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Firewood Calculator
Calculate how much firewood you need for winter heating. Estimates cords needed based on home size, climate zone, heating method, and wood type.
Calculator Mode
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Home Size
sq ft
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What a Cord Looks Like
Total Cords
6.0 cords
Face Cords18
Total Weight19,200 lbs
Storage Space768 cu ft
🛒Shopping Guide
6.0
Full Cords
4'×4'×8' each
18
Face Cords
4'×8'×16" each
12
Pickup Loads
~1/2 cord each
BTU Comparison by Wood Type
White Oak
26.4M BTU
Hickory
28.6M BTU
Sugar Maple
24M BTU
Red Oak
24.6M BTU
Ash
23.6M BTU
Birch
20.8M BTU
Pro Tips
- Order wood in spring for lowest prices and extra seasoning time
- Stack wood off the ground with tops covered but sides open to air
- Keep 2-3 days' supply inside so it's warm when you need it
- Have your chimney cleaned annually to prevent creosote fires
- A face cord is 1/3 of a full cord - clarify with sellers!
Related Calculators
About This Calculator
The Firewood Calculator helps you estimate how many cords of firewood you need for winter heating season. Whether you're heating your entire home with a wood stove, supplementing your primary heating system, or enjoying occasional fireplace fires, this calculator provides accurate estimates based on your home size, climate zone, heating method, and wood type. With 2026 firewood prices ranging from $200-500 per cord depending on region and wood type, knowing your exact needs prevents costly mid-winter shortages and helps you budget effectively. A well-insulated 2,000 square foot home using wood as primary heat in a cold climate typically needs 4-6 cords per season—representing a $1,000-3,000 annual heating investment that often beats propane, oil, and electric by 50% or more.
Trusted Sources
EPA Burn Wise Program(Official EPA guidance on efficient wood burning and stove certification)U.S. Forest Service(Firewood harvesting permits and forest management information)Chimney Safety Institute of America(Chimney inspection and cleaning standards)National Fire Protection Association(Fire safety codes for wood heating installations)Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association(Industry standards and certified installer directory)
How to Use the Firewood Calculator
- 1Enter your home's heated square footage (exclude unheated spaces like garages).
- 2Select your climate zone based on average winter low temperatures.
- 3Choose your primary heating method: wood only, supplement, or occasional use.
- 4Select your preferred wood type to see BTU output and burn characteristics.
- 5Review estimated cords needed and adjust local pricing as desired.
- 6Use the Advanced mode to compare wood costs against other fuel types.
Understanding Firewood Measurements
A cord is the standard unit of measurement for firewood in North America. Understanding measurements prevents getting shortchanged:
Official Cord Definition:
- 128 cubic feet of stacked wood
- 4 feet × 4 feet × 8 feet when properly stacked
- Approximately 85-90 cubic feet of actual solid wood (rest is air space)
- Weight: 2,500-5,000 lbs depending on species and moisture
Common Firewood Terms:
| Term | Dimensions | Volume | % of Cord |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Cord | 4' × 4' × 8' | 128 cu ft | 100% |
| Face Cord / Rick | 4' × 8' × 16" | ~43 cu ft | 33% |
| Half Cord | 4' × 4' × 4' | 64 cu ft | 50% |
| Quarter Cord | 4' × 4' × 2' | 32 cu ft | 25% |
| Pickup Truck Load | Varies | 32-64 cu ft | 25-50% |
| Bundle (store) | ~0.75 cu ft | 0.75 cu ft | 0.6% |
WARNING - Common Scams: Many sellers advertise "cords" that are actually face cords (1/3 the volume). Always confirm:
- Exact dimensions when stacked
- Whether it's a FULL cord (128 cu ft) or face cord (~43 cu ft)
- Get written receipt with dimensions
Cord Equivalents:
| Measurement | Equals |
|---|---|
| 1 full cord | 3 face cords |
| 1 full cord | 128 cubic feet |
| 1 full cord | 13.5 bags (40 lb bags) |
| 1 face cord | ~600-800 pieces (16" length) |
| 1 pickup load (heaping) | ~0.5 cord |
2026 Firewood Pricing Guide
Firewood prices vary significantly by region, wood type, and season:
2026 Average Prices by Wood Type (Per Full Cord):
| Wood Type | Price Range | BTU Output | Best Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed Hardwood | $275-400 | 22-25M BTU | General use |
| Oak (White/Red) | $300-450 | 24-26M BTU | Excellent |
| Hickory | $325-500 | 28M BTU | Premium heat |
| Maple | $275-400 | 22-24M BTU | Good value |
| Cherry | $300-450 | 20M BTU | Pleasant aroma |
| Birch | $250-350 | 20-21M BTU | Easy to split |
| Ash | $250-375 | 24M BTU | Burns well green |
| Pine/Softwood | $175-275 | 15-17M BTU | Kindling, spring/fall |
Regional Price Variations (2026):
| Region | Average Price | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Northwest | $275 | $200-350 | Abundant fir, spruce |
| Mountain West | $300 | $250-400 | Pine, mixed conifers |
| Midwest | $325 | $250-400 | Good hardwood availability |
| Southeast | $300 | $225-375 | Oak, hickory common |
| Northeast | $400 | $300-500 | High demand, premium hardwood |
| Urban Areas | +15-20% | Varies | Delivery challenges, demand |
Seasonal Price Variations:
| Season | Price Adjustment | Best Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | -20 to -30% | Buy green wood to season |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | -15 to -25% | Best selection, lowest prices |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Normal | Standard availability |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | +20 to +30% | Premium for immediate use |
Additional Costs:
| Service | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | $25-75 | $2-3 per mile beyond 10 miles |
| Stacking | $25-80 | Per cord, saves significant labor |
| Splitting | $50-100 | Per cord if buying rounds |
| Kiln-dried premium | +$75-150 | Per cord, immediate burn ready |
Wood Types and BTU Values
Wood species dramatically affects heat output, burn time, and ease of use:
Hardwood BTU Chart (Per Cord):
| Wood Species | BTUs (Millions) | Density | Burn Time | Splitting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osage Orange | 32.9 | Very High | Longest | Very Hard |
| Hickory (Shagbark) | 28.6 | High | Excellent | Moderate |
| Black Locust | 27.9 | High | Excellent | Hard |
| White Oak | 26.4 | High | Excellent | Moderate |
| Beech | 24.0 | High | Very Good | Easy |
| Sugar Maple | 24.0 | High | Very Good | Moderate |
| Red Oak | 24.6 | High | Very Good | Easy |
| White Ash | 24.2 | Medium-High | Very Good | Very Easy |
| Birch (Yellow) | 21.8 | Medium | Good | Easy |
| Cherry | 20.4 | Medium | Good | Easy |
| Black Walnut | 22.2 | Medium | Good | Easy |
| Elm | 20.0 | Medium | Good | Very Hard |
Softwood BTU Chart (Per Cord):
| Wood Species | BTUs (Millions) | Density | Burn Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamarack/Larch | 21.8 | Medium | Good | Best softwood |
| Douglas Fir | 20.7 | Medium | Fair | Common, available |
| Southern Pine | 20.5 | Medium | Fair | Resinous, pops |
| Eastern White Pine | 17.1 | Low | Short | Good kindling |
| Spruce | 15.5 | Low | Short | Sparks, fast burn |
| Cedar | 13.0 | Very Low | Very Short | Aromatic, kindling |
| Poplar/Aspen | 14.7 | Very Low | Very Short | Shoulder season |
BTU Comparison (What It Means):
| Wood Type | Cords Needed | Equivalent Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Hickory (28.6M) | 1.0 cord | Baseline |
| Oak (25M) | 1.14 cords | 14% more needed |
| Maple (24M) | 1.19 cords | 19% more needed |
| Birch (21M) | 1.36 cords | 36% more needed |
| Pine (17M) | 1.68 cords | 68% more needed |
Burning Characteristics:
| Property | Best Woods | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Overnight burn | Hickory, Oak, Locust | Pine, Cedar |
| Easy starting | Pine, Cedar, Birch | Oak, Hickory |
| Low smoke | Ash, Oak, Maple | Pine, Spruce |
| Low sparks | Hardwoods | Softwoods |
| Pleasant aroma | Cherry, Apple, Hickory | Elm, Poplar |
| Quick heat | Birch, Ash, soft maple | Dense hardwoods |
Heating Requirements by Climate
Your geographic location and home characteristics determine firewood needs:
Climate Zone Definitions:
| Zone | Average Winter Low | Heating Degree Days | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild (Zone 1) | Above 30°F | Under 4,000 | Southern CA, FL, Gulf Coast |
| Moderate (Zone 2) | 20-30°F | 4,000-5,500 | Mid-Atlantic, Pacific NW |
| Cold (Zone 3) | 0-20°F | 5,500-7,500 | Upper Midwest, Northeast |
| Severe (Zone 4) | Below 0°F | Over 7,500 | Minnesota, Montana, Maine |
Cords Needed (Per 1,000 Sq Ft, Primary Heat):
| Climate Zone | Well Insulated | Average | Poorly Insulated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild | 1.0-1.5 | 1.5-2.0 | 2.0-3.0 |
| Moderate | 2.0-2.5 | 2.5-3.5 | 3.5-5.0 |
| Cold | 3.0-4.0 | 4.0-5.0 | 5.0-7.0 |
| Severe | 4.0-5.5 | 5.5-7.0 | 7.0-10.0 |
Quick Estimate Chart (Primary Wood Heat):
| Home Size | Mild | Moderate | Cold | Severe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 1.5-2 | 2.5-3 | 4-5 | 5.5-7 |
| 1,500 sq ft | 2-3 | 3.5-4.5 | 6-7.5 | 8-10 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 3-4 | 5-7 | 8-10 | 11-14 |
| 2,500 sq ft | 4-5 | 6-8 | 10-12 | 14-18 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 5-6 | 7-10 | 12-15 | 17-21 |
Supplemental/Occasional Use:
| Use Pattern | Cords per 1,000 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Primary heat (100%) | 3-5 cords (cold climate) |
| Heavy supplement (50%) | 1.5-2.5 cords |
| Light supplement (25%) | 0.75-1.25 cords |
| Occasional (weekends) | 0.5-1 cord |
| Fireplace ambiance | 0.25-0.5 cord |
Efficiency Factors:
| Factor | Impact on Wood Needs |
|---|---|
| EPA-certified stove (70-80%) | Baseline |
| Older stove (30-40%) | +75-100% more wood |
| Open fireplace (10-15%) | +300-400% more wood |
| Excellent insulation | -25 to -40% |
| Poor insulation | +50 to +100% |
| Double-pane windows | -15 to -20% |
| High ceilings (10'+) | +10 to +20% |
Cost Comparison: Wood vs Other Fuels
Firewood is often the cheapest heating option, but requires labor:
2026 Heating Cost Per Million BTUs:
| Fuel Type | Unit Price | BTUs/Unit | Cost/Million BTU | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firewood (cord) | $300 avg | 22M | $13.64 | 70% actual = $19.49 |
| Natural Gas (therm) | $1.50 | 100,000 | $15.00 | 95% actual = $15.79 |
| Propane (gallon) | $3.00 | 91,500 | $32.79 | 90% actual = $36.43 |
| Heating Oil (gallon) | $4.00 | 138,500 | $28.88 | 85% actual = $33.98 |
| Electric (kWh) | $0.15 | 3,412 | $43.96 | 100% actual = $43.96 |
| Heat Pump (COP 3) | $0.15 | 10,236* | $14.65 | Effective 300% |
*Heat pump delivers 3 BTUs per BTU of electricity in moderate climates
Annual Heating Cost Comparison (2,000 sq ft home, cold climate, 100M BTU needed):
| Fuel | Usage | Cost | vs Wood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firewood | 5 cords × $300 | $1,500 | Baseline |
| Natural Gas | 1,050 therms × $1.50 | $1,575 | +5% |
| Propane | 1,200 gal × $3.00 | $3,600 | +140% |
| Heating Oil | 800 gal × $4.00 | $3,200 | +113% |
| Electric (resist) | 29,300 kWh × $0.15 | $4,395 | +193% |
| Heat Pump | 9,800 kWh × $0.15 | $1,470 | -2% |
True Cost of "Free" Firewood:
| Item | Cost/Cord Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Chainsaw fuel and oil | $10-15 |
| Chainsaw maintenance | $15-25 |
| Truck/trailer fuel | $20-40 |
| Splitter rental (if used) | $50-100 |
| Your time (8-12 hours) | $0 to $200+ |
| Equipment depreciation | $10-25 |
| Total hidden costs | $105-405 per cord |
Break-Even Analysis: If your time has value, buying seasoned firewood often makes sense:
- At $15/hour labor value, "free" wood costs $120-180/cord in time alone
- Buying at $300/cord vs harvesting at $150 + 10 hours labor = $150 + $150 = same cost
- Health and injury risk from chainsaw/splitting work has value too
Seasoning and Storage
Properly seasoned firewood is critical for efficiency and safety:
Moisture Content Targets:
| Condition | Moisture % | Burn Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green (fresh cut) | 40-60% | Poor | Don't burn |
| Partially seasoned | 25-35% | Fair | Needs more time |
| Properly seasoned | 15-20% | Good | Ready to burn |
| Kiln dried | 10-15% | Excellent | Premium product |
| Over-dried | Below 10% | Burns fast | Less common |
Seasoning Time by Species:
| Wood Type | Split to 16" | Minimum Time | Ideal Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ash | Yes | 6 months | 12 months |
| Birch | Yes | 6 months | 12 months |
| Cherry | Yes | 6-9 months | 12 months |
| Maple | Yes | 9-12 months | 18 months |
| Oak | Yes | 12-18 months | 24 months |
| Hickory | Yes | 12-18 months | 24 months |
| Pine | Yes | 3-6 months | 9 months |
Seasoning Best Practices:
| Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Split before stacking | Exposes more surface area, dries faster |
| Stack off ground | Prevents rot, allows airflow underneath |
| Single row stacking | Air reaches all pieces |
| Cover top only | Rain protection, sides open for airflow |
| South-facing location | Sun and wind accelerate drying |
| Away from structures | Fire safety, pest prevention |
How to Check if Wood is Seasoned:
| Test | Seasoned | Green |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lighter | Heavy |
| End cracks | Visible checking | Solid, no cracks |
| Bark | Loose, peeling | Tight |
| Color | Gray/faded ends | Fresh, white |
| Sound (hit together) | Hollow "clunk" | Dull thud |
| Moisture meter | Below 20% | Above 30% |
Storage Requirements:
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Distance from house | 20-30 feet minimum |
| Elevation | 4-6 inches off ground (pallets, rails) |
| Cover | Top only (tarp, metal roofing) |
| Orientation | Ends exposed to prevailing wind |
| Access | Easy path for bringing wood indoors |
| Stack height | Max 4 feet for stability |
Wood Stove Efficiency
Your heating appliance dramatically affects how much wood you need:
Efficiency by Appliance Type:
| Appliance | Efficiency | Cords Needed* | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA-certified stove | 70-80% | 4-5 cords | Baseline |
| Non-EPA older stove | 40-55% | 6-8 cords | n/a |
| Antique/vintage stove | 30-40% | 8-10 cords | n/a |
| Fireplace insert | 65-75% | 4.5-5.5 cords | Good |
| Open fireplace | 10-15% | 15-20 cords | Very poor |
| Outdoor wood boiler | 50-70% | 5-7 cords | Varies |
| Pellet stove | 75-90% | 3-4 tons pellets | Different fuel |
*Based on 2,000 sq ft home, cold climate
EPA Certification Matters: Post-2020 EPA-certified stoves must emit less than 2.0 g/hr of particulates:
| Benefit | EPA-Certified | Non-EPA |
|---|---|---|
| Emissions | 2.0 g/hr max | 15-40 g/hr |
| Efficiency | 70-80% | 30-50% |
| Creosote | Minimal | Heavy buildup |
| Burn time | 8-10 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Wood usage | Baseline | +50-100% |
Catalytic vs Non-Catalytic:
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Catalytic | Higher efficiency (80%+), longer burns | Catalyst replacement ($100-200 every 3-5 years) |
| Non-Catalytic | Lower maintenance, simpler operation | Slightly lower efficiency (70-75%) |
Stove Sizing Guide:
| Home Size | Stove Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 1,000 sq ft) | 25,000-40,000 BTU | Small/medium stove |
| Medium (1,000-1,500 sq ft) | 40,000-60,000 BTU | Medium stove |
| Large (1,500-2,500 sq ft) | 60,000-80,000 BTU | Large stove |
| Very large (2,500+ sq ft) | 80,000+ BTU | Multiple stoves or furnace |
2026 Stove Pricing:
| Type | Price Range | Installation | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic EPA stove | $1,000-2,000 | $500-1,500 | $1,500-3,500 |
| Mid-range stove | $2,000-3,500 | $800-2,000 | $2,800-5,500 |
| Premium stove | $3,500-6,000 | $1,000-2,500 | $4,500-8,500 |
| Fireplace insert | $2,000-4,000 | $500-1,500 | $2,500-5,500 |
| Outdoor boiler | $8,000-15,000 | $2,000-5,000 | $10,000-20,000 |
Safety and Maintenance
Wood heating requires ongoing safety attention:
Chimney Maintenance:
| Task | Frequency | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Visual inspection | Monthly during use | Check for damage, blockage |
| Professional cleaning | Annually | Remove creosote, ensure safety |
| Professional inspection | Annually | Structural integrity, fire safety |
| Cap/spark arrestor check | Seasonally | Prevent animal entry, sparks |
Creosote Buildup Stages:
| Stage | Description | Danger Level | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Flaky, sooty deposits | Low | Regular cleaning |
| Stage 2 | Shiny, tar-like coating | Medium | Professional cleaning soon |
| Stage 3 | Thick, hardite glaze | High | Immediate professional attention |
Creosote Prevention:
| Practice | Effect |
|---|---|
| Burn only seasoned wood | 80% reduction |
| Hot, complete burns | Reduces cool-down deposits |
| Proper air supply | Ensures complete combustion |
| Avoid smoldering overnight | Major creosote cause |
| Annual cleaning | Removes accumulated deposits |
Fire Safety Requirements:
| Clearance | Minimum Distance |
|---|---|
| Stove to wall (unprotected) | 36 inches |
| Stove to wall (with shield) | 12-18 inches |
| Stove to ceiling | 36 inches |
| Stove pipe to wall | 18 inches |
| Floor protection (front) | 18 inches |
| Floor protection (sides) | 8 inches |
Carbon Monoxide Safety:
- Install CO detectors on every level
- Never operate stove with door open
- Ensure adequate room ventilation
- Check gaskets annually for airtight seal
- Monitor for back-drafting symptoms
Insurance Considerations:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| EPA-certified stove | Required by many insurers |
| Professional installation | May be required for coverage |
| Annual inspection | Some policies require proof |
| Clearance compliance | Non-compliance may void coverage |
| Chimney cleaning records | Keep for claims purposes |
Buying Firewood: What to Look For
Getting quality firewood at fair prices requires knowledge:
Questions to Ask Sellers:
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Is this a FULL cord (128 cu ft)? | Prevent face cord confusion |
| What species is this? | BTU value varies 2x |
| How long has it been seasoned? | Determines burn readiness |
| Can I see/measure before delivery? | Verify quality and quantity |
| Is delivery and stacking included? | Hidden cost awareness |
| What's your return policy? | Recourse for quality issues |
Red Flags When Buying:
| Warning Sign | What It Means |
|---|---|
| "Cord" at very low price | Likely a face cord (1/3 cord) |
| Won't specify dimensions | Hiding actual volume |
| Wood looks fresh/white | Green, unseasoned |
| Mixed unknown species | May include low-BTU wood |
| Delivery only, no pickup option | Can't inspect before buying |
| Cash only, no receipt | Scam potential |
Quality Indicators:
| Good Signs | Poor Signs |
|---|---|
| Visible end cracks | Solid, crack-free ends |
| Gray/weathered appearance | Fresh, light-colored wood |
| Bark loose or missing | Tight bark |
| Lightweight for size | Heavy for size |
| Seller can identify species | "Mixed hardwood" only |
| Stacked measurement available | "About a cord" |
Where to Buy:
| Source | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local tree services | Often cheapest, abundant | Green wood, inconsistent |
| Firewood dealers | Reliable, seasoned options | Higher prices |
| Craigslist/Facebook | Good deals possible | Quality varies, scams |
| Home improvement stores | Convenient, bundled | Very expensive per cord |
| Sawmills | Cheap slabs and offcuts | Need processing |
| Self-harvest (permit) | Cheapest per cord | Labor intensive |
Negotiation Tips:
- Buy in spring/summer for 20-30% savings
- Purchase multiple cords for volume discount
- Ask about delivery minimums
- Offer to stack yourself for price reduction
- Buy green wood cheaper and season yourself
Processing Your Own Firewood
Cutting and splitting your own wood saves money but requires equipment and effort:
Equipment Costs:
| Equipment | Price Range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chainsaw (homeowner) | $200-400 | Cutting logs |
| Chainsaw (pro-grade) | $400-800 | Heavy cutting |
| Manual splitting maul | $40-80 | Splitting by hand |
| Hydraulic log splitter | $1,500-3,000 | Mechanical splitting |
| Splitter rental (day) | $75-150 | Occasional use |
| Chainsaw chaps | $50-100 | Safety essential |
| Helmet with face shield | $40-80 | Eye/ear/head protection |
| Splitting wedges | $15-40 | For difficult pieces |
Time Investment Per Cord:
| Task | Time (Manual) | Time (Equipment) |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting rounds | 2-4 hours | 1-2 hours |
| Splitting | 4-8 hours | 1-2 hours |
| Stacking | 1-2 hours | 1-2 hours |
| Total | 7-14 hours | 3-6 hours |
Chainsaw Safety Essentials:
- Always wear chaps, helmet, eye/ear protection
- Never cut alone
- Maintain proper chain tension and sharpness
- Watch for kickback zone
- Clear work area of hazards
- Know your limits with tree size
- Take breaks—fatigue causes accidents
Splitting Tips:
| Technique | Best For |
|---|---|
| Hit toward edge, not center | Most pieces |
| Use wedge for stringy wood | Elm, cottonwood |
| Split with the grain | Natural cracks |
| Let rounds freeze | Winter splitting easier |
| Work around knots | Avoid them when possible |
Free/Cheap Wood Sources:
| Source | Approach |
|---|---|
| Tree services | Ask for log drops |
| Power company clearing | Contact local utility |
| Storm damage | Offer removal services |
| Construction sites | Land clearing debris |
| National Forest permits | $20-25 for 2-10 cords |
| Craigslist "free wood" | Be ready to cut and haul |
Economics of Self-Processing:
| Scenario | Cost per Cord |
|---|---|
| Buy seasoned, delivered | $300-400 |
| Buy green, season yourself | $200-275 |
| Buy logs, split and season | $125-200 |
| Harvest free wood (permit) | $50-100 (equipment, time) |
| Harvest free wood (tree service drops) | $25-75 (time value) |
Pro Tips
- 💡Order firewood in spring or early summer when prices are 20-30% lower and you have time for additional seasoning before winter.
- 💡Stack firewood in a single row with good airflow, 4-6 inches off the ground on pallets or rails, with only the top covered.
- 💡Mix hardwoods and softwoods strategically: use softwood kindling to start fires and dense hardwoods like oak for overnight burns.
- 💡Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned annually—creosote buildup from wood burning is the leading cause of chimney fires.
- 💡Keep 2-3 days worth of wood inside so it's warm and dry when needed, but store the main supply at least 20 feet from structures.
- 💡Invest in a $30 moisture meter to verify wood is below 20% moisture before burning—this single tool can save a cord of wood per season.
- 💡Buy a full cord (128 cu ft) not a face cord (43 cu ft)—always confirm exact dimensions before purchasing to avoid paying 3x the price.
- 💡Ash is the best wood for burning slightly green in an emergency—it has lower moisture content when fresh than other hardwoods.
- 💡Never burn treated lumber, painted wood, or plywood—they release toxic chemicals and can damage your stove and chimney.
- 💡Store firewood ends exposed to prevailing wind and south-facing sun to accelerate drying during the seasoning process.
- 💡Consider a log splitter rental ($75-150/day) if processing more than 3-4 cords—it saves enormous time and physical strain.
- 💡Keep detailed records of wood purchases and chimney cleaning for homeowner's insurance purposes—some policies require proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a typical 2,000 sq ft home heated primarily with wood in a cold climate (average winter lows 0-20°F), plan on 4-6 cords for the season with an EPA-certified stove. Homes in moderate climates or using wood as supplemental heating need 2-3 cords. Mild climates with occasional use may only need 1-2 cords. Poorly insulated homes or inefficient stoves can double these requirements.
