What drives the price
- Species. Oak, hickory, ash and maple give more heat per cord than pine, poplar or cottonwood, and hardwood generally costs more. Ratings by species are in the extension guides.
- Seasoned or green. Seasoned wood burns hotter, and green wood weighs more. Kiln-dried wood costs the most. Seasoned wood has about 20% more heat value than fresh wood.
- Delivery distance. A short haul is cheap, a long haul adds a fee.
- Stacked or dumped. Stacking takes labor, so a delivered and stacked cord usually costs more.
- Season. Prices rise in fall and winter and are lower in spring and summer.
- Size of the order. A full cord is cheaper per cubic foot than a face cord.
Turn any quote into a price per cord
Whatever unit the seller uses, convert the quote to one cord of 128 cubic feet.
Price per cord = quoted price ÷ (cubic feet delivered ÷ 128)
| Quote | Cubic feet | Price per cord |
|---|---|---|
| $120 for a 16 in face cord | 42.7 | $360 |
| $100 for a half cord | 64 | $200 |
| $80 for a pickup load, about 1/3 cord | 43 | $240 |
| $250 for a full cord stacked | 128 | $250 |
Price per cubic foot
| Price per cord | Per cubic foot | Per face cord, 16 in |
|---|---|---|
| $150 | $1.17 | $50 |
| $200 | $1.56 | $67 |
| $250 | $1.95 | $83 |
| $300 | $2.34 | $100 |
| $400 | $3.12 | $133 |
| $500 | $3.91 | $167 |
An old price anchor
A 2011 University of Maryland Extension survey found oak and mixed hardwood at $180 to $235 per cord. Prices are higher today, and the survey is only useful as a reminder that regional spread is wide. Ask two or three local sellers for current prices in writing.
Before you pay
- Ask for the stack dimensions and the length of the pieces.
- Check the moisture. Split a piece and look for a dry face, or use a moisture meter. Seasoned firewood should be at about 20% or less.
- Measure the stack after delivery with the firewood cord calculator. If it is short, you can ask for the difference.
- Get the sale on paper, with the cord equivalent stated.
See face cord vs full cord and how big a half cord is for the sizes behind the units. Heavier wood is also worth more, so see what a cord of wood weighs.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I pay for a cord of firewood?
It depends on your area, species and season. Get two or three local quotes, convert each to a price per cord of 128 cubic feet, and compare.
Why is firewood more expensive in winter?
Demand is highest in fall and winter, and seasoned wood is limited, so prices rise.
Is a face cord cheaper than a cord?
Per delivery yes, per cubic foot usually no. A 16 inch face cord should cost about a third of a full cord.
Sources
- University of Maryland Extension: Buying and Storing Firewood (FS-937)
- Northern Woodlands: A cord is a cord is a cord
- New Mexico State University Extension: Firewood (G-102)