A full cord of firewood in Maine typically costs $300-$450 delivered, with prices varying by wood species, seasoning, delivery distance, and stacking. Buyers may find lower prices for green or mixed wood, while kiln-dried hardwood and difficult delivery access can push a quote above $500.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full cord, delivered | $250 | $375 | $550 | Mixed to premium seasoned hardwood |
| Full cord, picked up | $200 | $300 | $425 | Buyer arranges transport and unloading |
| Face cord, delivered | $100 | $140 | $190 | Often about one-third of a full cord |
| Stacking service | $40 | $75 | $125 | Per cord, depending on access and distance |
What a Full Cord of Firewood Costs in Maine
A standard full cord contains 128 cubic feet of stacked wood, commonly arranged as a 4-by-4-by-8-foot stack. Maine buyers generally pay $250-$550 for a delivered cord, with around $375 a common planning figure for seasoned, locally delivered hardwood. Pickup prices are often lower, but hauling, unloading, and stacking become the buyer’s responsibility.
That range assumes ordinary residential access and a standard cord of split firewood. A face cord is usually a 4-by-8-foot stack with shorter pieces, so its volume depends on log length; it is not a standardized fraction unless the seller specifies dimensions. Confirm the stacked dimensions and log length before comparing a “cord” price.
Assumptions: typical Maine delivery, split firewood, and normal driveway access; local quotes vary by town and season.
How Firewood, Stacking, and Delivery Shape the Quote
Quotes may bundle wood, delivery, and stacking, or list each separately. The table gives typical components for a delivered hardwood cord; fees vary with the supplier’s service area and order size.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seasoned split hardwood | $225-$400 | Per full cord | Species, moisture, and grade |
| Local delivery | $25-$85 | Per order | Distance and truck access |
| Stacking labor | $40-$125 | Per cord | Carry distance and stack location |
| Wood removal or disposal | $25-$100 | Per job | Old pile size and handling |
When stacking is charged hourly, a small crew may need 1-2 hours for one cord, depending on access and how far the wood must be carried. At $25-$45 per worker-hour, labor can add $25-$180, particularly for a long carry or multiple cords. Ask whether delivery includes unloading at the requested spot or only roadside drop-off.
Why Species, Seasoning, and Haul Distance Change Price
Species and moisture make a noticeable difference. Oak and hard maple often cost more than mixed hardwood because they burn longer and are in demand; softwood or mixed loads may be cheaper. Properly seasoned wood generally commands a premium over green wood, which can take months to dry and may burn inefficiently if used too soon.
Delivery distance also matters. A supplier’s base rate may cover a nearby town, while a trip beyond roughly 15-25 miles can add $25-$75 or more. Narrow roads, steep driveways, or a drop point more than 50 feet from the truck may mean extra labor or a smaller load. For a winter-ready purchase, verify that “seasoned” means dry enough to burn, not merely cut last year.
Where Can Maine Buyers Trim the Firewood Bill?
Ordering two or more cords at once can reduce the per-cord delivery charge when a supplier can deliver the full order in one trip. Pickup can also save $25-$85, but only if the vehicle is rated for the weight and the buyer can safely secure and unload the load. Compare the delivered total, not just the advertised wood price.
Buying in spring or early summer may offer better availability and more time for wood to dry than waiting for a cold-weather rush. A mixed hardwood cord can cost less than all oak or maple, while still providing useful heat. Avoid paying for stacking if the buyer can stack safely and has a dry, ventilated storage spot. Check cord dimensions, moisture, delivery terms, and all add-on fees on each written quote.
How Prices Shift From Southern Maine to Aroostook County
Location affects both supply and delivery cost. In southern Maine’s denser markets, more sellers may be available, but higher operating costs and seasonal demand can keep quotes elevated. Rural buyers may find lower wood prices near local cutting areas, yet longer delivery routes can offset the savings. These are practical budgeting differences, not fixed regional tariffs.
| Market area | Typical delivered range | Common price pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Maine and coastal towns | $325-$500 per cord | Demand, traffic, and limited storage |
| Central and western Maine | $275-$450 per cord | Distance between seller and customer |
| Northern and rural counties | $250-$425 per cord | Local supply versus longer haul routes |
Within any region, a remote address can cost more than a town-center delivery. Request the delivered price to the exact address, since regional averages do not include every route surcharge.
Oak, Maple, and Mixed Hardwood Price Differences
Species pricing depends on the seller’s inventory and whether wood is split, dry, and ready to burn. Oak and hard maple often fall near the upper end of the range; beech and birch may be priced similarly or somewhat lower. Mixed hardwood is commonly the economical choice, but ask which species make up the load and whether it includes softwood.
| Wood type | Typical delivered price | Buyer consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed hardwood | $275-$400 per cord | Lower-cost blend; composition varies |
| Birch or beech | $300-$450 per cord | Check dryness and piece size |
| Oak or hard maple | $350-$500 per cord | Often higher-priced, dense hardwood |
| Kiln-dried hardwood | $425-$600 per cord | Premium drying and handling |
Compare the delivered cost per full cord and the stated moisture condition, not species names alone.
What Three Maine Firewood Quotes Might Include
A low quote of $275 might cover one cord of seasoned mixed hardwood, delivered within 10 miles and dropped near the driveway, with no stacking. A typical $390 quote could include one cord of seasoned maple-and-birch mix, a 15-mile delivery, and roadside unloading. A $525 quote might cover kiln-dried oak, a 25-mile route, and stacking near the house.
Those examples assume a full, properly stacked cord and ordinary access; a “face cord” or loose-loaded volume cannot be compared directly without dimensions. Buyers should also confirm log length, payment terms, delivery date, and what happens if the load is short or the wood is not as described. A clear written quote prevents a low advertised rate from becoming a higher final bill.