Key Cost
- Average Price of a Cord of Wood: $120–$900
- Factors Influencing Cost: Type of wood, condition (seasoned vs. green), location, labor, and seasonality.
Types of Firewood
| Type | Cost Range | Attributes |
|-----------------|----------------|---------------------------------------------------|
| Hardwood | $250–$500 | Burns longer, hotter; produces less smoke; seasons slowly. Examples: Oak, hickory, maple.
| Softwood | $150–$300 | Burns faster; easier to ignite; seasons quickly. Examples: Pine, cedar, spruce.
Cost Factors
1. Wood Type
- Hardwood: Higher cost but longer-lasting.
- Softwood: Cheaper but burns quickly.
2. Seasoning (Drying Process)
- Green Wood: Less expensive but requires 6 months–2 years of drying.
- Seasoned Wood: Ready to burn; costs more.
3. Labor Costs
- Delivery Fees: $25–$75 (or $2 per mile).
- Stacking Costs: $25–$80 per load.
4. Location and Availability
- Prices are lower in densely wooded regions.
- Avoid non-local wood to prevent spreading pests and invasive species.
5. Seasonal Demand
- Firewood is cheaper in spring/summer.
- Costs can nearly double in winter due to high demand.
Firewood Costs by Volume
| Size | Cubic Feet | Cost Range | Best For |
|------------------|----------------|-------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Full Cord | 128 ft³ | $120–$900 | Heating for 6–12 weeks (2 cords needed for winter).
| Half Cord | 64 ft³ | $100–$300 | Backup heating or moderate use.
| Face Cord | ~42 ft³ | $75–$200 | Recreational fires; occasional use.
| Quarter Cord | 32 ft³ | $50–$125 | Minimal use or small stoves.
| Bundle | Varies | $5–$15 per bundle | Weekend campfires or small needs.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Cutting Firewood Yourself
- Cost: Free (if you have trees on your property and tools).
- Permits: Required to cut trees on public land.
- Storage: Requires space for drying and seasoning.
Hiring a Professional
- Tree Removal Cost: $200–$2,000.
- Professionals can process the removed tree into usable firewood.
5 Ways to Save Money on Firewood
- Buy Offseason: Purchase wood in spring or summer for lower costs.
- Buy Green: Cheaper than seasoned wood; let it dry at home.
- Cut Your Own Wood: Free if you have tools and access to trees.
- Bundle Tree Removal Services: Turn necessary tree removal into a source of firewood.
- Contact Local Services: Ask arborists or cleanup crews for excess wood.
Best Practices for Firewood Storage
- Location: Store outdoors, away from structures to avoid pests.
- Protection: Use a shelter or tarp to keep wood dry while allowing airflow.
- Seasoning: Allow sunlight and open air for drying green wood.
For more details or help planning your firewood needs, feel free to ask!
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