How much is a cord of wood?
A full cord of seasoned hardwood typically costs $250 to $400, averaging around $300 nationally in 2026, while a face cord runs about $120 to $200. Green (unseasoned) wood costs roughly 30 to 50 percent less than seasoned wood.
Cost breakdown
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full cord (seasoned hardwood) | $250 - $400 | 128 cubic feet stacked; national average around $300 |
| Full cord (softwood) | $175 - $275 | Pine, spruce, and other evergreens; burns faster than hardwood |
| Face cord ("rick") | $120 - $200 | About 42 cubic feet, roughly one-third of a full cord |
| Green / unseasoned wood | 30-50% less | Cheaper but needs a year-plus to dry before it burns well |
| Premium hardwood (oak, in winter) | $400 - $600+ | High demand and local shortages push prices up |
| Kiln-dried hardwood | $400 - $475+ | Ready to burn immediately; common in the Northeast |
What a cord of wood costs
A standard full cord is 128 cubic feet of tightly stacked wood (a stack about 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long). In 2026, a full cord of seasoned hardwood typically costs $250 to $400 across most of the U.S., with the national average around $300. Softwood cords run cheaper at roughly $175 to $275.
Prices swing widely by region and season. Buyers in lower-cost areas like Idaho may find cords near $200, while Northeast buyers paying for kiln-dried hardwood can see $470 or more. Premium oak bought close to winter can top $600 a cord when local supply is tight.
Full cord vs face cord
A full cord is the standard 128-cubic-foot measure. A face cord, also called a rick, is only one stack deep, about 42 cubic feet, or roughly a third of a full cord. Because face cords vary in depth depending on how the wood is cut, always confirm the actual dimensions before buying.
Comparing on a per-cord basis is the only fair way to shop. A face cord priced at $150 may sound cheaper than a $300 full cord, but it contains about a third of the wood, so it is actually the more expensive option per unit of firewood.
Seasoned vs green wood
Seasoned wood has dried for six months to a year or more, has a moisture content around 20 percent, and burns hot and clean right away. Green (freshly cut) wood is wet, harder to light, produces more smoke and creosote, and gives off less heat until it dries.
Green wood costs roughly 30 to 50 percent less than seasoned wood, which can pay off if you buy in spring and let it season outdoors through the summer. If you need wood to burn this week, pay the premium for seasoned or kiln-dried wood instead.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a full cord of wood cost?
- A full cord of seasoned hardwood typically runs $250 to $400, averaging about $300 nationally, with softwood cords cheaper at $175 to $275.
- What is the difference between a cord and a face cord?
- A full cord is 128 cubic feet, while a face cord (rick) is only about one stack deep, roughly 42 cubic feet, or about a third of a full cord.
- Is green wood worth buying to save money?
- Yes, if you plan ahead. Green wood costs 30 to 50 percent less but needs a year or more to season before it burns well, so it only saves money if you buy early.
Researched and edited by Calvin Lauderdale, Lead Researcher & Editor. Figures on this page were verified against the sources above as of June 23, 2026.