Firewood typically costs $250-$500 per full cord delivered, with an average near $350 for seasoned hardwood; local prices can be lower for green wood or higher for kiln-dried wood and short-notice delivery. The firewood cost depends mainly on wood species, moisture, quantity, region, and whether stacking or delivery is included.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full cord, seasoned hardwood | $200 | $350 | $600 | 128 cubic feet stacked; delivery may be extra |
| Face cord, seasoned hardwood | $100 | $180 | $300 | Usually one-third cord with 16-inch logs |
| Bundle, retail packaged | $5 | $8 | $12 | Often sold at grocery, hardware, or convenience stores |
| Kiln-dried full cord | $350 | $500 | $800 | Premium product; delivery and stacking vary |
| Green hardwood full cord | $150 | $250 | $400 | Needs drying time before efficient burning |
What a delivered cord of seasoned firewood usually costs
A full cord of seasoned hardwood usually runs $250-$500 delivered, with many standard orders landing around $350. The legal cord measurement is 128 cubic feet of neatly stacked wood, commonly arranged as a 4-by-4-by-8-foot stack. A lower quote may be for green wood, mixed species, a smaller quantity, or pickup rather than delivery.
Compare the amount of stacked wood, not just the quoted price. A face cord is commonly 4 feet high by 8 feet long, but its depth depends on log length; at 16-inch lengths, it is roughly one-third of a full cord. A face cord may cost $100-$300, but a seller’s use of “rick” or “face cord” can vary regionally, so confirm dimensions in writing.
Prices assume ordinary access and a standard residential delivery within a seller’s service area. A 1/4-cord or 1/2-cord order may have a higher per-cord rate because loading and travel costs are spread across less wood. Pickup can reduce the bill, though a suitable vehicle and secure load are necessary.
Assumptions: U.S. prices for mixed or common hardwood, normal driveway access, and no stacking unless stated.
How wood, labor, and delivery shape the firewood quote
A firewood quote may combine the wood itself with cutting, splitting, seasoning, loading, delivery, and optional stacking. These costs are often bundled, so buyers should ask what the total includes before comparing sellers. A rough cost allocation for a delivered cord helps explain why small orders and distant delivery can carry a noticeable premium.
| Quote component | Typical price range | What changes the charge | Common unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood and processing | $170-$400 | Species, log length, split size, and seasoning | Per cord |
| Delivery | $25-$100 | Distance, order size, fuel, and access | Per drop |
| Stacking labor | $40-$120 | Distance from truck and stack arrangement | Per cord |
| Cutting or splitting | $50-$150 | Unprocessed rounds, diameter, and labor time | Per cord equivalent |
| Kindling or fire starters | $5-$25 | Pack size and type | Per pack |
For paid stacking, a rough labor estimate might be 1.5-3 hours at $25-$40 per hour, depending on the worker and site. Not every seller itemizes that work; some include a basic drop-off in the cord price and charge separately only for stacking or special placement.
Delivery distance and handling can add $65-$220 or more to a cord order. Narrow gates, stairs, steep driveways, long carries, or a requested backyard stack may require extra labor or make truck access impossible. Confirm whether the delivery truck dumps the wood, places it near the driveway, or stacks it at the requested location.
Why log length, species, and moisture change the price
Species and preparation can shift a cord price by hundreds of dollars. Oak, hickory, and some other dense hardwoods often cost more than softer or mixed wood because they burn longer and may be in greater demand. Prices also reflect local supply: a nearby seller with abundant hardwood may charge less than a seller hauling it from farther away.
Log length matters because fireplaces and stoves have different firebox dimensions. Standard splits are often 16 inches, while 18- or 20-inch logs may suit larger appliances; nonstandard cuts can cost more if they require a separate production run. Measure the firebox and allow clearance rather than ordering logs that barely fit.
Seasoning and moisture content are central to both price and usable heat. Air-dried seasoned wood is often priced at $250-$500 per cord, while kiln-dried wood can reach $350-$800. Green wood may cost $150-$400 per cord but needs time to dry; burning it too soon can produce less useful heat and more smoke. For wood marketed as ready to burn, ask for a moisture reading and how it was stored.
Quantity and timing also matter. A seller may set a minimum delivery of 1/2 cord, while a small bundle bought one at a time can cost $5-$12 for only a few pieces. Larger orders may lower the per-cord rate, but only if the buyer has dry, ventilated storage and can use the wood before it deteriorates.
How firewood prices differ across U.S. regions
Firewood prices are local because tree supply, heating demand, labor, and delivery distances vary. In wooded rural areas, green or seasoned hardwood may be 10%-25% below a nearby metro price. In cities and suburbs, limited storage, higher handling costs, and longer delivery routes can push quotes 10%-30% above the surrounding rural market.
Cold-weather demand can raise prices in northern states and high-elevation areas, especially when buyers wait until the first freeze. In warmer regions, firewood may be sold mainly for outdoor fireplaces or occasional use, but transport and limited local hardwood supply can still create expensive pockets. State and county rules on moving untreated firewood can also restrict sourcing to nearby sellers.
Use local quotes rather than a national average as the final budget. Request prices from at least three sellers within a practical delivery radius and compare the same quantity, species, moisture condition, log length, and service. A quote that is 20% cheaper may reflect green wood, an unstacked dump, or a smaller-than-standard cord rather than a better price for equivalent firewood.
Distance is especially important for partial loads. A seller might charge $25-$100 for nearby delivery, while a longer trip can add $75-$200 or lead to a minimum order. Ask whether delivery is included, how far the quoted service area extends, and whether the seller charges extra for a narrow street or difficult unloading location.
What stacking, removal, and small orders add
Stacking is usually an optional service, often priced at $40-$120 per cord for a straightforward stack near the delivery point. A backyard location, long carry, uneven ground, or stairs can increase the charge. If a quote says “delivered and stacked,” confirm whether it covers the whole order and whether the stack location must be accessible to the delivery crew.
Small orders can cost more per cord than a full load. A 1/4-cord order might total $90-$180, while a 1/2 cord may cost $150-$300, depending on the local minimum and delivery fee. Retail bundles generally cost more per unit of wood but can be practical when only a few fires are planned or storage is limited.
Ask about quantity definitions before paying a deposit. Sellers may use “face cord,” “rick,” “pickup load,” or “truckload” without consistent dimensions. Get the stack’s expected height, length, and depth, or the delivered volume in cubic feet. If the order is dumped loose, the final pile can look larger than the same volume neatly stacked.
Removal of old wood, splitting rounds, or moving a delivery from the driveway to a distant storage area can add $50-$200 or more. These are labor-intensive services and are rarely included in the advertised cord rate. If the property needs a special delivery window or weekend drop, ask whether there is a surcharge before scheduling.
Three firewood orders with realistic totals
Quote examples show how product condition and service change the total. They represent common U.S. pricing scenarios, not fixed national rates. Tax treatment varies by state and locality, and some sellers include delivery in the stated price.
| Order and assumptions | Wood price | Added charges | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 cord seasoned mixed hardwood, 16-inch splits, suburban delivery | $140-$220 | $25-$60 delivery | $165-$280 |
| 1 cord seasoned oak, 16-inch splits, delivered and stacked | $300-$450 | $40-$100 delivery; $50-$120 stacking | $390-$670 |
| 1 cord kiln-dried hardwood, driveway drop, metro area | $450-$700 | $40-$100 delivery | $490-$800 |
The service level can matter as much as the species. In the first example, pickup might remove most or all of the delivery fee, but a partial load may still have a minimum charge. In the second, stacking and premium oak make the final bill notably higher than a basic hardwood delivery. In the third, kiln drying adds cost in exchange for a ready-to-burn product.
Before accepting an estimate, check whether the quoted volume is a full cord, whether wood is stacked or loose, and whether delivery is included. Ask for the expected log length and species mix. These details make the quote easier to compare and help avoid paying full-cord pricing for a smaller load.
Seasoned, kiln-dried, or green wood for the budget
Green wood has the lowest initial purchase price, commonly $150-$400 per cord, but it must be stored long enough to dry. Depending on species, split size, climate, and airflow, drying can take roughly 6-18 months. Buyers need covered storage that protects the top while allowing air to move around the stack; otherwise, a low upfront price can lead to poor burning performance.
Seasoned wood often offers a practical middle ground at $250-$500 per cord. “Seasoned” is not always a precise moisture guarantee, so buyers can ask when the wood was cut and split and use a moisture meter on a freshly split face. Kiln-dried wood typically costs more, around $350-$800 per cord, and may be useful when space or drying time is limited.
Choose the price based on when the wood will be burned and how it will be stored. Green wood can be economical for planned use the following season, while seasoned wood suits buyers who need fuel sooner. Kiln-dried bundles at $5-$12 each may make sense for occasional outdoor fires, but they are an expensive way to supply a household’s regular heating needs.
For a stove or fireplace used frequently, compare the delivered price per cord and the wood’s condition rather than relying on a low advertised rate. A lower-cost mixed load may be adequate for occasional fires, while dense hardwood can be preferred for longer burns. Appliance instructions and local burn restrictions should guide what is safe to use.
Ways to lower the firewood bill without buying less usable heat
Ordering before peak heating season can improve availability and sometimes reduce rush fees. Prices and savings vary, but late spring or summer orders may avoid the highest fall demand. Early buying only helps if the wood is already seasoned or there is enough time and proper storage to dry it before use.
Control delivery and handling charges before negotiating the wood price. A driveway drop, full-cord order, or pickup can reduce per-unit costs when practical. If stacking is not essential, arranging a safe, dry storage area beforehand can avoid a $40-$120 service charge. Keep a clear route for the truck and confirm its turning and unloading requirements.
Compare at least three like-for-like quotes. Ask each seller for the same species or mix, moisture condition, log length, volume, delivery distance, and stacking level. A written estimate should identify any minimum order, tax, delivery fee, and extra charge for difficult access. Verify references or local reviews when a quote is far below nearby offers.
Choose log length to match the appliance and avoid paying for special cuts that do not improve use. Consider seasoned mixed hardwood instead of premium oak if the price difference is large and the stove can use the mix. Do not buy more green wood than can be stored and dried properly; spoiled or persistently wet wood can erase the initial savings.