Pellets generally cost $250-$450 per ton, while a cord of seasoned firewood often costs $200-$500; the cheaper fuel depends on local prices, moisture, and stove efficiency. For a fair comparison, buyers should look at the cost per unit of heat delivered, not just the price per ton or cord.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood pellets | $250 per ton | $350 per ton | $450 per ton | Bagged fuel; bulk or delivered prices vary |
| Seasoned firewood | $200 per cord | $350 per cord | $500 per cord | Assumes a full cord, not a face cord |
| Annual fuel budget | $750 | $1,400 | $2,400 | About 2-6 tons of pellets or 2-5 cords, depending on use |
Typical pellet and cordwood prices for home heating
A ton of pellets usually sells for $250-$450, with a national planning figure around $350. A full cord of seasoned hardwood commonly runs $200-$500, averaging roughly $350; premium species, stacking, and delivery can push the total higher. A full cord measures 128 cubic feet of stacked wood, while a face cord is smaller and should not be priced as an equivalent unit.
At average local prices, a ton of pellets and a cord of hardwood can provide a similar amount of useful heat. One ton of pellets contains roughly 16-18 million BTU before stove losses. A cord of dry hardwood often contains about 20-24 million BTU, but species, seasoning, and how it is stacked affect the actual amount.
Assumptions: Common U.S. retail prices, seasoned hardwood, standard-grade pellets, and no stove purchase or installation.
How delivery, stacking, and labor change each fuel quote
Fuel prices are only comparable when the quote describes the same scope. Pellet delivery may be included above a minimum order, while firewood sellers may charge separately for delivery, stacking, or bringing wood close to the house. Ask whether the quoted firewood amount is a full cord and whether the price covers dumped or stacked delivery.
| Quote item | Pellets | Firewood | Common price effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $250-$450 per ton | $200-$500 per cord | Species, grade, and local supply |
| Delivery | $0-$100 per order | $0-$150 per load | Distance and order size |
| Stacking or handling | $0-$50 per ton | $25-$100 per cord | Access and labor requested |
| Storage supplies | $20-$100 per season | $0-$250 initially | Moisture protection and rack needs |
Delivery minimums and handling can outweigh a small difference in the advertised fuel price. Some suppliers charge a trip fee for short loads or remote addresses, so a second quote should specify delivered quantity and placement.
Stove efficiency and moisture determine heat per dollar
Pellet stoves commonly convert about 75%-85% of fuel energy into room heat; wood stoves vary widely, often around 60%-80% depending on model, operation, and fuel dryness. At $350 per ton, pellets may cost roughly $23-$28 per million BTU of useful heat. A $350 cord of hardwood may provide about $19-$29 per million useful BTU, depending on species, moisture, and stove efficiency.
Dry wood and a properly operated stove matter more than comparing sticker prices alone. Firewood above 20% moisture can burn less efficiently and produce more smoke and deposits. Pellet quality and fines also matter, while a pellet stove uses electricity for its controls and feed system.
Pellet stoves require compatible pellets and periodic cleaning; cordwood needs regular loading and ash removal. A household using a stove as its main heat source should compare its expected seasonal consumption with the appliance’s tested efficiency rather than relying only on fuel volume.
Why cord length, wood moisture, and pellet grade shift the budget
Quantity and specification can change the effective price substantially. A face cord is often one-third of a full cord when logs are 16 inches long, but local definitions vary; confirm stacked dimensions before comparing quotes. Hardwoods such as oak and maple generally provide more heat per volume than lighter species, though well-seasoned wood is essential.
Check the fuel’s usable quantity and condition before accepting a low quote. Pellet buyers can ask for the bag weight, tonnage, and grade. Firewood buyers should confirm species, log length, seasoning, and whether the wood is split and stacked. A short load billed as a cord or wet wood priced like seasoned wood can erase apparent savings.
Regional delivery prices and winter demand across the U.S.
Prices vary with forest access, pellet manufacturing and freight, local labor, and competition. In areas near sawmills or plentiful hardwood, firewood may run 10%-25% below the national planning figure. In dense Northeast markets or places with limited supply, delivered firewood can cost 15%-35% more. Pellet prices can also be higher in remote areas where transport is a larger share of the bill.
Buying before peak heating demand can reduce delivery pressure and improve availability. Late-summer or early-fall orders may be easier to schedule than emergency winter purchases, although savings are not guaranteed. Buyers should compare delivered prices from suppliers serving the same ZIP code.
Annual fuel examples for a small, average, and heavy-use home
These examples compare fuel bills only, not appliance, chimney, or installation costs. Actual use depends on insulation, climate, thermostat settings, and whether the stove supplements another heating system.
| Use case | Pellet estimate | Wood estimate | Approximate fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplemental heat | 2 tons | 2 cords | $500-$900 pellets; $400-$1,000 wood |
| Regular room heating | 4 tons | 3-4 cords | $1,000-$1,800 pellets; $600-$2,000 wood |
| Heavy seasonal use | 6 tons | 5 cords | $1,500-$2,700 pellets; $1,000-$2,500 wood |
These budgets use typical retail ranges and can shift with delivered rates and fuel quality. A household should use prior consumption, if available, to estimate its own annual total.
Which fuel takes more time to handle and store
Pellets arrive in bags or bulk and need a dry storage area; a ton of bagged pellets is typically sold as 50 forty-pound bags. Firewood demands more space, lifting, and handling, and may need months of covered seasoning before use. Delivery crews may stack wood for an added fee, while pellet buyers may need to move bags from a driveway or pallet.
Handling time is a real cost even when the fuel itself is inexpensive. If labor is hired at $25-$45 per hour, 2-4 hours of seasonal handling adds about $50-$180.
Ways to lower the pellet or firewood bill safely
Request at least three quotes using the same unit and delivery terms. For wood, compare full cords of the same species and seasoning; for pellets, compare delivered price per ton and bag weight. Larger orders may reduce per-unit delivery charges, but only when storage is dry and the fuel will be used before quality declines.
The best savings usually come from avoiding mismatched quantities and unnecessary handling fees. Buy seasoned wood early enough to verify dryness, keep pellets protected from moisture, and avoid paying a premium for upgrades that do not match the stove manufacturer’s requirements. Do not burn unapproved fuel to cut costs, since it can impair performance or damage equipment.