Cost Per Cord of Wood 2026

Buyers typically pay a range for a full cord of firewood, depending on wood species, delivery distance, moisture level, and regional demand. The main cost drivers are the wood type, the cord configuration, and delivery or stacking options. This guide presents practical price estimates in USD and clear ranges to help budgets and comparisons.

Item	Low	Average	High	Notes
Wood (materials)	$180	$320	$520	Includes standard dry hardwood or softwood; larger logs cost more.
Delivery	$40	$90	$150	Dependent on distance and access; some vendors offer free delivery over a minimum order.
Tax & Fees	$0	$20	$60	Sales tax varies by state and locality.
Seasonal Surcharge	$0	$10	$40	Peak winter demand may raise prices temporarily.
Storage/Stacking (optional)	$0	$20	$60	Includes pile protection or rack rental if needed.
Total per cord	$220	$460	$830	Assumes typical full cord and standard delivery.

Assumptions: region, wood species, moisture, delivery distance, and stacking options.

Overview Of Costs

Pricing combines material cost with delivery and incidental fees. A full cord commonly ranges from roughly $240 to $650 in typical markets, with higher-end hardwoods and long-distance delivery pushing toward the upper end. Per-unit considerations include the price per face cord or bulk purchases; many buyers compare a full cord versus two half cords to gauge value.

Cost Breakdown

Structured pricing helps identify where money goes. The following table outlines common cost categories and typical ranges for a cord of wood delivered to a residential property. Assumptions: standard dry hardwood or softwood; average access; weekday delivery.

Category	Low	Average	High	Notes
Materials	$180	$320	$520	Moisture content and log size drive variation.
Delivery	$40	$90	$150	Distance, access, and routing affect cost.
Taxes	$0	$20	$60	State and local rates apply.
Fees & Surcharges	$0	$10	$40	Peak-season adjustments may occur.
Storage/Stacking	$0	$20	$60	Optional, adds handling convenience and protection.
Total	$220	$460	$830	Represents a delivered cord with typical options.

What Drives Price

Wood type, moisture, and delivery distance are primary drivers. Hardwood species such as oak or hickory command higher prices than softwoods like pine, due to density and burn time. Kiln-dried wood typically costs more than air-dried, but it burns cleaner with less moisture content. Local supply chains and demand cycles also influence regional price levels.

Factors That Affect Price

Regional variation and seasonality create price differentials. Northern states with higher heating needs may see elevated prices in winter, while milder regions might experience lower averages. Delivery constraints, such as rural routes or gated communities, can add fees. Piling or stacking services add modest costs but improve immediate usability.

Regional Price Differences

Prices differ by region across the United States. Three typical scenarios show divergent value. In the Northeast, higher winter demand and longer hauling distances can raise the delivered cord price by roughly 5–15% compared with the national average. In the Midwest, logistics and fuel costs can push totals 0–10% above average, depending on proximity to mills. In the Southeast, lower winter demand often yields 5–12% cheaper cords, though premium hardwoods can still tilt prices upward.

Labor, Hours & Rates

Labor is mostly tied to delivery and stacking, not the wood itself. For many buyers, the main labor component is delivery time and unloading effort. Typical delivery and placement may require 0.5–1.5 hours depending on site access, with crew rates ranging from $60–$120 per hour for a driver and helper. If stacking or splitting services are requested, add 1–3 hours and corresponding labor costs. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>

Delivery & Hidden Costs

Delivery fees and access challenges often matter more than the wood price itself. Some vendors charge a flat delivery fee, while others include delivery in bulk discounts. Hidden costs may include curbside versus garage drop-off, fuel surcharges, or fees for difficult terrain. If the property has a steep driveway or requires a long carry, expect higher delivery charges.

Seasonality & Price Trends

Prices typically rise in late fall and winter and ease in spring. Seasonal demand tends to push cord prices up by 5–15% during peak heating months. Off-season purchases can yield noticeable savings, especially when vendors discount overstocked inventory. Advance orders and pre-season contracts may lock in favorable rates.

Real-World Pricing Examples

Scenarios illustrate typical delivered cord pricing.

1. Basic: 1 cord of mixed softwood, standard delivery, no stacking. Wood $210, Delivery $60, Taxes $10, Total $290. Assumptions: short driveway, average moisture.
2. Mid-Range: 1 cord hardwood mix, delivery with basic stacking, winter season. Wood $380, Delivery $90, Taxes $25, Stacking $25, Total $520. Assumptions: oak with moderate seasoning, urban delivery.
3. Premium: 1 cord kiln-dried hardwood, premium delivery including stacked rack, curb-to-site placement. Wood $480, Delivery $120, Taxes $40, Stacking $60, Total $700. Assumptions: dense log size, long haul, peak season.

Costs By Region

Pricing deltas reflect market conditions and access. In urban markets, delivery fees are often higher due to congestion and labor costs, while rural markets may feature longer haul distances but lower per-mile rates. A mid-range cord in the Northeast might fall near $420–$520 after delivery and fees, whereas the Southeast could range $350–$450, with timing and wood type shaping the final total.

Maintenance & Ownership Costs

Long-term storage and moisture management influence ongoing costs. Storing wood properly reduces waste and improves burn quality, potentially lowering a buyer’s annual burn fuel needs. If a homeowner regularly replenishes wood, consider a standing order or seasonal contract to stabilize pricing. Periodic seasoning and moisture-control measures may also affect long-term value.