How Much for a Cord of Wood?
Purchasing firewood by the cord is the most cost-effective way to heat your home with a wood stove or keep your fireplace burning throughout winter. Knowing how much a cord of wood costs, understanding official 128-cubic-foot dimensions, and distinguishing seasoned hardwood from wet green wood protects buyers from short deliveries.
Average Cost of a Full Cord of Firewood
On average, a full cord of seasoned firewood costs between $250 and $450 for standard mixed hardwoods (Oak, Maple, Ash, Hickory), and between $180 and $300 for softwoods (Pine, Fir, Spruce). High-end kiln-dried hardwoods in major metropolitan areas can reach $500 to $700+ per cord.
Prices fluctuate based on wood species, seasoning duration (air-dried vs kiln-dried), delivery distance, and whether you pay extra for the driver to hand-stack the wood.
| Firewood Type & Condition | Moisture Content | Burn Characteristics | Average Price Range (Full Cord) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green / Unseasoned Hardwood | 40% – 60% | Smoky, difficult to ignite, high creosote | $180 – $280 |
| Seasoned Mixed Hardwood (Air-Dried 12+ mo) | 15% – 20% | Clean burning, high heat output, minimal ash | $280 – $450 |
| Kiln-Dried Hardwood | 10% – 15% | Instant lighting, bug-free, zero mold, maximum BTUs | $450 – $700 |
| Softwood (Pine / Cedar / Fir) | 15% – 20% | Fast burning, pleasant crackle, lower heat density | $180 – $320 |
Official Firewood Measurements: What is a Cord of Wood?
By federal law (Weights and Measures standards), a legal Full Cord of firewood is a tightly stacked pile measuring 4 feet high by 4 feet deep by 8 feet long, totaling exactly 128 cubic feet of wood, bark, and air space.
| Firewood Measurement Unit | Dimensions (H x W x L) | Total Volume | Comparison to Full Cord |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Cord (Standard) | 4 ft x 4 ft x 8 ft | 128 Cubic Feet | 1.0 Full Cord (100%) |
| Face Cord / Rick | 4 ft x 16 in x 8 ft | ~42.6 Cubic Feet | 1/3 of a Full Cord (33%) |
| Half Cord | 4 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft | 64 Cubic Feet | 1/2 of a Full Cord (50%) |
| Truck Bed (8-ft Long Bed, Thrown Loose) | Loose Dumped | ~70 – 80 Loose Cu Ft | ~0.5 to 0.6 Full Cord |
Hardwood Heat Output Comparison (BTU Ratings)
Denser hardwoods yield more British Thermal Units (BTUs) per cord, burning longer through freezing nights and producing a long-lasting bed of hot coals.
| Wood Species | Wood Category | Heat Output (Million BTUs / Cord) | Coaling Ability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shagbark Hickory / Osage Orange | Ultra-Dense Hardwood | 27.7 – 32.9 Million BTUs | Excellent (Long burn) |
| White Oak / Red Oak | Dense Hardwood | 24.0 – 26.4 Million BTUs | Excellent |
| Hard Sugar Maple / Beech | Medium Hardwood | 21.8 – 24.0 Million BTUs | Good |
| Douglas Fir / Tamarack | High-Grade Softwood | 17.4 – 20.6 Million BTUs | Fair |
| White Pine / Poplar | Light Softwood | 14.3 – 16.0 Million BTUs | Poor (Kindling only) |
How to Stack and Measure a Cord of Wood in 4 Steps
Ensure you received a full legal 128-cubic-foot firewood delivery.
Step 1: Elevate Stack on Pallets or Pressure-Treated Runners
Keep bottom logs off bare dirt to prevent moisture absorption and termite rot.
Step 2: Stack Logs in Tight, Parallel Rows
Stack split logs bark-side up with cross-hatched end pillars for structural stability.
Step 3: Measure Height, Depth, and Width with a Tape Measure
Multiply Height (ft) x Depth (ft) x Length (ft) to confirm the volume equals or exceeds 128 cubic feet.
Step 4: Cover Top Layer Only with a Waterproof Tarp
Cover the top of the stack to shed rain while leaving side ends open for crosswind airflow.
Frequently Asked Questions (7 Questions Answered)
Q1: What is the difference between a cord and a face cord of wood?
A full cord measures 4x4x8 feet (128 cubic feet), while a face cord (rick) is a single 16-inch deep row measuring 4x8 feet (approx. 43 cubic feet, or 1/3 of a full cord).
Q2: How long does a cord of wood last for home heating?
If heating exclusively with a wood stove in cold northern winters, a full cord lasts 4 to 8 weeks, with most households burning 3 to 5 cords per winter.
Q3: How do you know if firewood is properly seasoned?
Seasoned firewood has a moisture content below 20%, visible radial end checks/cracks, dark gray bark, feels lightweight, and makes a hollow ring when two logs are struck together.
Q4: Can you fit a full cord of wood in a standard pickup truck?
No, a standard 6.5-foot pickup truck bed holds roughly 1/2 cord when stacked tightly, while an 8-foot long bed holds about 2/3 to 3/4 of a cord.
Q5: How much extra does it cost to have firewood stacked?
Firewood suppliers typically charge $40 to $90 per cord for manual stacking service near your driveway or wood shed.
Q6: Why should you avoid burning green wood in a fireplace?
Green unseasoned wood has high moisture that causes sluggish, smoldering fires, producing dangerous creosote buildup inside chimneys that triggers chimney fires.
Q7: What is the best wood for a wood stove?
Oak, Hickory, Ash, and Hard Maple are the best firewood species due to high heat density (24–28 Million BTUs/cord) and long-lasting hot coals.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding how much for a cord of wood? provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.