A bundle of firewood typically costs $5-$10 at a grocery store or gas station, with an average price near $7; larger delivered bundles can cost $15-$35. The wood species, bundle size, local supply, season, and delivery distance drive the final price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small retail bundle | $5 | $7 | $10 | About 0.75-1.0 cubic ft |
| Large or premium bundle | $10 | $18 | $35 | More wood, hardwood, or local delivery |
| Firewood by the face cord | $125 | $200 | $300 | Usually 1/3 cord; local measurement varies |
What a typical firewood bundle costs
Most ready-to-carry bundles contain roughly 0.75-1.0 cubic foot of split wood, or enough for a small fire. At $5-$10 each, that works out to about $5-$13 per cubic foot. A larger bundle sold at a campground or delivered to a home may cost more because it includes extra wood, premium hardwood, packaging, or transport.
For ordinary retail firewood, budgeting about $7 per bundle is reasonable. The estimate assumes dry, split wood and a standard store-sized bundle, not a face cord or full cord. Oak, maple, and other dense hardwoods may command a premium over mixed or softwood bundles. Assumptions: U.S. retail pricing, standard split pieces, no long-distance delivery.
Where the bundle price goes at checkout
Retail prices combine the wood itself with sorting, drying, bundling, storage, and the seller’s handling costs. A low price may reflect a smaller quantity or softer wood; a higher price may buy kiln-dried pieces or a convenient delivery slot. For bulk orders, ask whether the quoted volume is stacked or loosely dumped.
| Price component | Typical amount | What changes it | Useful check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood and splitting | $3-$7 per retail bundle | Species, cut size, dryness | Ask for species and moisture status |
| Bagging or stacking | $1-$3 per bundle | Packaging and handling | Compare loose and wrapped options |
| Delivery | $25-$100 per order | Distance, access, quantity | Confirm minimum order and drop point |
| Bulk stacking labor | $30-$60 per hour | Stack location and carry distance | Confirm whether stacking is included |
Delivery and handling can outweigh the wood cost on a small order. A local supplier may waive a delivery charge for a face cord or larger order, while a small drop may carry a minimum fee.
How log length, species, and dryness shift the quote
Bundle size is not standardized, so compare volume rather than package count. A 0.75-cubic-foot bundle contains 25% less wood than a 1-cubic-foot bundle even if both look similar on a rack. Split pieces around 14-16 inches fit many fireplaces and wood stoves; longer pieces may be cheaper but can require cutting to fit.
Species and moisture also affect value. Dense hardwood typically burns longer than softwood, while kiln-dried firewood may cost $2-$6 more per bundle than air-dried wood. Wood above roughly 20% moisture can be harder to light and produce more smoke. Ask whether the price covers seasoned wood and how seasoning or moisture was checked.
Compare usable volume and dryness before comparing the sticker price. Campground bundles may be smaller than home-delivery bundles, and interstate transport of firewood can be restricted to limit pest spread.
Spend less by matching bundle size to the job
For one evening, a standard retail bundle may be more economical than buying bulk wood that needs storage. For frequent fires, compare a face cord or full cord from local suppliers; bulk pricing commonly lowers the equivalent cost to about $4-$9 per retail-bundle volume, before delivery and stacking. Confirm the seller’s stated dimensions because “cord” measurements are regulated, while “face cord” depth varies.
Request quotes from at least two sellers using the same species, volume, moisture condition, and delivery terms. Buying mixed hardwood rather than a named premium species can reduce the price, and collecting wood may avoid a delivery minimum. Keep the drop location accessible so the driver does not need to carry or stack wood unless that service is wanted.
The largest savings usually come from buying the right volume, not choosing the lowest bundle sticker price. Avoid paying a premium for kiln-dried wood when properly seasoned local wood meets the need, but do not substitute damp wood simply because it is cheaper.
Regional firewood prices vary with supply and delivery
Retail bundles often run $5-$8 in areas with abundant local wood and $8-$15 in high-cost metro markets, remote destinations, or regions with limited firewood supply. Delivered bulk orders can be about 10%-25% higher in dense urban markets than in nearby rural areas because of labor, travel, and access costs. These are planning ranges, not fixed regional rates.
Climate and local rules also matter. Cold-weather regions may have more suppliers but stronger winter demand; dry western areas may face tighter supply or restrictions on moving untreated wood. Compare local quotes for the same measured volume, and check whether sales tax or a delivery charge is added at checkout.
Local availability can matter more than the wood’s listed species. Nearby suppliers often have lower delivery costs, while a specialty hardwood shipped from farther away can erase any apparent per-bundle savings.
Retail bundles and face cords serve different budgets
Small wrapped bundles are convenient but costly per unit of wood. A face cord usually contains a stack about 4 feet high and 8 feet long, with depth commonly around 16 inches; it represents approximately one-third of a standard 4-by-4-by-8-foot cord only when that depth is consistent. At $125-$300, the face cord suits repeat use, but compare actual stacked dimensions.
A full cord commonly costs about $350-$600, with higher prices for premium seasoned hardwood, difficult delivery, or costly markets. That equals roughly 40-50 standard small retail bundles by volume, although bundle sizes differ. Ask the supplier to state the stack dimensions in writing rather than relying only on a bundle count or “truckload” description.
Bulk buying lowers the unit price only when the delivered volume is measured clearly. A smaller face-cord order can be easier to store and may prevent buying more wood than the household will use.
Delivery distance and stacking add-on charges
Some sellers include delivery within a short radius; others charge $25-$100 per trip or set a minimum order. A long driveway, steep access, gated property, or hand-carrying wood to a backyard can add labor charges. Stacking may cost $30-$60 per hour or be quoted as a flat fee based on pile size and location.
Before accepting a bulk quote, confirm the delivery radius, unloading method, stacking price, and whether the volume is measured before or after stacking. A low wood price can become a poor value if the seller adds a high minimum delivery fee or leaves the pile far from its storage area.
Get the delivered total, not just the per-cord price. Ask whether the driver can place the wood near the intended storage spot and whether that service costs extra.
Winter demand can raise firewood bundle prices
Prices often rise as cold weather approaches and convenient retail bundles sell quickly. Buying seasoned wood in spring or summer may offer more choice and reduce last-minute delivery charges, but storage must keep the pile covered on top and open at the sides for airflow. Emergency or same-day deliveries can cost more when supplier schedules are full.
Permits and transport rules are location-specific, especially where pests or wildfire conditions are concerns. A local supplier can explain whether wood may be moved across county or state lines and whether delivery access is restricted during fire season. Check those rules before ordering a large quantity.
Planning ahead helps avoid rush pricing and limited selection. Reserve only the volume that can be stored safely, and verify the wood is dry enough for the intended burning season.