Crack the Code: Cord of Wood Price Chart

For anyone who heats their home with wood or simply enjoys the ambiance of a crackling fireplace, one question arises perennially: “How much should I expect to pay for a cord of wood?” The answer is rarely straightforward, as prices fluctuate wildly based on location, wood type, and season.

This guide provides a definitive look at the cord of wood price chart for 2025, transforming you from an uncertain buyer into a confident, well-informed consumer. We will dissect the national averages, break down costs by every conceivable factor, and provide actionable strategies to ensure you get the best value for your money.

Navigating the firewood market without a clear cord of wood price chart is like setting off on a road trip without a map. This comprehensive analysis is designed to be your roadmap, offering detailed charts and data-driven insights that go beyond generic estimates.

You will learn not just the “what” but the “why” behind pricing, empowering you to make smart purchasing decisions, whether you’re buying a single bundle for a campfire or multiple cords to heat your home all winter. Let’s dive into the numbers and demystify the cost of firewood.

The National Average: Your Pricing Baseline

Before we explore the variables, it’s essential to establish a baseline. Across the United States, the average price for a full cord of seasoned firewood falls within a predictable range, though local factors can push prices to the higher or lower end of this spectrum.

A full cord is the standard measurement for firewood, defined as a stack of wood that measures 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet of volume, including the air space between the logs . On average, you can expect to pay between $150 and $500 for a full cord, with the national average hovering right around $300 . Another authoritative source cites a slightly higher and narrower range of $275 to $400 for a delivered cord of split seasoned hardwood, which represents a typical purchase for most homeowners .

Table: Average Firewood Costs by Volume

Volume	Average Price Range	Cubic Feet	Best For
Full Cord	$150 – $500	128	Primary winter heating for homes
Half Cord	$100 – $300	64	Supplemental or backup heating
Face Cord (Rick)	$75 – $200	42	Occasional fireplace use
Quarter Cord	$50 – $125	32	Recreational campfires
Bundle	$5 – $15	~0.75	Single campfires or fireplace nights

Deconstructing the Cord of Wood Price Chart: Key Cost Factors

The wide range in the average cord of wood price chart is due to several critical factors. Understanding these will help you interpret local prices and identify where you might be able to save money.

Factor 1: Wood Type – The Hardwood vs. Softwood Divide

The species of tree your firewood comes from is one of the most significant determinants of both price and performance. Generally, hardwoods are denser, burn longer and hotter, and are therefore more expensive. Softwoods ignite more easily and season faster but burn more quickly .

Table: Hardwood vs. Softwood Cost & Performance

Characteristic	Hardwood	Softwood
Average Cost per Cord	$250 – $500	$150 – $300
Burn Time	Long-lasting, 2x longer than softwood	Burns twice as fast
Heat Output	High, more heat per log	Lower, less heat per log
Best Use Case	Primary heating, overnight burns	Kindling, quick fires, shoulder season warmth
Common Species	Oak, Hickory, Maple, Beech, Cherry	Pine, Spruce, Cedar, Willow

Factor 2: Geographic Location – A Tale of Regions and Local Markets

Where you live has a profound impact on price, primarily driven by local availability and demand. Firewood is significantly less expensive in heavily forested regions where supply is high and transportation costs are low . The following cord of wood price chart by state illustrates these regional disparities.

Table: Cord of Wood Price Chart by State

State	Average Cost Range (per cord)
Michigan	$120 – $380
Delaware	$150 – $180
North Dakota	$150 – $300
Alaska	$200 – $400
Maine	$290 – $320
Pennsylvania	$300 – $600
Texas	$300 – $580
California	$350 – $550
Vermont	$350 – $500
Florida	$380 – $480

Factor 3: Seasoned vs. Green Wood – The Cost of Convenience

The moisture content of your firewood is not just a matter of performance—it’s a matter of safety and efficiency. Seasoned wood has been air-dried for 6 months to 2 years, reducing its moisture content to below 20%, which allows it to burn cleanly and efficiently . Green wood, on the other hand, is freshly cut, contains 50% or more moisture, is difficult to light, and produces excessive smoke and dangerous creosote buildup in your chimney .

Naturally, the convenience and quality of seasoned wood come at a premium. You can expect to pay $275 to $400 for a cord of seasoned wood, while green wood can be found for $150 to $275 per cord . If you have the space and time to dry it yourself, buying green wood can be a significant cost-saving strategy.

Factor 4: Delivery and Stacking – The Hidden Costs

The advertised price for a cord of wood often does not include the cost of getting it to your home and neatly stacked. Delivery typically adds $25 to $75 to your total bill, often calculated at a rate of about $2 per mile, especially for distances beyond 15 miles . If you don’t want to stack the wood yourself, you can usually pay for this service for an additional $20 to $80 per cord .

Wood Type	Price per Cord (Seasoned)	Price per Cord (Green)	Heat Output (BTUs per Cord)	Burn Characteristics
Oak	$300 – $550	$200 – $400	24-29 million BTUs	Dense, slow-burning, high heat
Maple	$280 – $520	$180 – $350	19-25 million BTUs	Long-lasting burn, moderate heat
Pine	$120 – $250	$80 – $150	15-17 million BTUs	Quick ignition, burns fast
Birch	$270 – $500	$170 – $320	20-26 million BTUs	Bright flame, moderate heat
Fir	$140 – $280	$90 – $180	14-21 million BTUs	Moderate burn, lower heat output
Hickory	$320 – $580	$220 – $400	24-28 million BTUs	High heat, slow burn, good for cooking
Cherry	$290 – $530	$190 – $370	18-22 million BTUs	Mild aroma, moderate heat, slow burn
Walnut	$310 – $560	$210 – $420	20-25 million BTUs	Moderate heat, burns steadily
Cedar	$150 – $300	$100 – $200	12-14 million BTUs	Pleasant aroma, fast burn
Spruce	$130 – $260	$80 – $160	15-17 million BTUs	Easy to split, burns quickly
Ash	$260 – $490	$160 – $300	23-26 million BTUs	Good heat, burns well when green
Pecan	$330 – $600	$230 – $450	24-28 million BTUs	Hard, slow burn, high heat
Redwood	$180 – $350	$120 – $230	14-18 million BTUs	Burns slowly, moderate heat
Poplar	$110 – $220	$70 – $130	12-15 million BTUs	Light, burns quickly
Locust	$340 – $620	$240 – $470	27-29 million BTUs	Extremely dense, burns very hot
Alder	$160 – $310	$110 – $200	17-20 million BTUs	Burns fast, moderate heat
Sycamore	$190 – $360	$130 – $250	18-22 million BTUs	Burns fast, moderate heat output
Beech	$300 – $550	$200 – $400	24-27 million BTUs	Slow burn, high heat
Chestnut	$200 – $390	$140 – $280	14-18 million BTUs	Burns fast, produces some sparks
Willow	$120 – $250	$80 – $150	13-16 million BTUs	Low heat, burns quickly
Aspen	$130 – $260	$90 – $160	14-17 million BTUs	Burns quickly, low heat
Basswood	$140 – $280	$90 – $180	13-16 million BTUs	Burns fast, produces little heat
Elm	$250 – $470	$160 – $320	19-24 million BTUs	Tough to split, burns well
Dogwood	$320 – $600	$230 – $450	26-28 million BTUs	High heat, very dense
Mulberry	$300 – $570	$200 – $420	25-27 million BTUs	Sparks a lot, burns hot
Eucalyptus	$280 – $540	$180 – $360	27-30 million BTUs	Burns hot, aromatic

Mastering the Market: Smart Strategies for Your Firewood Budget

With a solid understanding of the cord of wood price chart, you can now employ strategies to maximize your heating dollar.

→ Buy in the Off-Season

The laws of supply and demand are never more apparent than with firewood. A cord that costs $250 in the summer can nearly double to $400 in the middle of a harsh winter when supplies are low and demand is high . The best time to buy is in early spring or early summer, when suppliers are well-stocked and looking to make sales .

→ Purchase in Bulk

If you have adequate storage space, buying multiple cords at once almost always reduces the price per cord. Suppliers favor larger orders, and you’ll secure your winter supply at a locked-in rate .

→ Consider the Source for “Cheap” Wood

There are ways to acquire wood at little to no cost, but they require more effort. Contact local arborists, tree removal services, or storm cleanup crews, as they often have wood they need to dispose of and may be willing to give it to you or sell it at a deep discount . Always be sure to ask about the species and whether it is safe to burn.

Beyond the Chart: Answers to Common Firewood Questions

How long will a cord of wood last?

This depends entirely on your usage. If you are burning wood daily as a primary heat source, a cord may last one to two months . For homeowners who use their fireplace less frequently, such as on weekends or for ambiance, a single cord can last the entire winter . Dense hardwoods like oak will last significantly longer than softwoods like pine.

What is the best type of firewood?

The best firewood is a dense, locally-sourced hardwood with a moisture content below 20% . Oak is often cited as a top choice because it is widely available, burns very hot, and produces minimal smoke and sparks . Other excellent hardwoods include hickory, maple, and ash .

How should I store my firewood?

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of seasoned wood or for drying green wood. Always stack firewood:

• Off the ground on a rack, pallets, or 2x4s to promote airflow and prevent rot .
• In a sunny, well-ventilated area but covered with a tarp or roof to protect it from rain and snow .
• Away from your home’s exterior to prevent pests like termites and ants from migrating into your house .

Putting Your Cord of Wood Price Chart Knowledge to Use

Navigating the firewood market with a clear cord of wood price chart in mind empowers you to make purchases with confidence. You now understand that the final price is a function of volume, wood type, geography, seasoning, and delivery. By planning ahead, buying in the off-season, and choosing the right wood for your needs, you can effectively manage your heating budget.

Use the charts and data in this guide as a reference point when contacting local suppliers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the wood’s species, moisture content, and whether the price includes delivery and stacking. An informed customer is a smart customer, and with this knowledge, you are well-equipped to secure the best possible value on your next cord of wood.