Buyers commonly pay for a cord of split firewood ranging from about $200 to $450 in the U.S., with regional differences, wood type, moisture content, and delivery shaping the final quote. This article breaks down the cost, price ranges, and practical ways to trim expenses on a cord of split firewood.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cord of split wood (firewood) | $180 | $320 | $450 | Typical bulk purchase; varies by wood type and region |
| Per face cord equivalent | $60 | $105 | $150 | One-third of a full cord; often quoted as 8-foot length |
| Delivery and setup | $50 | $120 | $250 | Distance and access affect price |
| Seasonal premium (winter demand) | $20 | $40 | $100 | Weather impact on availability |
| Moisture content premium (green vs seasoned) | $0 | $40 | $80 | Seasoned wood generally preferred |
Average Price Range for a Cord of Split Firewood
Prices typically span $200-$450 for a full cord of split firewood, depending on wood species and region. The most common drivers are species (hardwoods cost more), moisture level (seasoned wood costs less in the long run), and whether delivery is included. In dry, hardwood regions the range tends toward the upper end, while softwoods and self-pickup can land toward the low end. Assumptions: regional labor rates, standard 8-foot cord, standard flat delivery, typical residential property access.
A cord is 128 cubic feet of stacked wood, usually measured as 4 x 4 x 8 feet. If a buyer only needs a partial amount, many sellers price by the face cord (8 feet long, 4 feet high, about 4 feet deep), which is roughly one-third of a full cord and commonly costs $60-$150. Assumptions: mix of split rounds, average wood density, standard splitting method.
Major Cost Components In A Cord Of Split Firewood
Breaking down the price helps buyers compare quotes quickly and avoid hidden fees. A typical quote includes: Materials (the wood itself), Labor (splitting, stacking, loading), Delivery/Setup (hauling and placement at the property), plus Optional items like permits or disposal of packaging. The following table shows a common breakdown.
| Cost Component | Typical Range | Per Cord Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (firewood) | $150-$320 | varies by wood type | Hardwoods cost more; softwoods cheaper |
| Labor (splitting, stacking) | $40-$100 | per cord | Often bundled with delivery |
| Delivery/placement | $50-$250 | per cord or per mile | Distance, access, and setup affect price |
| Seasonal Surcharge | $0-$100 | per cord | Winter demand can raise rates |
| Waste handling / disposal | $0-$20 | per cord | Tarps, waste packaging |
| Permits or local fees | $0-$25 | per job | Not always required |
How Wood Type Impacts Cord Pricing
Hardwood varieties like oak or maple typically push price higher than softwoods such as pine or birch. Prices reflect burn quality, heat output, and consumer demand. In many markets hardwood cords can be $150-$320 for materials alone, while softwood cords might run $120-$220. Regional availability also matters; drought-impacted or high-demand areas can add $20-$60 per cord.
Species also affects moisture-related costs. Green, unseasoned wood can command a higher upfront price but often carries a longer seasoning period for the buyer, whereas seasoned wood burns more efficiently and is usually preferred, reducing long-term fuel use.
Delivery, Access, And Setup Influence On The Total
Delivery logistics account for a sizable portion of the total cost. If the seller can drop a full cord at ground level with no additional handling, delivery might be under $100. Narrow driveways, stairs, or gated access raise prices to $150-$250 or more. Rural locations with long haul distances can push delivery toward the high end of the spectrum. Assumptions: standard residential driveway access, typical 10-mile delivery radius.
On-site stacking versus curbside drop-off also changes value. Stacking adds labor but may be preferred for immediate use and for maximizing space on-site. Some providers offer optional stacking at extra cost, or provide a compact log rack for an additional $25-$75 per cord.
Seasonality And Regional Price Variations
Prices fluctuate with demand by season and climate zone. In winter, wood demand climbs, and some suppliers implement a modest premium, often $20-$70 per cord. Regions with scarce hardwoods or cold winters may see higher base prices by $80-$150 per cord. Conversely, off-season purchases can drop $20-$50 per cord if stock is high.
Geography matters: the Northeast and Midwest often show higher hardwood prices, while the Southeast may lean softer due to more abundant pine. Year-to-year variability is common, driven by harvest yields and transport costs.
Ways To Trim The Cord Price Without Compromising Quality
Smart buyers can reduce cost by managing scope and timing. Consider these tactics: choose more readily available species, pick-up instead of door-to-door delivery, arrange delivery during shoulder seasons, or invite a local logger to harvest within a defined scope. Bundling services—splitting, stacking, and delivery in one quote—can yield lower per-unit rates. Assumptions: standard 128 cu ft cord, usual stacking quality, reasonable access.
Compare multiple quotes from reputable suppliers, check for hidden fees, and verify that the wood is properly seasoned (seasoned wood usually costs more upfront but saves moisture costs later). If you’re eligible, consider negotiating a seasonal price cap or quantity discounts for multiple cords.
Per-Unit Pricing And Why It Helps Budgets
Seeing costs broken out per cord and per face cord clarifies budgeting. A full cord generally ranges from $180 to $450, while a face cord (about one-third) runs roughly $60-$150. If a contractor offers per-rick or per-stack pricing, convert to per-cord estimates to compare apples-to-apples. Assumptions: standard 8-foot face cord lengths, single-family dwelling delivery site.
For buyers who only need a portion, buying by the face cord or by pelletized bundles may suit smaller heating loads, while a full cord is often the most economical option per BTU delivered over the season.
Quote Example Scenarios And What They Include
Real-world quote snapshots help anchor expectations. Scenario A: 1 full cord of seasoned hardwood, delivery within 15 miles, no stacking, $320 materials + $90 delivery = $410 total. Scenario B: 1 full cord of softwood, pickup, $180 materials, no delivery fee, $0 labor if self-split = $180 total. Scenario C: 2 face cords of mixed wood, delivery to rural site, stacking included, $140 materials per cord, $120 delivery, $60 stacking = $620 for 2 cords. Assumptions: standard 8-foot cords, homeowner handles storage responsibly.
Regional Comparisons: What A Cord Costs In The U.S.
Prices vary by region and urban vs rural markets. In the Northeast, a hardwood cord often lands in the $300-$450 range when delivered. In the South, softwood cords frequently range $200-$320. The Midwest may see $250-$380 for mixed hardwood-softwood cords. On average, expect a national spread of roughly $200-$450 per full cord, with delivery fees shifting regional totals by $50-$150. Assumptions: standard delivery radius; typical consumer-grade kilndried options.
- Compare quotes from 3-4 vendors within your region to capture regional deltas.
- Confirm wood is properly seasoned to avoid moisture-related price confusion.
- Ask for a written itemized quote showing materials, labor, and delivery separately.
Summary: A cord of split firewood typically costs between $200 and $450, with delivery and wood type as primary drivers. Regional differences and the season can shift this range by up to $100 in either direction. By understanding the major cost components and comparing quotes, buyers can estimate total expenditure and identify cost-saving options.
