Pellets typically cost $250-$400 per ton, while a cord of seasoned firewood commonly runs $250-$500 before delivery or stacking. The cheaper heating option depends on local fuel prices, stove efficiency, annual heat use, and whether the home already has suitable equipment.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood pellets | $250/ton | $325/ton | $400/ton | Bagged, standard-grade pellets |
| Seasoned firewood | $250/cord | $375/cord | $500/cord | Mixed or hardwood; delivery may cost extra |
| Pellet heat fuel cost | $19/MMBtu | $25/MMBtu | $30/MMBtu | Approximate useful heat at 80% stove efficiency |
| Firewood heat fuel cost | $18/MMBtu | $27/MMBtu | $36/MMBtu | Approximate useful heat at 70% stove efficiency |
Typical pellet and firewood prices for a heating season
A household buying pellets may spend about $750-$1,600 for 3-4 tons over a season. Firewood buyers may pay roughly $750-$2,000 for 2-4 cords, depending on climate, house insulation, and how often the stove runs. These are fuel-only estimates; equipment purchase and installation are separate.
A ton of pellets contains roughly 16-17 million BTU, while a cord of seasoned hardwood can provide around 20-24 million BTU, depending on species and moisture. At typical stove efficiencies, the useful heat is closer to 13-14 million BTU per ton of pellets and 14-17 million BTU per cord of hardwood. Compare price per useful million BTU, not simply price per ton or cord.
Assumptions: standard bagged pellets, seasoned firewood, ordinary residential stove efficiencies, and fuel-only prices before sales tax.
What delivery, storage, and stove labor add to the quote
Fuel prices are only part of the delivered cost. Pellet purchases may include a delivery charge or a fee for carrying bags into a basement; firewood quotes can add charges for delivery distance, stacking, or splitting. A cord should be measured as 128 cubic feet of stacked wood, not a loosely described truckload.
| Cost component | Pellets | Firewood | Typical pricing context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $250-$400 per ton | $250-$500 per cord | Grade, species, moisture, and season affect price |
| Delivery | $0-$100 per order | $25-$150 per load | Distance and order size matter |
| Handling or stacking | $25-$100 per ton | $25-$100 per cord | Optional labor varies by access |
| Stove cleaning | $150-$300 annually | $150-$300 annually | Professional service; chimney work may differ |
| Storage setup | $50-$300 | $100-$500 | Basic pallets or racks; excludes major construction |
Professional handling commonly runs $50-$100 per hour, with minimum charges possible for small jobs. A two-hour stacking job at $60 per hour adds $120, which can change the apparent advantage of a low-priced cord.
Delivered and handled pricing is the fairest comparison when neither fuel is stored or moved by the homeowner.
Moisture, stove efficiency, and cord size change the math
Firewood moisture is a major cost variable. Properly seasoned wood is generally around 20% moisture or lower; wetter wood delivers less usable heat and can increase smoke and creosote buildup. Ask whether the quote is for seasoned wood and confirm the measurement method. Species also matters: dense hardwood usually gives more heat per volume than lighter softwood.
Pellet prices vary by grade, brand, and availability. Premium pellets may cost more than standard bags without producing enough additional heat to justify the difference in a particular stove. Stove performance matters too: a well-maintained pellet stove may operate around 75%-85% efficiency, while many wood stoves fall around 65%-80%, with actual results depending on model and operation.
Even a price threshold can help: if a cord costs $450 and is wet or loosely measured, it may compare poorly with a $350 ton of pellets. Conversely, a verified full cord of dry hardwood at $275 can be competitive where pellet prices exceed $375 per ton. Fuel quality and appliance efficiency can outweigh small differences in the advertised price.
How regional delivery and winter demand shift fuel rates
Pellets often cost less near mills and distribution hubs, while firewood prices reflect local timber supply and hauling distance. As a broad planning allowance, delivered fuel in remote or high-cost markets may run 10%-25% above prices in well-supplied areas. Local rates can also differ substantially within one state, so regional averages are not a substitute for current quotes.
Late-season buying can be more expensive when supplies tighten or delivery schedules fill. Ordering before peak winter demand may improve availability, but buyers should have dry, protected storage before purchasing months of fuel. Compare quotes from suppliers within the same delivery radius and include taxes, minimum orders, and stacking charges. A low pickup price is not a savings if hauling costs erase the difference.
Three household examples show the annual fuel difference
For a smaller home using 2 tons of pellets at $325 per ton, fuel totals about $650. Adding $60 delivery and $200 annual cleaning brings the estimate to about $910, assuming existing equipment and no handling fee.
A household burning 3 cords at $375 per cord pays $1,125 for wood. A $75 delivery and $200 cleaning bring the total to about $1,400 before stacking. This comparison does not account for differences in heat output or whether the stove supplies all household heat.
For heavier use, 4 tons at $350 per ton cost $1,400 in pellets; 5 cords at $325 per cord cost $1,625 in wood. If firewood needs $250 of stacking, that total rises to $1,875. Annual use and paid handling can reverse which fuel appears cheaper per season.
Pellet stove convenience versus wood stove labor
Pellet stoves feed fuel automatically and offer thermostat control, but they require electricity and routine ash removal. Owners generally need to keep bags dry and lift them into storage; a standard 40-pound bag makes a ton equivalent to 50 bags. Firewood avoids bag handling but requires space, regular loading, and safe ash and chimney management.
Equipment costs can dwarf a single season’s fuel savings. A new pellet stove may cost about $1,500-$4,000 before installation; a wood stove commonly ranges from $1,000-$3,500 before a chimney or venting work. Installation can add roughly $500-$2,500 or more depending on vent route, hearth requirements, and code work. These expenses should be compared only when a new appliance is actually needed.
For an existing stove, annual fuel and service costs matter most; for a new setup, include installation and venting in the comparison.
Which fuel choice cuts the budget without cutting heat?
First, compare at least three local quotes using the same units: delivered dollars per ton for pellets and per measured cord for wood. For firewood, verify species, moisture, cord measurement, delivery distance, and stacking charges. For pellets, check bag weight, grade, order minimum, and whether delivery includes placement.
Buying a full-season quantity can reduce per-unit delivery fees, but only when there is dry storage and enough cash flow. Avoid paying extra for premium pellets unless the stove manufacturer recommends them or the standard product causes a documented performance problem. With wood, buying seasoned fuel before winter can prevent paying for wet wood that provides less heat.
Keep the appliance clean and use the fuel it is designed for; poor maintenance can reduce efficiency and create repair expenses. If the existing stove needs replacement, compare repair costs with a full installation quote rather than assuming a different fuel will automatically lower bills. The most controllable savings come from accurate measurements, sound fuel, efficient operation, and a complete delivered-price comparison.