The Cost of a Cord of Wood in 2024

If you’re gearing up to cozy up your new home with a fireplace or planning to harness the warmth of a wood stove, you’ll soon find yourself on the hunt for firewood. But when you encounter terms like “cord” and feel uncertain about the pricing, buying firewood can seem more intimidating than simply ordering a refill from your local oil company. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to secure the best price for your firewood purchase. So let’s dive in and break down firewood pricing.

On average, the cost of a cord of wood is around $300. However, it’s important to note that prices can vary significantly, ranging from $120 to $900, depending on several factors. These factors include the season, the type of wood, and the location from which the wood is sourced.

The price of firewood often fluctuates throughout the year, with higher demand during the colder months and lower prices during the off-season. Additionally, hardwoods generally come at a higher cost compared to softwoods due to their superior burning qualities.

A cord of wood is typically measured by its volume, totaling 128 cubic feet when properly stacked. This standard measurement ensures consistency when purchasing firewood, allowing consumers to estimate their needs accurately.

For homeowners who don’t require a full cord of wood, there are several options available to suit different needs. Consider the following options when purchasing firewood:

A full cord is the standard measurement, totaling 128 cubic feet. It costs between $120 and $900, depending on wood type and location. A cord typically lasts six to 12 weeks when burning wood twice daily, with hardwoods lasting longer than softwoods. This size is ideal for homeowners relying on wood stoves or fireplaces as their primary heat source. Generally, two cords are sufficient for a season.

A half cord is 64 cubic feet and costs $100 to $300. Many professional woodcutters offer half cords, which are suitable for homeowners using wood as backup heat.

A face cord, also known as a third cord or rick cord, amounts to approximately 42 cubic feet and is priced between $75 and $200. If you use your fireplace recreationally, a face cord should last you through the entire winter.

A quarter cord measures around 32 cubic feet and ranges in cost from $50 to $125. While most professional woodcutters offer this option, the price per cubic foot is higher compared to other volumes.

A bundle of wood, priced at $5 to $15, does not have a standardized measurement but typically consists of a few pieces of firewood and kindling. Bundles are commonly available at retail stores and are ideal for weekend campfires.

Determining the price of firewood involves considering the following factors:

One of the primary distinctions to be aware of is the difference between hardwood and softwood, both in terms of price and quality. Hardwoods generally come at a higher cost, sometimes even double that of softwoods. It’s worth noting that not all deciduous trees are hardwoods, and many pine trees (known as conifers) fall under the category of softwoods. While softwoods are more readily available, hardwoods are considered superior for firewood purposes, provided you can find them.

Another aspect that affects the price of firewood is whether it is green or seasoned. Green firewood refers to freshly cut wood that has a high moisture content, which makes it less desirable for burning as it produces more smoke and less heat. Seasoned firewood, on the other hand, has been allowed to dry for a certain period, usually around six to twelve months, resulting in lower moisture content and better combustion properties. Seasoned firewood tends to be more expensive due to the additional time and effort required for drying.

When purchasing firewood, it’s important to consider the cost of delivery and stacking. These services often come at an extra charge, particularly if you opt for the convenience of having the firewood delivered directly to your location and stacked neatly for immediate use. While these services can save you time and effort, they contribute to the overall cost of your firewood purchase.

In the realm of practicality, it’s worth noting that a pickup truck is more than capable of accommodating a full cord of wood. A standard cord measures four feet in height, four feet in width, and eight feet in length, summing up to a total volume of 128 cubic feet. Given the ample space available, pickup trucks, particularly those boasting larger bed sizes, offer a comfortable fit for transporting a full cord of wood. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to exercise caution and ensure the wood is thoughtfully stacked and securely fastened within the truck bed. By taking these precautions, one can effectively prevent any undesirable shifting or potential damage during transportation.

A full cord of wood is defined by its specific volume, which amounts to 128 cubic feet. This volume is achieved by stacking the wood in a particular manner, resulting in a consistent measurement across suppliers. By adhering to this measurement, suppliers can ensure that customers receive the agreed-upon quantity of firewood.

It’s worth noting that firewood can be further divided into smaller units based on the needs of the consumer. For instance, a half cord refers to half the volume of a full cord, equal to 64 cubic feet. Similarly, a quarter cord constitutes one-fourth of a full cord, totaling 32 cubic feet. These smaller units are often suitable for individuals with limited storage space or specific usage requirements.

The longevity of a cord of wood is influenced by various factors, such as usage frequency, heating appliance efficiency, and local climate conditions. While it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact timeframe, there are some general insights to help you estimate the duration of your firewood.

On average, a cord of wood is designed to sustain a heating season, typically spanning six months. However, it’s important to note that individual circumstances can significantly impact this estimate. Considerations like the size and insulation of your living space, personal temperature preferences, and the energy efficiency of your heating device all contribute to the overall burn time of a cord of wood. A well-insulated home equipped with an energy-efficient wood-burning appliance can optimize the utilization of firewood, potentially extending its lifespan.

To make the most of your firewood, it’s also recommended to employ efficient burning techniques. Properly seasoning the firewood, using appropriate airflow controls, and avoiding excessive burning rates all contribute to maximizing burn time. Additionally, during milder weather conditions, supplementing wood burning with alternative heating sources or utilizing wood stove inserts and fireplace inserts can enhance firewood efficiency.

To accurately gauge how long a cord of wood will last in your specific situation, it’s a good idea to closely monitor its usage and observe the burn rate. This allows you to make necessary adjustments and plan for future needs accordingly. Consulting experienced wood-burning enthusiasts or professionals can also provide valuable guidance tailored to your unique heating requirements.

Determining how much firewood you need for the winter depends on factors such as your living space, climate, insulation, and heating preferences. While it’s difficult to provide an exact number, you can estimate your needs by researching the average firewood consumption in your area. Local suppliers or experienced wood-burning enthusiasts can offer insights based on similar households. As a general rule, a typical household will need around three to five cords of wood for a heating season.