When it comes to heating your home or enjoying a cozy fire, understanding the cost and types of firewood is essential. A cord of wood is a standard measurement, but prices can vary significantly depending on the type of wood, its quality, and your location.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about cord of wood prices, the different types of firewood, and how to choose the best option for your needs.
Whether you’re a seasoned firewood buyer or a first-timer, this guide will help you make informed decisions.
Key Takeaways
- A cord of wood is a standard measurement equal to 128 cubic feet, typically stacked in a 4x4x8-foot arrangement.
- Prices for a cord of wood range from $150 to $600, depending on the type of wood, region, and delivery fees.
- Hardwoods like oak and maple burn longer and hotter, making them ideal for heating, while softwoods like pine are better for kindling.
- Seasoning (drying) is crucial for firewood efficiency, as properly seasoned wood burns cleaner and produces more heat.
- Always buy from reputable suppliers to ensure you’re getting the correct volume and quality of wood.
What is a Cord of Wood?
A cord of wood is the standard unit of measurement for firewood. It measures 128 cubic feet, typically stacked in a 4x4x8-foot arrangement. However, sellers may also offer smaller quantities, such as a face cord (1/3 of a full cord) or a rick (a loosely stacked pile).
Understanding these measurements is crucial to ensure you’re getting what you pay for.
Cord of Wood Price Chart by Type of Wood
| 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 |
Factors Affecting Cord of Wood Prices
- Type of Wood: Hardwoods are generally more expensive than softwoods due to their higher heat output and longer burn time.
- Seasoning: Seasoned wood (dried for 6-12 months) costs more than green wood but burns more efficiently.
- Location: Prices vary by region based on availability and demand.
- Delivery Fees: Some suppliers charge extra for delivery, especially for long distances.
- Quantity: Buying in bulk often reduces the price per cord.
Firewood Cord Price Chart by State
| State | Avg. Price per Cord | Hardwood (Green) | Hardwood (Seasoned) | Softwood (Green) | Softwood (Seasoned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $350 – $600 | $250 – $400 | $350 – $500 | $200 – $300 | $300 – $450 |
| California | $250 – $450 | $200 – $350 | $280 – $450 | $150 – $280 | $220 – $350 |
| Colorado | $300 – $500 | $220 – $380 | $300 – $450 | $180 – $300 | $250 – $400 |
| Idaho | $275 – $500 | $200 – $350 | $280 – $450 | $160 – $280 | $220 – $380 |
| Illinois | $280 – $480 | $220 – $370 | $300 – $450 | $160 – $280 | $220 – $350 |
| Indiana | $270 – $460 | $200 – $350 | $280 – $420 | $160 – $270 | $210 – $340 |
| Maine | $320 – $600 | $250 – $420 | $350 – $550 | $200 – $320 | $280 – $450 |
| Massachusetts | $300 – $580 | $250 – $400 | $350 – $500 | $200 – $320 | $280 – $450 |
| Michigan | $320 – $600 | $260 – $420 | $350 – $550 | $200 – $320 | $280 – $450 |
| Minnesota | $350 – $620 | $270 – $450 | $360 – $560 | $220 – $340 | $300 – $470 |
| Missouri | $260 – $450 | $200 – $350 | $280 – $420 | $150 – $270 | $200 – $330 |
| Montana | $280 – $480 | $220 – $370 | $300 – $450 | $180 – $300 | $250 – $400 |
| Nevada | $200 – $400 | $180 – $300 | $220 – $350 | $120 – $220 | $180 – $300 |
| New Hampshire | $350 – $620 | $270 – $450 | $360 – $560 | $220 – $340 | $300 – $470 |
| New York | $350 – $600 | $260 – $420 | $350 – $550 | $200 – $320 | $280 – $450 |
| North Carolina | $270 – $460 | $200 – $350 | $280 – $420 | $160 – $270 | $210 – $340 |
| North Dakota | $280 – $480 | $220 – $370 | $300 – $450 | $180 – $300 | $250 – $400 |
| Oregon | $280 – $500 | $200 – $350 | $280 – $450 | $160 – $280 | $220 – $380 |
| Pennsylvania | $320 – $600 | $250 – $420 | $350 – $550 | $200 – $320 | $280 – $450 |
| Tennessee | $270 – $460 | $200 – $350 | $280 – $420 | $160 – $270 | $210 – $340 |
| Utah | $250 – $450 | $200 – $350 | $280 – $450 | $150 – $280 | $220 – $350 |
| Vermont | $350 – $620 | $270 – $450 | $360 – $560 | $220 – $340 | $300 – $470 |
| Virginia | $270 – $460 | $200 – $350 | $280 – $420 | $160 – $270 | $210 – $340 |
| Washington | $280 – $500 | $200 – $350 | $280 – $450 | $160 – $280 | $220 – $380 |
| Wisconsin | $350 – $620 | $270 – $450 | $360 – $560 | $220 – $340 | $300 – $470 |
| Wyoming | $280 – $480 | $220 – $370 | $300 – $450 | $180 – $300 | $250 – $400 |
How to Choose the Right Firewood
- For Heating: Choose dense hardwoods like oak or hickory for maximum heat output.
- For Cooking: Option for fruitwoods like cherry or apple for their flavor and aroma.
- For Campfires: Softwoods like pine or cedar are affordable and easy to light.
FAQs
How much is a cord of wood?
A cord of wood typically costs between $150 to $600, depending on the type of wood and your location.https://fireplaceadviser.com/how-long-does-a-cord-of-wood-last/https://fireplaceadviser.com/how-long-does-a-cord-of-wood-last/
What’s the difference between a cord and a face cord?
A full cord measures 128 cubic feet (4x4x8 feet), while a face cord is 1/3 of that volume, typically 4×8 feet with shorter logs.
How long does a cord of wood last?
A cord of wood can last anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months, depending on usage and the type of wood.
Can I burn green wood?
Green wood has a high moisture content and burns inefficiently. It’s best to use seasoned wood for better heat output and safety.
How do I store firewood?
Store firewood in a dry, well-ventilated area off the ground to prevent moisture absorption and pest infestations.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the cord of wood price chart and the different types of firewood can help you make the best choice for your heating or recreational needs.
Whether you’re looking for long-lasting hardwoods or aromatic fruitwoods, this guide provides all the information you need to make an informed purchase.
Remember to buy from trusted suppliers, store your wood properly, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of a well-built fire.
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Hello!! I am Jamal Khan. I often fix my home electric heaters and gas stove problems and research the common issues in the heating units to improve my knowledge and expertise. The aim of establishing fireplaceadviser.com is to share my expertise and knowledge with my audience.
