A rick of firewood typically costs $75-$250, with many buyers paying about $150 before or including local delivery. The price depends most on log length, wood species, seasoning, local terminology, and how far the seller must deliver.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rick of firewood | $75 | $150 | $250 | Common local asking prices; size and volume vary |
| Delivered rick | $100 | $175 | $325 | May include nearby delivery and stacking separately |
| Full cord | $225 | $350 | $600 | 128 cubic feet of stacked wood; market and species affect price |
| Stacking service | $25 | $60 | $125 | Often charged by load, time, or distance from truck |
How Much Does a Rick of Firewood Cost by Size?
A rick commonly means a stack 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but its depth depends on the seller and local usage. At 16-inch log lengths, that face stack is often treated as about one-third of a cord; 24-inch pieces create a larger volume. Ask for dimensions and log length before comparing quotes.
For a typical 16-inch rick, budget about $75-$250, or roughly $225-$750 per cord when priced by equivalent volume. The per-cord figure is a comparison tool, not necessarily the seller’s actual bulk rate. Assumptions: standard mixed hardwood, ordinary access, and a 4-by-8-foot stack.
What a Firewood Quote Includes for Wood and Labor
Quotes may cover only the wood, or include cutting, loading, delivery, and stacking. Confirm whether the price is for loose or stacked wood, whether sales tax applies, and whether the delivery minimum covers the order.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes it |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed hardwood | $75-$200 per rick | Species, seasoning, log length |
| Premium hardwood | $150-$300 per rick | Oak, hickory, or other dense species |
| Local delivery | $20-$75 per load | Distance, access, minimum order |
| Stacking labor | $25-$125 per rick | Carry distance, stairs, stack location |
| Seasoned or kiln-dried upgrade | $20-$100 extra per rick | Drying method and moisture level |
Delivery and stacking can add $45-$200, so compare the complete delivered price rather than the wood-only rate. Typical stacking labor may run $25-$60 per hour, with minimum charges common.
Why Log Length and Moisture Change the Price
Volume is the largest comparison issue: a 4-by-8-foot stack that is 16 inches deep contains less wood than one 24 inches deep. A seller quoting a “rick” without depth or piece length is not providing enough information for a reliable per-cord comparison.
Dryness also matters. Properly seasoned wood often costs more than freshly cut green wood because it has been stored and loses moisture over time. Kiln-dried wood may carry a further premium, while dense hardwood usually costs more than softwood or mixed species.
Check both stack dimensions and moisture condition; a price difference of $50 can reflect a smaller load rather than a better deal. Ask whether the wood is ready to burn and request the stated log length, such as 16, 18, or 24 inches.
How Delivery Distance and Stacking Affect the Final Bill
Nearby delivery may be included for a full load, but smaller orders can trigger a $20-$75 delivery charge or a minimum purchase. Rural routes, steep driveways, limited truck access, or a long carry from the drop point can increase the charge.
Stacking is commonly separate. A straightforward stack near the delivery location may cost $25-$60, while stairs, a long wheelbarrow route, or a distant wood shed can push labor toward $125 or more. Confirm the drop location and stacking fee before the truck is dispatched.
Does Buying Firewood in Summer Lower the Price?
Prices can rise in fall and early winter when demand increases and local sellers have fewer delivery openings. Summer purchasing may provide more scheduling flexibility and time for wood to dry, though discounts are not guaranteed and storage space is needed.
Weather and supply also affect local rates. After storms, abundant downed wood may lower some prices, while shortages, wet access roads, or high transport costs can raise them. For a lower-risk budget, arrange delivery before peak heating season and verify the wood is properly seasoned.
Three Delivered-Rick Examples With Different Specifications
| Example | Wood and scope | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Budget pickup | 16-inch mixed hardwood; buyer loads; no delivery | $75-$125 |
| Typical local order | 16-inch seasoned hardwood; $35 delivery; basic drop-off | $135-$235 |
| Premium stacked order | 16-inch seasoned oak; $50 delivery; $60-$125 stacking | $260-$425 |
These examples assume one rick and ordinary access; verify stack depth because the same label can represent different quantities. A quote for green wood or a shorter stack should not be compared directly with premium seasoned wood at full dimensions.
Rick Versus Face Cord and Full Cord Pricing
A face cord is generally a single 4-foot-high by 8-foot-long stack, with depth determined by log length. In many areas, “rick” and “face cord” are used interchangeably, but neither term guarantees the same depth everywhere. A full cord measures 4 by 4 by 8 feet, or 128 cubic feet when stacked.
Ask for cubic dimensions or the seller’s equivalent full-cord price before comparing units. A stated $150 rick could be a reasonable local price for a standard face stack, but it cannot be evaluated accurately without knowing the depth, species, and delivery terms.
How to Reduce the Firewood Bill Without Sacrificing Quantity
Compare at least three sellers using the same log length, wood type, seasoning, and delivery location. Ask for a written total that includes delivery, stacking, taxes, and any minimum-order fee. Buying multiple ricks at once may reduce the per-load delivery charge if storage is dry and accessible.
Choose mixed hardwood rather than a premium species when burn performance and local availability make that practical. Skip stacking if the buyer can safely handle it, but do not substitute wet wood simply to lower the initial quote. Control the dimensions and service scope first; those details make competing prices genuinely comparable.