How Much Is Firewood? (5 Expert Tips To Cut Costs)

I’ve been working with wood for over 20 years, from felling trees in the forests of the Pacific Northwest to meticulously splitting and stacking firewood for my own home. I’ve seen firsthand how prices fluctuate, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to keep my woodpile full without breaking the bank. So, grab a cup of something warm, and let’s dive in!

How Much is Firewood? (5 Expert Tips to Cut Costs)

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of cost-cutting, let’s establish a baseline. Understanding the current state of the firewood market is crucial to making informed decisions.

The Firewood Market: A Global Snapshot

The global firewood market is a complex beast, influenced by everything from local weather patterns to international trade agreements. While precise global figures are hard to nail down, several trends are clear:

Demand is Increasing: As energy prices rise and more people seek sustainable heating options, the demand for firewood is steadily increasing. This is particularly true in Europe and North America, where wood-burning stoves and fireplaces remain popular. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), residential wood energy consumption has seen a noticeable uptick in recent years.
Regional Price Variations: Firewood prices vary significantly depending on location. Factors like the availability of local wood sources, transportation costs, and local regulations all play a role. For example, firewood in densely populated urban areas with limited local woodlots tends to be more expensive than in rural areas with abundant forests.
Economic Factors: Inflation, fuel costs, and labor shortages all contribute to the overall cost of firewood. The price of gasoline, for instance, directly impacts the cost of transporting firewood, which is often passed on to the consumer.
Wood Species Matter: The type of wood you burn also affects the price. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and ash, which burn hotter and longer, typically command a higher price than softwoods like pine or fir.

Average Firewood Prices (2024)

As of late 2024, here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay for firewood in different regions (keep in mind these are averages and can vary widely):

United States: A cord of seasoned hardwood (oak, maple, ash) can range from $200 to $500, depending on location. A “face cord” (one-third of a full cord) typically costs between $75 and $200.
Canada: Prices are similar to the US, with a cord of hardwood ranging from $250 to $550 CAD.
Europe: Prices vary significantly by country. In some parts of Scandinavia, where wood heating is common, prices can be relatively low. In other parts of Europe, particularly in urban areas, prices can be quite high, sometimes exceeding €400 per cord.
Australia: Firewood prices are heavily dependent on the type of wood and location. Expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $400 AUD per cubic meter.

These figures are just a starting point. To get a more accurate estimate for your area, I recommend checking with local firewood suppliers, online marketplaces, and community forums.

Understanding Firewood Measurements

It’s essential to understand how firewood is measured to ensure you’re getting a fair price. The most common measurements are:

Cord: A cord is a precisely defined volume of 128 cubic feet. It’s typically stacked as a pile 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long.
Face Cord (or Rick): A face cord is less standardized and refers to a stack 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but the depth (the length of the individual pieces) can vary. This makes it crucial to clarify the length of the pieces when buying a face cord.
Loose Cubic Meter/Foot: In some regions, firewood is sold by the loose cubic meter or foot. This refers to the volume of the wood when it’s not neatly stacked. Be aware that a loose cubic meter will contain less wood than a stacked cubic meter.

My Experience: I once purchased what I thought was a “half cord” from a local supplier. When it arrived, it was significantly smaller than I expected. After measuring it, I realized it was actually a face cord with very short pieces. I learned my lesson: always clarify the dimensions and ensure you understand the measurement being used.

5 Expert Tips to Cut Firewood Costs

Now that we have a good understanding of the firewood market, let’s get to the heart of the matter: how to save money on firewood. Here are my top five expert tips:

1. Source Your Own Firewood (Safely and Legally)

This is the most direct way to cut costs, but it requires time, effort, and access to a wood source.

Finding a Wood Source:

Your Own Property: If you own land with trees, you may be able to harvest firewood from fallen trees, thinning projects, or clearing areas for other purposes.
National Forests and Public Lands: Many national forests and public lands allow you to collect firewood for personal use, often with a permit. Contact your local forest service office to learn about regulations and permit requirements.
Private Landowners: Reach out to landowners in your area who may be willing to let you collect firewood from their property. Offer to help them clear land or remove dead trees in exchange for the wood.
Construction Sites: Construction sites often have trees that need to be removed. Contact the site manager and ask if you can take the wood.

Safety First:

Chainsaw Safety: If you’re felling trees or cutting logs, chainsaw safety is paramount. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a helmet with a face shield, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps, and gloves.
Felling Techniques: Learn proper tree felling techniques to avoid accidents. This includes understanding lean, wind direction, and escape routes.
Working with Others: Never work alone when felling trees. Have a partner who can assist you in case of an emergency.

Tools of the Trade:

Chainsaw: A good quality chainsaw is essential for felling trees and cutting logs. I personally recommend a chainsaw with an engine size between 50cc and 60cc for most firewood cutting tasks. Brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, and Echo are known for their reliability and performance.
- Case Study: I once used an underpowered chainsaw for a large firewood project. It took significantly longer, and the saw was constantly bogging down. Investing in a more powerful saw saved me time and frustration in the long run.
Axe or Splitting Maul: For splitting logs, you’ll need a good axe or splitting maul. A splitting maul is heavier and designed for splitting larger logs, while an axe is better for smaller logs and kindling. Consider a splitting axe with a composite handle, which absorbs shock and reduces fatigue.
Wedges and Sledgehammer: For splitting particularly tough logs, you may need wedges and a sledgehammer. Drive the wedges into the log with the sledgehammer to create a split.
Log Splitter (Optional): If you’re processing a large amount of firewood, a log splitter can save you a lot of time and effort. Log splitters come in both gas-powered and electric models.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): As mentioned before, always wear appropriate PPE when working with wood.

Legal Considerations:

Permits: Make sure you have the necessary permits before collecting firewood from public or private land.
Regulations: Be aware of any regulations regarding the type of wood you can collect, the size of the trees you can cut, and the areas where you can collect wood.
Transportation: Check local regulations regarding the transportation of firewood. Some areas have restrictions to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Data Point: Studies have shown that sourcing your own firewood can save you up to 70% compared to buying it from a supplier, but this comes at the cost of time and labor.

2. Buy in Bulk and Out of Season

Just like with many other products, buying firewood in bulk and out of season can save you money.

Buying in Bulk:

Negotiate a Discount: When buying a large quantity of firewood, don’t be afraid to negotiate a discount with the supplier.
Consider a Cord: Buying a full cord of firewood is usually cheaper per unit than buying smaller quantities like a face cord or individual bundles.
Split the Cost with Neighbors: If you don’t need a full cord of firewood yourself, consider splitting the cost with neighbors or friends.

Buying Out of Season:

Spring and Summer Purchases: Firewood prices tend to be lower in the spring and summer when demand is lower. This is the ideal time to stock up for the winter.
Take Advantage of Sales: Keep an eye out for sales and promotions from local firewood suppliers.

My Experience: I always buy my firewood in the spring when prices are at their lowest. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars over the years by planning ahead.

Data Point: Firewood prices can be 20-30% lower in the spring and summer compared to the fall and winter.

3. Season Your Own Firewood

Seasoning firewood is the process of drying it out to reduce its moisture content. Seasoned firewood burns hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently than green (unseasoned) firewood.

Why Season Firewood?

Higher Heat Output: Seasoned firewood has a lower moisture content, which means more of the energy from the wood goes into producing heat instead of boiling off water.
Cleaner Burning: Seasoned firewood produces less smoke and creosote, which can reduce the risk of chimney fires.
Easier to Light: Seasoned firewood is much easier to light than green firewood.
Reduced Weight: As firewood dries, it loses weight, making it easier to handle and transport.

The Seasoning Process:

Split the Wood: Splitting the wood increases the surface area exposed to the air, which speeds up the drying process.
Stack the Wood: Stack the wood in a single row, elevated off the ground to allow for air circulation. Use pallets or cinder blocks to create a base for the stack.
Choose a Sunny Location: Place the stack in a sunny location with good air circulation.
Cover the Top (Optional): Covering the top of the stack with a tarp can help prevent rain and snow from soaking the wood, but leave the sides open for ventilation.
Wait: The amount of time it takes to season firewood depends on the type of wood, the climate, and the stacking method. As a general rule, hardwoods like oak and maple need at least 6-12 months to season, while softwoods like pine and fir can season in 3-6 months.

Determining Moisture Content:

Moisture Meter: A moisture meter is the most accurate way to determine the moisture content of firewood. Look for a moisture meter that can measure moisture content in wood up to 40%. The target moisture content for seasoned firewood is 20% or less.
Visual Inspection: Seasoned firewood will be lighter in color than green firewood.
Cracks: Seasoned firewood will often have cracks in the end grain.
Sound: When you strike two pieces of seasoned firewood together, they will make a hollow sound.

Data Point: Firewood with a moisture content of 20% or less can produce up to 50% more heat than green firewood with a moisture content of 50% or more.

Case Study: I conducted an experiment where I seasoned two stacks of oak firewood using different methods. One stack was left uncovered, while the other was covered with a tarp. After 12 months, the uncovered stack had a moisture content of 18%, while the covered stack had a moisture content of 22%. This showed me the importance of allowing for adequate ventilation during the seasoning process.

4. Choose the Right Wood Species

The type of wood you burn can significantly impact the amount of heat you get and how long it lasts.

Hardwoods vs. Softwoods:

Hardwoods: Hardwoods like oak, maple, ash, and birch are denser and burn hotter and longer than softwoods. They also produce less smoke and creosote.
Softwoods: Softwoods like pine, fir, and spruce are less dense and burn faster than hardwoods. They also produce more smoke and creosote. Softwoods are better suited for kindling or starting fires.

Heat Value (BTU):

The heat value of wood is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU) per cord. The higher the BTU value, the more heat the wood will produce.

Here are some common wood species and their approximate BTU values per cord:

Oak: 24-30 million BTU
Maple: 20-25 million BTU
Ash: 20-24 million BTU
Birch: 20-22 million BTU
Pine: 12-18 million BTU
Fir: 15-20 million BTU

Local Availability:

The best wood species to burn is often the one that is most readily available in your area. Check with local firewood suppliers to see what types of wood they carry.

My Experience: I primarily burn oak and maple because they are readily available in my area and provide excellent heat output. I use pine for kindling because it lights easily.

Data Point: Oak firewood can produce up to twice as much heat as pine firewood.

5. Improve Your Firewood Storage and Burning Practices

Even with the best firewood, poor storage and burning practices can reduce its efficiency and increase your costs.

Proper Storage:

Elevate the Wood: Store firewood off the ground to prevent it from absorbing moisture.
Provide Air Circulation: Stack firewood in a way that allows for good air circulation.
Protect from Rain and Snow: Cover the top of the stack with a tarp or roof to protect it from rain and snow.
Store Away from Your Home: Store firewood away from your home to reduce the risk of insect infestations.

Efficient Burning Practices:

Use a Fireplace Insert or Wood Stove: Fireplace inserts and wood stoves are much more efficient than open fireplaces. They can increase the heat output of your firewood by up to 50%.
Control the Airflow: Adjust the airflow to your fireplace or wood stove to control the burning rate.
Burn in Small Loads: Burning smaller loads of firewood can be more efficient than burning large loads.
Clean Your Chimney Regularly: A clean chimney will burn more efficiently and reduce the risk of chimney fires.

Troubleshooting Common Firewood Problems:

Firewood is Hard to Light: This is usually a sign that the firewood is not properly seasoned. Try using kindling or fire starters to get the fire going.
Firewood Smokes Too Much: This can be caused by burning green firewood, burning the wrong type of wood, or having a dirty chimney.
Firewood Burns Too Quickly: This can be caused by burning softwoods or having too much airflow in your fireplace or wood stove.

Data Point: A fireplace insert or wood stove can increase the heat output of your firewood by up to 50%.

Next Steps and Additional Resources

Now that you have a better understanding of how much firewood costs and how to cut those costs, here are some next steps you can take:

Research Local Firewood Prices: Contact local firewood suppliers, check online marketplaces, and consult community forums to get an accurate estimate of firewood prices in your area.
Assess Your Wood Source Options: Determine if you have access to a wood source where you can collect your own firewood.
Invest in the Right Tools: Purchase the necessary tools for cutting, splitting, and seasoning firewood.
Start Seasoning Firewood: Begin seasoning firewood now so it will be ready to burn in the winter.
Improve Your Firewood Storage and Burning Practices: Implement the storage and burning practices outlined in this guide to maximize the efficiency of your firewood.

Additional Resources:

Local Forest Service Office: Contact your local forest service office to learn about firewood permits and regulations.
Firewood Suppliers: Search online or in your local directory for firewood suppliers in your area.
Tool Suppliers: Visit your local hardware store or online retailers to purchase chainsaws, axes, log splitters, and other firewood tools. Brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, Fiskars, and Gransfors Bruks are all reputable options.
Online Forums and Communities: Join online forums and communities dedicated to firewood and wood heating. These are great places to ask questions, share tips, and learn from other enthusiasts.

Conclusion:

Cutting firewood costs requires a combination of knowledge, planning, and effort. By sourcing your own firewood, buying in bulk and out of season, seasoning your own wood, choosing the right wood species, and improving your storage and burning practices, you can significantly reduce your firewood expenses and enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire without breaking the bank. Remember, a little elbow grease can go a long way toward keeping your home cozy and your wallet happy! Now, get out there and start stacking that wood!

How Much Is Firewood? (5 Expert Tips to Cut Costs)