How Much Does a Cord of Wood Cost in 2024?
Typical Range:
$150 - $500
Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.
Updated November 13, 2024
Written by HomeAdvisor.This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The average cost of a cord of wood is about $300, with most homeowners spending between $150 and $500, but prices can go as high as $900. Key factors influencing the cost of a cord of wood include your location, the size and type of wood, and the wood's quality. Budgeting for this purchase is essential, especially if you rely on firewood for heating. The cost per cord can vary widely based on these factors.
In this article
Firewood Prices by Volume
A cord of firewood on average costs around $300, with most people paying between $150 and $500, depending on the wood type and location. A cord is a stack of firewood measuring 128 cubic feet (4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet deep). If you don't need a full cord, firewood is also commonly sold in smaller quantities like half cords, face cords (also called rick cords), or bundles.
Bundle
Bundles of firewood cost between $5 and $15 at most stores. They contain a few pieces of firewood and kindling, wrapped in plastic or twine, and are ideal for campfires or occasional fireplace use. Tree services don't offer bundles since they handle larger quantities.
Quarter Cord
A quarter cord of firewood costs between $50 and $125, depending on your location and the wood type. It measures 6 feet long, 4 feet high, and 16 inches wide, occupying 32 cubic feet. While this volume is convenient, keep in mind that the cost per cubic foot is higher compared to larger quantities.
Rick or Face Cord
A rick of wood is another way to describe a face cord or third-cord of wood, and it costs $75 to $200 on average. Both a quarter and face cord are excellent choices for recreational use of your fireplace. A face cord measures 8 feet by 4 feet by 16 inches, and it takes up 42 cubic feet.
Half Cord
A half cord of wood ranges from $100 to $300. They’re commonly sold by professionals in all regions. You’ll pay slightly more per cubic foot for this over a full cord, but it’s a better option for those who use their fireplace as a back-up to their main heat source. A half cord measures 4 feet by 4 feet by 4 feet, and it takes up 64 cubic feet.
Full Cord
A full cord costs $150 to $500, depending on the type of wood and your location. It’ll last six to 12 weeks of burning twice per day. Hardwoods last up to three months, while softwoods like pine will be gone after six weeks. We recommend this size if you use your wood stove or fireplace as your main heat source in the winter. Northern climates will generally need two cords per winter. A full cord measures 8 feet by 4 feet by 4 feet, and it takes up 128 cubic feet.
If you feel like this form of heating isn’t working the way it should, contact a wood stove repair service near you to make sure everything is in order. Consider finding a local fireplace insert installer as well, as that can also improve heating efficiency.
Get Your Fireplace Ready for Winter
Firewood Price Factors
Several factors influence the price of firewood, including the type of wood (hardwood vs. softwood), whether it's seasoned or green, and additional costs like delivery and stacking. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions and get the best value for your firewood purchase.
Hardwood vs. Softwood
Firewood comes in two main categories: hardwood and softwood. Hardwoods, such as beech, elm, maple, aspen, and birch, cost between $250 and $500 per cord. They burn longer and hotter, providing more heat per pound, but they are harder to ignite and take longer to season.
Softwoods, like pine, spruce, willow, and cedar, are priced between $150 and $300 per cord. They ignite easily and season quickly but burn up to twice as fast and produce more smoke.
Green vs. Seasoned Wood
Green wood refers to firewood that hasn't been seasoned and still contains high moisture content. It's heavier, harder to ignite, and produces more smoke compared to seasoned wood. Green wood often costs less, making it a cost-effective option if you have the space and time (up to two years) to let it dry properly.
Delivery
You can expect to pay between $25 and $75 for firewood delivery, or around $2 per mile, depending on your location. If you don't have a vehicle capable of hauling large quantities, hiring a professional for delivery is necessary. Additionally, stacking services cost an extra $25 to $80.
If you don't already have the tools, you'll spend around $200 to $600 to buy them. A chainsaw costs $150 to $500. A hand saw or bow saw, used for cutting smaller branches, costs $20 to $100.
Location
Cord of wood prices vary by city and state and usually don’t include delivery. Unseasoned or semi-seasoned wood costs less than seasoned wood. Regional differences significantly affect firewood costs due to factors like local availability, demand, and climate conditions.
| State | Average Cost of Cord of Wood |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $200-$400 |
| California | $350-$550 |
| Delaware | $150-$180 |
| Florida | $380-$480 |
| Maine | $290-$320 |
| Michigan | $120-$380 |
| North Dakota | $150-$300 |
| Pennsylvania | $300-$600 |
| Texas | $300-$580 |
| Vermont | $350-$500 |
The Importance of Buying Local
Purchasing locally sourced firewood helps prevent the spread of invasive species and pests to your local forests. Pests can travel in firewood, and transporting wood over long distances increases the risk of introducing them to new areas. For example, beetle-killed pine may harbor pests that could impact local ecosystems. Whenever possible, buy firewood from local suppliers.
Have More Questions About Firewood?
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get inexpensive firewood?
The best way to get inexpensive firewood is to buy softwoods during the off-season or early spring. Buying fresh or unseasoned green firewood not left outdoors for a couple of seasons to dry usually costs less than seasoned firewood.
Another way is to cut your own. If you have a tree that you’d like to have cut down and turned into firewood, some tree companies offer that as a service. Contact tree services near you to see if that’s an option. You can also purchase a tree cutting permit in some areas for a nominal fee.
When should I buy firewood?
The best time to buy firewood is in the spring if you have a place to store it. Better yet would be a spring at least one year out, which lets the wood sit for a year and season—making it burn better and with less smoke. Planning your wood purchase ahead of time makes it easier to budget for this expense and stay prepared for the cold-weather months.
What’s the best type of firewood?
The best type of firewood to burn is a locally sourced hardwood such as oak. Oak is found in most parts of the country and doesn't smoke or spark when burned. Other excellent slow-burning hardwoods include hickory, walnut, cherry, and maple. These hardwoods burn longer and hotter than softwoods, providing more efficient and reliable heat.
How should I store my firewood?
The best way to store firewood is outside, away from your home, shed, or garage. That's because stacking wood against your house can be a fire hazard, plus it can attract unwanted pests. Store your firewood under a shelter where it's protected from rain and snow but still exposed to sunlight and open air. An easy method of protection is laying a tarp over top of the firewood.
How long does a cord of wood last?
A cord of wood lasts one to two months when used daily for heating your home. If you use your fireplace less frequently, one cord of wood can last the entire winter. Keep in mind that hardwoods like oak burn longer than softwoods, so choosing hardwood can extend the life of your cord.
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