What Is the Cost of a Cord of Wood?
When friends ask me how much a cord of wood costs I always smile and say it depends — but not in a vague way. There are clear reasons why prices vary, and knowing them lets you save money and get better wood for your stove or fireplace. I’ve bought cords in three different states, stacked and seasoned my own wood, and negotiated deliveries — here’s everything I’ve learned so you can be confident when you buy.
Understanding What a Cord Actually Is
A cord is the standard unit used to sell firewood. A full cord measures 4 feet high by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long, which equals 128 cubic feet of tightly stacked wood. Sellers sometimes offer face cords, ricks, or fractions of a cord — these are smaller and can be confusing if you don’t ask questions.
- Full cord: 4 × 4 × 8 feet = 128 cubic feet
- Face cord: typically the height and length are the same as a full cord but the depth is the length of the logs — often 4 feet high × 8 feet long × log length (commonly 16 inches or 24 inches), which can be roughly one-third of a full cord depending on log length
- Rick: regional term similar to face cord; always ask for cubic feet to be sure
Typical Price Ranges You Can Expect
Prices vary by region, species, and whether the wood is split, seasoned, or delivered. In my experience over several seasons these ranges have held up:
- Softwoods (pine, fir): generally lower cost — expect roughly low to mid-range prices
- Hardwoods (oak, maple, hickory): pricier due to higher heat output and longer burn time
- Seasoned and split wood: more expensive than green or uncut logs
- Delivery and stacking: often an extra fee depending on supplier and distance
To put real numbers on it (ballpark figures based on recent market trends):
- Softwood cord: roughly one hundred to two hundred and fifty dollars
- Hardwood cord: roughly one hundred fifty to four hundred and fifty dollars
- Premium species or kiln-dried wood: can be five hundred dollars or more per cord
Factors That Drive Cost
Here’s why two sellers might charge very different prices for what looks like the same stack of wood.
- Wood species — Hardwoods burn longer and hotter; oak and hickory cost more than pine.
- Seasoning — Properly seasoned wood (moisture under 20 percent) is worth a premium.
- Split vs round — Split and ready-to-burn wood costs more than uncut rounds.
- Delivery and stacking — Heavy lifting adds labor costs; remote areas cost more to deliver.
- Local supply and demand — In areas with lots of hardwood forests prices are lower; urban or high-demand season increases cost.
How to Get the Best Value
I always follow a few simple rules before buying. They save money and headaches.
- Buy in spring or summer for the lowest prices — sellers want to move stock before winter.
- Ask if the cord is measured as a stacked cord or a “piles” measurement — insist on full cord measurements.
- Check moisture content with a meter if you can — under 20 percent is ideal for hardwoods.
- Consider buying green wood cheaper and splitting/seasoning it yourself if you have the space and time.
- Shop around and ask for delivery and stacking fees up front — sometimes a local farmer or arborist has better rates.
Delivery, Stacking, and Hidden Costs
Delivery fees vary. Expect to pay an extra fee that can range from a small nominal charge to an amount that equals half the price of the wood in rural locations. Stacking can be charged per cord or per hour.
I once paid extra to have a cord stacked inside my woodshed on a slippery bank; the fee was worth the time and backache I avoided.
Also watch for:
- Minimum order sizes — some suppliers require a half-cord or full cord minimum
- Fuel surcharges during high gas price periods
- Local taxes or permit fees in some municipalities
Quality Matters More Than Price Alone
Cheap wood isn’t always a bargain. Wet or punky wood will smoke, create creosote, and give you poor heat. I’d rather pay a bit more for wood that lights easily and stores well. When inspecting wood look for clean splits, few signs of rot, and minimal bark shedding. Ask how long it was split and where it’s been stored.
Energy Value and Burn Time
Hardwoods typically deliver more heat per cord. As a rough guide the best firewoods give you longer burn times and more consistent heat, which can reduce how much wood you actually need over a season. A cord of seasoned oak will often outlast several cords of softwood in a heating season.
Final Buying Checklist
- Confirm exact measurement: full cord = 128 cubic feet
- Ask species and whether seasoned or green
- Request delivery and stacking fees in writing
- Inspect for moisture and quality or use a meter
- Buy early and buy local when possible
Buying a cord of wood is part practical decision, part seasonal timing, and part local market savvy. With a little knowledge you can avoid surprises, get the right species for your stove, and make your wood-burning season warm and worry-free. Happy stacking — you’ll love the crackle and warmth of a well-chosen cord on a cold night.
