If you’ve been searching for firewood for sale and wondering how much does a cord of wood cost, you’re not alone. Every winter, thousands of Wisconsin homeowners, fireplace users, campers, and rural property owners ask the same question — and the answer isn’t always straightforward. Firewood pricing varies by region, wood type, moisture content, and delivery distance. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about cord of wood prices in 2026, so you can buy smarter, stay warmer, and never get overcharged again.
At 12 Point Farms LLC, we’ve built our reputation as a trusted Wisconsin firewood farm by offering transparent pricing, premium-quality hardwood, and honest service to every customer we serve.
What Is a Cord of Wood?
Before you compare prices, you need to understand exactly what you’re buying. A full cord of wood is a precise, standardized unit of measurement. It equals 128 cubic feet of stacked wood — typically arranged in a pile that measures 8 feet long × 4 feet wide × 4 feet tall.
This measurement is the industry-accepted standard across the United States. When a seller quotes you a “cord,” they should mean exactly 128 cubic feet of tightly stacked wood — nothing more, nothing less.
However, not every seller uses this measurement honestly. Some use terms like “face cord,” “rick,” “rank,” or “pile” — all of which can mean something very different. Understanding wood volume measurement before you buy protects your wallet and your heating supply.
Full Cord Dimensions
A full cord measures 8 ft × 4 ft × 4 ft, totaling 128 cubic feet. The wood inside is typically cut in 16-inch lengths and stacked in three rows. This is the largest standard unit of firewood sold by professional suppliers.
Face Cord Explained
A face cord — also called a “rick” in some regions — measures 8 ft × 4 ft × the length of the logs (usually 16 inches). It is roughly one-third of a full cord. This is where many buyers get confused: a face cord looks like a lot of wood, but it only contains about 42–44 cubic feet of actual firewood. Always ask whether you’re getting a face cord or a full cord before paying.
Half Cord Explained
A half cord measures 64 cubic feet, or roughly half the volume of a full cord. It’s a popular option for homeowners who use their fireplace occasionally through winter or for short camping seasons. The half cord of wood price is typically 55–65% of the full cord price — not exactly 50% — because fixed costs like delivery and labor remain the same.
Average Cost of a Cord of Wood
So, how much is a cord of firewood in 2026? Here’s what you can expect to pay based on national averages and Wisconsin-specific market data:
- Full cord of wood cost: $200 – $500 (national average range)
- Hardwood full cord (oak, maple, ash): $300 – $600
- Softwood full cord (pine, spruce): $150 – $300
- Kiln-dried firewood cost per cord: $400 – $700
- Seasoned firewood cord price: $250 – $450
- Half cord of wood price: $150 – $300
- Face cord vs full cord price: Face cords run $80 – $200, but remember — a face cord is only ⅓ of a full cord
The average cost of a cord of wood in Wisconsin typically sits between $280 and $450 for quality seasoned hardwood, with kiln-dried premium options reaching $500–$650 per cord depending on wood species and delivery distance.
For those asking how much does firewood cost near me — local rates in Wisconsin can be more competitive than national averages, especially when you buy directly from a local firewood farm rather than a hardware store or big-box retailer.
Factors That Affect Firewood Prices
Firewood is not a commodity with a fixed price. Many variables influence what you’ll pay. Understanding these factors helps you time your purchase, choose the right product, and avoid being overcharged.
Wood Type
The species of wood is one of the biggest price drivers. Dense hardwoods like oak, maple, hickory, and ash burn longer, produce more heat per cord, and cost significantly more than softwoods like pine or spruce. If your primary goal is winter heating, investing in hardwood is worth every dollar.
- Oak firewood price: $350 – $550 per full cord
- Maple wood price: $300 – $500 per full cord
- Mixed hardwood cost: $250 – $450 per full cord
- Softwood: $150 – $280 per full cord
Seasoned vs Kiln-Dried
Moisture content is one of the most important factors in firewood quality — and price.
- Seasoned firewood has been air-dried for 6–18 months. It burns cleanly and efficiently, and it costs less than kiln-dried wood. Ideal for buyers who plan ahead.
- Kiln-dried firewood is processed in a commercial drying oven, reducing moisture content to below 20% in just days. It lights faster, burns hotter, produces less smoke and creosote, and is ready to burn immediately. Kiln-dried wood costs $50–$150 more per cord than seasoned wood, but the performance difference is real, especially for indoor fireplaces and wood stoves.
At 12 Point Farms LLC, we offer both seasoned and kiln-dried options so you can choose based on your budget and burn timeline.
Delivery Distance
Delivered cord of wood cost includes more than just the wood. Fuel, labor, and time all factor into delivery fees. Expect:
- Short-distance delivery (under 15 miles): $20 – $60 flat fee
- Mid-distance (15–40 miles): $50 – $120
- Long-distance (40+ miles): $100+ or may be unavailable from some suppliers
Buying locally — from a Wisconsin firewood supplier close to your home — keeps delivery costs low and supports your local economy. Always confirm whether the quoted price includes delivery or if delivery is charged separately.
Local Demand and Seasonal Pricing
Seasonal demand is a powerful price driver in the firewood market. Winter heating wood prices spike every fall as buyers rush to stock up before the first freeze. If you wait until November or December, you’ll likely pay 20–40% more per cord than if you bought in late spring or summer.
Pro tip: Order your Wisconsin firewood in April through July for the best cord of wood price of the year.
Face Cord vs Full Cord Price Differences
This is one of the most common points of confusion — and one of the most common ways buyers overpay.
| Measurement | Cubic Feet | Approximate Price |
| Full Cord | 128 cu ft | $280 – $550 |
| Half Cord | 64 cu ft | $150 – $300 |
| Face Cord (Rick) | ~42 cu ft | $80 – $200 |
A seller quoting you $150 for a cord might actually be offering a face cord, less than half the wood of a full cord. This is not always deceptive; sometimes it’s simply a miscommunication. But it’s your job as the buyer to clarify.
Always ask:
- “Is this a full cord or a face cord?”
- “What are the exact dimensions of the stack?”
- “What is the log length?”
A reputable supplier like 12 Point Farms LLC will always be transparent about measurements and will answer your questions clearly before purchase.
Hardwood vs Softwood Cost Comparison
Choosing between hardwood and softwood isn’t just about price — it’s about how you plan to use your fire.
Hardwood (oak, maple, hickory, ash, birch):
- Burns longer and hotter
- Produces less smoke and sparks
- Better for home heating, wood stoves, and indoor fireplaces
- Higher cost per cord
- Lower cost per BTU (more heat per dollar in the long run)
Softwood (pine, spruce, fir, cedar):
- Lights faster and easier
- Great for kindling, campfires, and short outdoor fires
- Burns faster — you use more volume per hour
- Lower upfront cost, but often more expensive over a full heating season
- Higher resin content means more creosote buildup if used indoors
For Wisconsin winters, mixed hardwood firewood offers the best balance of price and performance. Our mixed hardwood firewood at 12 Point Farms LLC is one of our most popular options — dense, clean-burning, and priced competitively for local buyers.
How to Avoid Overpaying for Firewood
The firewood industry, unfortunately, has its share of sellers who rely on buyer confusion. Here’s how to protect yourself every time you buy.
Verify Measurements
Never accept vague descriptions like “a truckload,” “a big pile,” or “a rick.” These are not legal or standardized measurements. Ask for exact stacked dimensions — length × width × height — and confirm the log length. A full cord is always 128 cubic feet when tightly stacked.
Ask About Moisture Level
Firewood with high moisture content (above 25%) burns poorly, produces excessive smoke, and accelerates creosote buildup in your chimney. Ask your supplier:
- Is this seasoned or kiln-dried?
- How long has it been drying?
- What is the current moisture level?
A trustworthy firewood supplier will answer these questions without hesitation. Quality wood has a moisture content below 20% for efficient burning.
Compare Local Prices
Don’t accept the first quote you receive. Call two or three local Wisconsin firewood suppliers and compare:
- Price per full cord
- Delivery fee
- Wood species
- Seasoning method
When comparing prices, always make sure you’re comparing the same product — a full cord of kiln-dried oak is very different from a face cord of mixed softwood.
Where to Buy Firewood Near You
If you’re searching for firewood near me in Wisconsin, buying directly from a local Wisconsin firewood farm is almost always the best choice. Here’s why:
- Lower prices — No retail markup or middleman
- Fresher stock — Wood hasn’t been sitting in a warehouse
- Local knowledge — A local supplier knows Wisconsin winters and what burns best here
- Personal service — You’re dealing with real people, not a call center
We at 12 Point Farms LLC are a family-operated firewood farm based in Wisconsin, and we take pride in delivering premium-quality, properly seasoned, and kiln-dried hardwood directly to your home. Whether you need a half cord for your weekend cabin or a full cord for whole-home winter heating, we’re ready to serve you.
You can also explore our full range of firewood products and information through our firewood info hub — covering everything from storage tips and stacking guides to wood stove compatibility and chimney safety.
Looking for bulk orders? Check our bulk firewood options and full cord firewood page for volume pricing.
Ready to order? Request a quote today and one of our team members will get back to you quickly with a transparent, honest price — no surprises, no confusion.
SEO-Friendly FAQs: Firewood Cord Pricing Answered
How much does a cord of wood cost?
In 2026, a full cord of wood costs between $200 and $600, depending on wood species, seasoning method, and your location. In Wisconsin, expect to pay $280–$500 for quality seasoned hardwood, with kiln-dried options reaching $500–$650 per cord.
What is a full cord of wood?
A full cord of wood is a standardized unit measuring 128 cubic feet — a stack that is 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 4 feet tall. It is the largest standard firewood unit sold by suppliers in the United States.
How many pieces are in a cord of wood?
The number of pieces varies by log length and diameter, but a full cord of hardwood cut in 16-inch lengths typically contains 600 to 800 individual pieces of split firewood, depending on how tightly it is stacked.
Is a face cord the same as a full cord?
No. A face cord is approximately one-third of a full cord. It measures 8 feet × 4 feet × 16 inches (one log length deep), totaling roughly 42 cubic feet — compared to 128 cubic feet for a full cord. Always confirm which measurement you are buying.
Why is kiln-dried firewood more expensive?
Kiln-dried firewood costs more because it requires commercial drying equipment, energy, and processing time. The result is firewood with moisture content below 20%, which lights faster, burns hotter, produces less smoke, and causes significantly less creosote buildup. For indoor fireplaces and wood stoves, the extra cost is well justified.
How much does delivered firewood cost?
Delivery fees vary by distance and supplier. Locally in Wisconsin, most firewood delivery services charge $20–$80 for nearby deliveries, and $80–$150+ for longer distances. Some suppliers include delivery in the cord price — always confirm before ordering.
What type of firewood is cheapest?
Softwoods like pine and spruce are the least expensive firewood options, typically costing $150–$280 per full cord. However, they burn faster and are less efficient for heating than hardwoods. For the best long-term value, seasoned mixed hardwood offers a competitive balance of price and burn quality.
When is the best time to buy firewood?
The best time to buy firewood in Wisconsin is late spring through midsummer (April–July). Demand is at its lowest, suppliers have the most inventory, and prices are typically 20–40% lower than peak fall and winter rates. Buying early also gives you time to stack and season your wood properly before heating season begins.
Final Thoughts: Smart Firewood Buying Starts With the Right Supplier
Understanding how much a cord of wood costs is just the beginning. The real savings come from buying the right type of wood, at the right time, from a supplier you can trust. In Wisconsin, that means working with a local firewood farm that knows the land, respects the craft, and stands behind every cord they sell.
12 Point Farms LLC has earned the trust of Wisconsin homeowners, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts by consistently delivering premium hardwood firewood with full transparency in pricing, measurements, and quality. We’re not just selling wood — we’re fueling warm homes and memorable nights.
Browse our firewood for sale page, explore our product lineup, or contact us today. We’re proud to be your go-to Wisconsin firewood source — season after season.