How Much Does a Cord of Wood Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Knowing what a cord of wood costs helps you plan your winter fuel budget with confidence. Homeowners could spend anywhere between $120 and $900, though most people pay $300 for a cord of wood. How often you burn wood and how well you budget both play into the final tally. If you rely on firewood for heat, build this purchase into your seasonal budget.

Firewood Price Factors

Firewood prices swing with several variables—the wood species, whether the logs are seasoned or green, and extras such as delivery or stacking. Knowing how each factor affects the final bill helps you pick the right load and stretch your heating dollars.

Volume

One cord measures 128 cubic feet (4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet deep) and costs $300. If you don’t burn wood daily, you can order smaller volumes—half cords, face (rick) cords, or even simple bundles.

Bundle

Small bundles sold at grocery stores, gas stations, and campsites run $5 to $15. Each wrap includes a handful of logs and kindling—just enough for a quick campfire or a single cozy night at the hearth. Because tree service companies deal in bulk, they rarely sell wood by the bundle.

Quarter Cord

Expect to pay $50 to $125 for a quarter cord, though the exact price hinges on where you live and the species you choose. The stack comes in at 6 feet long, 4 feet high, and 16 inches deep—about 32 cubic feet. You’ll pay a higher price per cubic foot than with a larger load, but the smaller size is handy when storage space is tight.

Rick or Face Cord

A rick—also called a face cord or a third‑cord—costs $75 to $200. Like a quarter cord, this size is ideal when you fire up the hearth for ambiance rather than primary heat. The stack measures roughly 8 feet by 4 feet by 16 inches, or about 42 cubic feet.

Half Cord

A half cord runs $100 to $300 and is easy to find through most firewood vendors. You’ll spend a bit more per cubic foot than with a full cord, yet the 4‑by‑4‑by‑4‑foot stack (64 cubic feet) is perfect when the fireplace serves as backup heat instead of round‑the‑clock warmth.

Full Cord

A full cord costs $150 to $500, depending on wood type and region. If you burn it twice a day, the stack should last six to 12 weeks—hardwoods can stretch close to three months, while softwoods like pine disappear in about six weeks. Choose a full cord if your stove or fireplace is your primary winter heat source. Households in colder northern climates go through two cords per season. The pile measures 8 feet by 4 feet by 4 feet (128 cubic feet).

If you feel like your fireplace isn’t burning your wood efficiently, get in contact with a fireplace pro near you for assistance. 

Hardwood vs. Softwood

Firewood comes in two main categories: hardwood and softwood. Hardwoods, such as beech, elm, maple, aspen, and birch, cost between $250 and $500 per cord. They burn longer and hotter, providing more heat per pound, but they are harder to ignite and take longer to season.

Softwoods, like pine, spruce, willow, and cedar, are priced between $150 and $300 per cord. They ignite easily and season quickly but burn up to twice as fast and produce more smoke.

Green vs. Seasoned Wood

Green wood refers to firewood that hasn't been seasoned and still contains high moisture content. It's heavier, harder to ignite, and produces more smoke compared to seasoned wood. Green wood often costs less, making it a cost-effective option if you have the space and time (up to two years) to let it dry properly.

Delivery

Delivery adds $25 to $75—or about $2 per mile—to your total, depending on distance. If you don’t have a truck or trailer, paying for delivery makes sense. Plan on another $25 to $80 if you’d rather have the crew stack the wood for you.

Location

Availability varies across the nation. You may pay more or less depending on what part of the country you’re in and the availability of the resources there. 

The Importance of Buying Local

Buying firewood close to home keeps invasive pests from hitching a ride into new forests. Bugs can hide under bark and travel long distances in a pickup bed, putting fresh ecosystems at risk. Beetle‑killed pine, for example, may still carry insects. Whenever possible, pick up your wood from a nearby supplier.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.