
| Component | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Materials (Wood Type & Moisture) | $160–$420 | Seasoned hardwood costs more than green softwood. |
| Delivery & Access | $20–$120 | Distance, stairs, gated access affect price. |
| Labor / Stacking | $0–$60 | Inclusion varies by seller; stacking increases value. |
| Taxes & Fees | $0–$0 | State and local taxes apply where relevant. |
| Assumed Cord Size | 128 cu ft | Verify with seller; some quotes use face cords. |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.