Buying wood shouldn't feel like a high-stakes poker game. But honestly, if you walk into a transaction not knowing the difference between a "face cord" and a "full cord," you’re probably going to get burned—and not in the cozy, fireplace way.
The average price for a cord of firewood in 2026 is hovering right around $300, but that number is a bit of a chameleon. Depending on where you live and what kind of tree you're burning, you could easily see prices anywhere from $150 to $900.
Why the massive gap? It’s not just greed. It’s logistics, species, and how much work someone else did so you don't have to.
Understanding the "Full Cord" Trap
Before you hand over any cash, you have to know what you're actually buying. A legal "full cord" is a very specific measurement: 128 cubic feet. Usually, this is a stack that’s 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet deep.
If a guy pulls up in a standard pickup truck and tells you he has a "full cord" in the back, he’s lying. Or he’s bad at math. A standard short-bed pickup holds about a half-cord if you pile it high.
Common Volume Variations
- Full Cord (128 cubic feet): The gold standard. Expect to pay $275 to $400 for seasoned hardwood.
- Face Cord / Rick (approx. 42 cubic feet): This is just one "face" of the stack, usually 4x8 feet but only one log deep (about 16 inches). It’s basically a third of a cord. Prices range from $120 to $200.
- Quarter Cord: Perfect for the occasional "ambiance" burner. You'll likely pay $100 to $180.
Hardwood vs. Softwood: The Heat Tax
You’ve probably heard that hardwood is "better." That’s mostly true because it’s denser. A cord of Oak or Hickory is going to give you way more BTUs (heat energy) than a cord of Pine.
Because it's denser, it takes forever to dry out—sometimes up to two years. That time is money. Hardwoods like Oak, Maple, and Cherry usually command $300 to $500 per cord.
Softwoods like Pine, Fir, or Spruce are the budget option, usually sitting between $150 and $275. They're great for kindling or if you just want a quick, roaring fire that you don't mind feeding every forty minutes. But if you’re trying to heat your whole house through a New England winter, softwood is a losing battle. You'll burn twice as much of it to stay warm.
The "Ready to Burn" Premium
This is where people get caught off guard. There are three main "states" of firewood, and they all have different price tags.
Green Wood
This is freshly cut. It’s heavy because it’s full of water. If you try to burn it now, it’ll hiss, smoke, and blacken your chimney with creosote. It’s the cheapest way to buy wood—often $150 to $250—but you’re essentially buying a project for next year.
Seasoned Wood
This has been sitting out in the wind and sun for 6 to 12 months. The moisture content should be under 20%. This is the "standard" firewood most people buy.
Kiln-Dried Wood
This is the luxury tier. The wood is put into a massive oven to bake out the moisture and kill any bugs. It’s bone-dry and lights with a single match. In 2026, kiln-dried cords are reaching $600 to $900 in urban areas like Northern New Jersey or outside Chicago. It's expensive, but it's guaranteed to burn perfectly.
Regional Price Swings
Location is everything. If you live in a heavily forested state like Maine or Michigan, you might find a cord for $250 delivered.
But if you’re in a place like Florida or Southern California? Good luck. Shipping heavy logs is expensive. In these regions, $400 to $550 is more realistic. High-demand areas in Pennsylvania have seen prices spike to $600 during particularly brutal cold snaps.
The Hidden Costs: Delivery and Stacking
The "average price" usually doesn't include someone neatly stacking the wood by your back door.
- Delivery Fees: Most guys will include delivery within 10 or 15 miles. After that, expect to pay $2 to $5 per mile.
- Stacking: This is back-breaking work. If you want the driver to do more than "dump and run" in your driveway, it’ll cost you. Stacking fees usually run between $50 and $100 per cord.
How to Not Get Scammed
Honestly, the firewood industry is a bit of the Wild West. To protect your wallet, ask the seller exactly how they measure their cords. Use a moisture meter—you can get a cheap one for $20—to check a few logs from the middle of the pile. If they’re over 25% moisture, that "seasoned" wood isn't actually seasoned.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Order:
- Buy in the Spring: Prices are almost always 20% lower in April and May when demand is non-existent.
- Specify Species: Don't just ask for "hardwood." A "Mixed Hardwood" bag might be 80% Poplar (which is technically a hardwood but burns like paper) and 20% Oak. Ask for a specific mix.
- Measure Before Paying: If the wood is delivered and dumped, it's hard to measure. If it's stacked on the truck, pull out a tape measure. A full cord should be 128 cubic feet.
- Check Local Regulations: Some states have strict rules about moving firewood across county lines due to invasive pests like the Emerald Ash Borer. Buying local isn't just cheaper; it's often the law.