Prices for a full cord of firewood vary by region, wood type, and preparation. This article breaks down the typical cost, including low, average, and high ranges, so buyers can plan with confidence. The price drivers below help answer what the cost will look like for most U.S. households.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full cord (8 ft long x 4 ft high x 4 ft deep) | $180 | $320 | $520 | Seasoned hardwood commonly commands higher prices |
| Delivery within 20 miles | $40 | $70 | $150 | Access-friendly locations cost less |
| Seasoned vs green wood | $0 | $40 | $120 | Seasoned typically more expensive |
| Split vs unsplit | $0 | $20 | $60 | Manual split adds labor value |
| Drying time impact | $0 | $15 | $40 | Longer cure cycles influence price |
A Typical Cord Price Range by Region and Wood Type
Prices for a full cord vary by where you live and what wood you choose. In the Pacific Northwest, dry hardwoods like maple or oak often land in the $320-$520 range, while in the Southeast cheaper softwoods such as pine may fall closer to $260-$420. The Northeast tends to run higher due to demand and seasonal supply, with cords commonly $360-$520 for seasoned hardwood. Assumptions: standard 8 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft cord, delivery within a typical urban-suburban area, normal access.
Price Drivers Inside a Cord Quote: Major Cost Components
The price you see is built from several line items. Materials cover the wood itself. Labor accounts for cutting, splitting, stacking, and loading. Delivery/Access depends on distance and driveway reach. A typical quote also shows seasoning status and whether the wood is split or unsplit. The following table summarizes common components and how they affect the total.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (Cord Wood) | $180 | $320 | $520 | Core price | Species and moisture drive price |
| Labor | $0 | $60 | $180 | Moderate to high | Split, stack, and loading time included |
| Delivery/Setup | $40 | $70 | $150 | Regional | Distance and access impact |
| Permits/Fees | $0 | $0 | $20 | Occasional | Typically none for homeowner delivery |
| Seasoning Premium | $0 | $0-$40 | $80 | Quality signal | Longer cure raises price |
| Miscellaneous | $0 | $0-$20 | $40 | Small add-ons | Rings, tarps, or moisture covers |
Seasoned vs Green Wood: How Dry Wood Impacts the Cost
Seasoned wood typically costs more upfront but burns cleaner and longer. Green wood may be cheaper because it still dries, but it can be harder to store and reduces immediate heat output. Expect a 0% to 40% premium for seasoned hardwood depending on region and supply. A common delta: $260-$420 for green wood versus $320-$520 for seasoned wood in many markets. Assumptions: average 2- to 9-month seasoning window, standard diameter rounds.
Split vs Unsplitted: Labor and Material Differences
Split firewood increases handling time and labor cost, but it improves drying and stacking efficiency. A split cord may add $20-$60 to the price compared with an unsplit cord, depending on the needed tools and labor availability. For many buyers, the payoff is easier handling and quicker burn time. Regional labor costs and equipment access drive the exact delta.
Delivery Radius and Accessibility: How Distance Changes the Quote
Delivery within 20 miles is common, with costs typically $40-$70. Beyond that, per-mile charges or flat fees apply, potentially pushing the total toward the $150 ceiling for hard-to-reach locations. Always confirm driveway access, gate width, and stairs when estimating delivery. Assumptions: single-stop delivery, standard residential driveway, no heavy equipment required.
Size and Shape Options: Standard Cord vs Short Cord Bundles
Standard cords are about 8 ft long and 4 ft high when stacked, but some suppliers offer shorter or longer bundles. Shorter cords or stacked bundles may reduce immediate delivery weight and price per unit, yet they can complicate long-term storage. Price sensitivity to size is common among sellers. Typical ranges for non-standard shapes reflect labor and material handling differences.
Regional Variations in the U.S. Markets
Prices trend higher in colder regions with longer heating seasons. The Midwest often sits between $300-$480 per cord, the Northeast $360-$520, the Pacific Northwest $320-$520, and the South around $260-$400 depending on wood type. Regional supply chains and winter demand strongly influence costs. Assumptions: typical mid-range hardwood species, standard delivery window.
Smart Ways to Reduce the Cord Firewood Bill
Manage scope to cut costs without sacrificing essential heating value. Consider renting a stackable tarp and doing the stacking yourself, order in-season when demand is lower, or request split wood only where you need it most. Compare multiple quotes, ask for bundled delivery with stacking, and verify whether a “short cord” or mixed-species option can meet your heat needs at a lower price. Seasonal promotions and local sawmills can also lower the per-cord price. Assumptions: homeowner willing to handle light loading, and price quotes include standard tax.
Three Real-World Quote Scenarios for Budget Planning
Sample quotes show how regional and wood-type differences affect totals. Scenario A: 1 full cord of seasoned maple, delivery included, Midwest region. Scenario B: 1 full cord of green pine, unsplit, delivery within 15 miles, Southeast region. Scenario C: 1 full cord of mixed hardwood, split, delivery to a rural property with clear access. Each scenario reflects common labor hours and per-unit costs to help buyers compare offers. Use these as rough benchmarks when requesting formal estimates.
How to Read a Cord Price Quote Like a Pro
Look for the base cord price, then add delivery, splitting, seasoning, and any disposal or setup fees. A clear quote will spell the wood species, moisture content, cord dimensions, and whether the price includes stacking or just delivery. Ask for a per-unit price and a per-cord total to compare apples to apples.