How Much Is a Bundle of Firewood? (Price list)

It’s hard to imagine a memorable camping trip without making a campfire.

A bundle of firewood costs about $8 on average. It can range from $5-$12 depending on time of year and location. You can get it at no cost if you cut it yourself.

Pro tips: Bing more firewood than you think you need, it goes fast. 1 bundle lasts about 1 hour. Also bring some petroleum firelogs to get the fire started quickly without kindling.

Home Depot

1. The prices vary

Like many other industries, the lumber industry sets the prices according to several factors, the most important being the wood quality. Price fluctuations depend largely on the provider. The region plays a crucial role, as well. The places with rich forests make their business plan keeping in mind the demand and supply. These slight differences are, more often than not, no novelty in the marketplace. I bought some in the fall of 2020, homedepot was $5.95, 711 convenience store near campground was $7.99.

• Companies

While some companies sell firewood bundles for a certain price, starting around $3 or $7.99 apiece, others raise the price even more, because the wood’s quality is better. Many of the companies sell it for around $10.

• Woodcutters

Besides companies, there are these grown powerful men known as lumberjacks, that do this on their own and sell the bundles locally, so the prices vary as well. Every woodcutter sets the price according to his calculations, especially if he makes a living out of it. Cutting wood is no easy job and it certainly takes time (enough to leave exhausted, but with bundles ready to be sold and used in a campfire later). Their prices are subjective as well, but generally, it is affordable.

• Which is more reliable?

Whether you choose to buy from a certified company or a local woodcutter, the pros & cons in terms of quality might be easier to identify by a trained eye. So, a beginner should ask for advice and choose what fits his budget.

2. Why do prices vary?

No doubt that firewood will serve its purpose as long as you know how to use it, whether you intend to use it in the comfort of your home or outdoors.

Still, there are many types of wood, and each sells differently. Oak, maple, ash, birch are just a few of the hardwoods considered best to purchase. Their quality is seen in durability and ease to handle, but everything comes with a price.

3. Free

• If you cut it yourself

If you already have some knowledge about cutting trees and the legal aspect behind it, then you could try being a woodcutter for a day. You need patience and the right equipment. How hard can it be to cut some wood on your own? Kind of hard, if you go there bare hands. Lucky you, there are many affordable woodcutting tools on sale at just a click away, so you might want to consider Amazon, for example.

• If you’re creative enough

If you haven’t managed to buy anything yet, worry not! Chances are, you’ll find some wood in the surroundings you’re about to explore, good enough for you to recreate the basic bundle. Gather it in a pile of 6 and make sure you have the rest of what you need, maybe some instant light charcoal. You can also use a firelog.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Firewood

1. Type of Wood The type of wood you choose can have a big impact on the cost of firewood. Hardwoods such as oak and hickory tend to be more expensive than softwoods such as pine and cedar. This is because hardwoods take longer to grow and require more time and effort to cut and split. However, hardwoods also tend to burn longer and hotter than softwoods, which can make them a better value in the long run.
2. Seasoned vs. Unseasoned Seasoned wood refers to wood that has been dried for at least 6 months and has a moisture content of less than 20%. Unseasoned wood, on the other hand, has a higher moisture content and can produce more smoke and creosote buildup in your chimney, which can be a fire hazard. Seasoned wood is typically more expensive than unseasoned wood, but it can be a better value in terms of heat output and safety.
3. Location The cost of firewood can vary depending on your location. In general, firewood is more expensive in urban areas than in rural areas. This is because there is less available land for harvesting and transporting firewood in urban areas, which can drive up the cost. Additionally, firewood may be more expensive in areas with high demand, such as ski resorts or vacation destinations.
4. Quantity The quantity of firewood you purchase can also affect the cost. Some retailers may offer discounts for larger quantities, such as a half or full cord. A cord of wood is typically 128 cubic feet and can cost between $150 to $600 depending on the type of wood and your location.
5. Delivery If you’re unable to transport firewood yourself, you may need to pay for delivery. Delivery fees can vary depending on your location and the amount of firewood you’re purchasing. Some retailers may offer free delivery for larger orders, while others may charge a flat fee or a fee based on distance.

photos of typical bundle

Research before buying

There are many convenient options in the marketplace. You need to inspect carefully and find the most suitable for you. It’s very important to keep in mind that prices differ depending on the provider, the region, and the wood type. What you need to remember when looking to purchase is that the regular bundle of firewood starts from $2 and ends at around $10.

And let’s be honest: watching a campfire is a beautiful experience, not to mention roasting some puffy marshmallows with your dear ones, in the middle of nature.

If you need more, get a rick of firewood for about $300.

Now that everything is clear and you found out the price for a bundle, you are ready to build the best campfire for an unforgettable camping trip. But before venturing into the camping trip, consider how much time you’ll spend there. The more days you spend outdoors, the more bundles of firewood you will need.

There are 5 good places to buy firewood for camping so you can make a great campfire. Campground store, woodcutters, convenience store, chop you own, firelogs, and left behind.

Types of Firewood

1. Hardwoods: Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and maple are denser and generally produce more heat than softwoods. They also burn longer and produce less creosote, making them a popular choice for firewood.
2. Softwoods: Softwoods like pine, spruce, and fir are less dense and typically produce less heat than hardwoods. They ignite more quickly and are suitable for kindling but may require more frequent reloading when used as firewood.

Energy Content

The energy content of firewood is typically measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Hardwoods generally have a higher BTU content than softwoods, providing more heat per volume. Some examples of BTU content per cord for different wood types are:

1. Oak: 22-29 million BTUs
2. Hickory: 24-28 million BTUs
3. Maple: 18-25 million BTUs
4. Pine: 14-20 million BTUs
5. Spruce: 12-17 million BTUs

Store properly to prevent rot and save money

Firewood can go bad by starting to decompose and rotting away in a process that can take 5 years. It may be no good if has these properties:

1. Moldy

2. Hollow sound

3. Lightweight

4. Crumbles

5. Smells

6. Dark

7. Has insects

8. Has black fungus

 Factors That Can Cause Firewood to Go Bad

1. Moisture: Moisture is the primary factor that can cause firewood to go bad. Wet or damp firewood is difficult to ignite, burns inefficiently, and produces excessive smoke and creosote. Freshly cut wood has a high moisture content and must be seasoned, or allowed to dry, before it can be burned effectively.
2. Rot and decay: When exposed to excessive moisture, firewood can begin to rot and decay. As the wood breaks down, it loses its structural integrity and energy content, making it less suitable for burning.
3. Insect infestation: Improperly stored firewood can attract insects, such as termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles. These insects can cause further damage to the wood, reducing its quality and potentially spreading to other structures on your property.
4. Mold and mildew: Damp conditions can also promote the growth of mold and mildew on firewood. Burning moldy wood can release spores and toxins into the air, which can be harmful to human health.

Tips for Proper Firewood Storage

To prevent firewood from going bad and ensure efficient burning, follow these storage tips:

1. Season the wood: Allow freshly cut wood to dry for at least six months to a year before burning. This process reduces the moisture content of the wood, making it easier to ignite and burn more efficiently.
2. Elevate the firewood: Keep firewood off the ground by stacking it on a raised platform, such as a firewood rack or pallets. This allows air to circulate around the wood, promoting drying and preventing moisture from being absorbed from the ground.
3. Cover the top: Protect the top of your firewood stack with a tarp or other waterproof covering to shield it from rain and snow. Be sure to leave the sides exposed to allow for adequate airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
4. Store away from structures: To minimize the risk of insect infestation and protect your home, store firewood at least 20-30 feet away from your house or other structures on your property.
5. Rotate your stock: Use the oldest firewood first to ensure that you are always burning well-seasoned wood. This practice helps prevent firewood from rotting or becoming infested with insects.

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