Price of a Cord of Firewood

Legal Definition of a Full Cord vs. Face Cord and Truckload

In commercial firewood commerce, consumer confusion often stems from ambiguous terminology. Under the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and weights and measures statutes across the United States and Canada, a legal 'full cord' (or standard cord) is strictly defined as a tightly stacked pile of wood measuring exactly 128 cubic feet. The standard dimensional benchmark is a pile measuring four feet high, four feet wide, and eight feet long (4' x 4' x 8') with split logs resting parallel to minimize air gaps.

In contrast, many informal firewood sellers advertise 'face cords,' 'stove cords,' 'ricks,' or 'pickup truck loads' at seemingly discounted prices. A face cord represents a stack measuring four feet high by eight feet long, but only one log length deep (typically 16 inches). Therefore, a standard face cord contains only one-third of a full legal cord (approximately 42.6 cubic feet). Purchasing a half-ton pickup truck bed piled loose with firewood rarely yields more than one-third to one-half of a true full cord.

Compare firewood measurement units, cubic foot volumes, and expected legal equivalents:

Hardwood vs. Softwood and BTU Energy Content

The species of timber dramatically impacts both the price and heating efficiency of firewood. Dense hardwoods—such as white oak, red oak, sugar maple, hickory, beech, and black locust—command premium prices ranging from $300 to $550 per cord. Hardwoods grow slowly, producing dense cellular fiber that burns hotter, generates long-lasting coal beds, and delivers exceptional heat energy, typically releasing between 24 and 30 million British Thermal Units (BTUs) per cord.

Conversely, softwoods—including Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, spruce, cedar, and poplar—are priced considerably lower, averaging $180 to $300 per cord. Softwoods ignite rapidly and provide excellent kindling or pleasant aromatic campfires, but they burn fast and release only 14 to 18 million BTUs per cord. Furthermore, unseasoned softwoods contain volatile pitch and resins that can accelerate dangerous creosote accumulation inside masonry chimney flues if burned at smoldering temperatures.

Review heat output (BTUs per cord), weight, and relative price tiers for common firewood species:

When comparing wood options, consider the burn duration and ash production. Dense hardwoods yield steady heat with minimal ash residue, making them far more cost-effective for whole-home heating than cheap softwoods that burn away rapidly.

Seasoning Levels, Kiln Drying, and Delivery Logistics

Moisture content is the single most critical factor determining whether firewood burns efficiently. Freshly cut 'green' firewood contains 45% to 60% water by weight and sells cheaply ($150 to $250 per cord), but it cannot be burned immediately; green wood smolders, produces acrid smoke, and clogs chimneys with creosote. Traditional naturally seasoned wood has been split and air-dried for nine to twelve months, reducing moisture below 20% to command $275 to $450 per cord.

The gold standard in modern residential firewood is kiln-dried wood. Suppliers place split logs into industrial heating kilns at 160°F to 200°F for several days, lowering moisture content to 10% to 15% while eradicating all mold, fungi, and boring wood insects. Kiln-dried firewood commands top dollar ($450 to $650+ per cord), preferred by homeowners who store wood inside living areas. Delivery fees typically add $50 to $100 for driveway dump drops, with manual stacking services adding another $75 to $150 per cord.