Prices for a cord of wood vary by species, moisture content, delivery distance, and whether the wood is seasoned. Typical ranges reflect hardwood versus softwood, local demand, and the season. The following outline outlines cost, price components, and practical ways to estimate a cord’s budget.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cord of firewood (softwood, seasoned) | $180 | $260 | $360 | Depends on region and delivery |
| Cord of firewood (hardwood, seasoned) | $260 | $380 | $520 | Higher heat content and longer seasoning needed |
| Delivery fee | $25 | $75 | $150 | Distance-based |
| Stacking/Unload service | $15 | $40 | $100 | Per cord or per hour |
| Seasoning time (if DIY) | varies | varies | months | Opportunity cost not included in price |
Overview Of Costs
Cost factors for a cord of wood include species, moisture content, quantity, and logistics. The basic estimate covers the cord price plus optional services such as delivery and stacking. Assumptions: region, cord size, and service level.
Cost Breakdown
The following table breaks down common cost components and typical ranges for a delivered cord. The totals assume a standard full cord (128 cubic feet) of seasoned wood delivered and stacked in a residential yard.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $180 | $380 | $520 | Softwood vs hardwood; moisture | per cord |
| Labor | $0 | $40 | $120 | Stacking, splitting, or loading | per cord |
| Delivery | $25 | $75 | $150 | Distance-based | per delivery |
| Permits/Fees | $0 | $0 | $20 | Not common for personal use | per order |
| Taxes | $0 | $20 | $50 | Sales tax varies by state | per cord |
| Contingency | $0 | $20 | $40 | Unexpected fees | per order |
What Drives Price
Price depends on species and cutting length, moisture content, and regional demand. Seasonality often pushes costs higher in late fall and winter. Hardwoods, with higher energy content, generally command a premium. Assumptions: stock availability and local market conditions.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across the country due to supply chains, forest types, and delivery networks. Three representative regions show distinct ranges:
- West Coast: hardwoods can fetch higher prices due to transport costs, with averages $320–$460 per cord delivered.
- Midwest/Northeast: mixed softwoods and hardwoods yield averages around $260–$420 per cord delivered.
- South/Sun Belt: softer demand for traditional heating wood; averages around $200–$360 per cord delivered.
Additionally, urban versus rural markets show +/- 10–25% deltas in some cases due to delivery geometry and competition. Assumptions: typical urban, suburban, and rural pricing dynamics.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic Scenario
Species: softwood, seasoned; distance: short; stacking: no service. Estimate: cord $180–$240, delivery $25–$40. Total $205–$280.
Mid-Range Scenario
Species: mixed softwood-hardwood, seasoned; distance: moderate; stacking: included. Estimate: cord $260–$380, delivery $50–$90, labor $20–$40. Total $330–$510.
Premium Scenario
Species: hardwoods, well-seasoned; distance: longer; stacking: included; special handling. Estimate: cord $380–$520, delivery $90–$150, labor $40–$80. Total $510–$750.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Pricing Variables
Key variables include wood species, moisture level, cord size (true cord vs face cord), and delivery distance. True cords are 128 cubic feet; face cords are smaller. Seasonal demand can swing prices by 10–25% within a few weeks. Assumptions: standard cord measurement and typical delivery routes.
Ways To Save
Strategies to reduce cost include buying in-season or in bulk, selecting locally sourced wood, opting for delivery and stacking when available, and requesting a split-wood or mixed-species option. Compare quotes from several suppliers to lock in a lower per-cord price. Assumptions: supplier options and local competition.
