Firewood Logs Cost in the United States: Price Ranges and Budget Tips 2026

This article outlines firewood log costs, including typical total prices, per cord and per bundle rates, and common price drivers. It helps buyers estimate the cost to stockpile firewood for heating or recreational use and to compare quotes from suppliers.

Assumptions: standard seasoned hardwood, residential delivery, regional Midwest pricing as a baseline, usual 8-foot pickup or trailer delivery, and typical split-firewood logs.

Item	Low	Average	High	Notes
Seasoned hardwood per cord	$150	$210	$320	8 feet long, stacked; varies by species
Softwood per cord	$110	$170	$260	Typically pine or fir
Bundles (per bundle, 1/3 cord approx)	$6	$12	$25	Common retail sizes
Delivery fee	$0	$25	$75	Distance and access impact
Split logs labor	$20	$60	$120	Included in some quotes; per hour or per cord

Direct firewood cost by cord size and wood type

Typical costs for a full cord of seasoned hardwood generally range from $210 to $320, depending on species, location, and supply. A cord is 128 cubic feet of stacked wood, usually delivered and split. DIY buyers who supply their own logs may see lower price, but delivery and stacking add costs. For softwoods such as pine, costs average $170–$260 per cord, while hardwoods like oak or ash commonly run $210–$320 per cord. Expect higher prices in urban markets or during peak heating season.

Assumptions: standard 8-foot vehicle delivery, normal access, and typical moisture content around 20%–25% for seasoned logs.

Quoted price components that show up in firewood offers

Most quotes break the cost into materials, delivery, and handling labor. A typical breakdown includes Materials (the wood itself), Delivery/Setup, and sometimes Labor for stacking or unloading. Some vendors include a small warranty on dry storage or a replacement policy if logs arrive damp. A sample per-cord quote often appears as: Materials $180–$260, Delivery $20–$60, Labor $0–$40, for a total $210–$320.

Component	Low	Average	High	Notes
Materials (wood)	$150	$210	$300	Depends on species and moisture
Delivery/Setup	$0	$40	$75	Distance matters
Labor for stacking	$0	$20	$60	Per cord or per load
Per-bundle cost	$6	$12	$25	Common retail format
Taxes/fees	$0	$15	$30	State/local charges

How seasoning level and wood type shift the price

Seasoned hardwood costs more per cord than green or unseasoned wood because it burns better and saves stoking time. Kiln-dried or fully seasoned logs commonly command higher prices than air-dried stock. The price delta can be 10%–40% depending on moisture content and regional demand. For example, kiln-dried hardwood might range $260–$320 per cord, while air-seasoned hardwood sits around $210–$285. Softwoods stay lower, typically $160–$240 per cord for seasoned varieties.

Assumptions: standard 8-foot delivery and typical 20%–25% moisture at purchase vs. 12%–15% for kiln-dried options.

Regional price variance: New England vs Midwest vs West Coast

Prices vary by region due to transportation, timber availability, and demand during winter months. In the Midwest, seasoned hardwood cords commonly run $200–$290, while New England can push toward $230–$320. The West Coast may see $210–$310 per cord, with higher fees for remote rural delivery. Urban cores often add $20–$60 for delivery fees. Expect softwood bundles to be notably cheaper in all regions but may still incur delivery charges.

Assumptions: standard full cord delivered within a 25–50 mile radius; regional species mix influences price.

Delivery, access, and labor: what adds to the bill

Delivery logistics and site access are common price drivers that can add $25–$75 per order. If the driveway is long, steep, or requires a tow-in, carriers may charge extra for equipment-assisted unloading or alternate drop locations. If the customer requires immediate stacking or a special crate, labor charges can add $40–$120 per cord. For rural or mountainous regions, delivery can be higher, sometimes exceeding $100 per delivery event.

Assumptions: standard single-delivery trailer, accessible driveway, and typical outdoor stacking space.

Seasonality and demand: how timing changes cost

Prices tend to rise during peak heating season and fall in milder months. In peak winter, cord prices commonly shift up by 10%–20% due to high demand and limited supply. Off-season promotions may trim costs by 5%–15%. Bundles and pre-split stock offered in late summer can provide better per-cord pricing if purchased for fall storage. Expect delivery windows to tighten during cold snaps, potentially increasing rush or weekend delivery fees.

Strategies to reduce firewood costs without sacrificing quality

Careful scope management and timing can substantially reduce overall cost. Buy in larger quantities to reduce per-cord delivery fees, request pickup instead of delivery when feasible, and compare quotes from multiple vendors. Choose standard splits and avoid kiln-dried stock if moisture content is acceptable for immediate use. Consider mixed species to balance cost and burn characteristics. If stacking is handled by the buyer, labor charges can drop significantly from vendor quotes.

Sample price scenario: how a typical quote might look

A standard residential order for a 1.5 cord load of seasoned hardwood with delivery and light stacking might fall in the $350–$520 range. A practical breakdown: Materials $210–$270, Delivery $25–$60, Labor $0–$40, Taxes/Fees $15–$50, totaling $250–$420. For a larger 3-cord purchase with bundled delivery, prices could run $520–$880, depending on region and species.

Scenario	Wood Type	Quantity	Delivery	Labor	Total
1.5 cords, Midwest	Oak/Maple (seasoned)	1.5 cords	$40	$20	$270–$420
3 cords, New England	Mixed hardwood	3 cords	$60	$0–$40	$520–$880
Bundle option, off-season	Pine, seasoned	1 cord equivalent	$15	$0	$180–$250