subject: Firewood Prices... How Much Should You Pay? by:Matt Galambos [print this page] This is a debate that is highly relativeThis is a debate that is highly relative. Before a firewood price can be determined you need to know exactly what you want, then you can figure the fair price.
You have heard the saying, you get what you pay for? This definitely applies here. There are several things that factor into ordering firewood. How long firewood do you need? How much do you need at one time? Is it being delivered, and do you want green or seasoned?
You first need to answer all of those questions before you can decide how much it will cost and if the cost is fair or not.
Factors That Affect Cost
- Quantity
The total amount of firewood you are having delivered will affect the cost. As with any other product when you purchase in bulk you will save some cash.
To put this idea into perspective lets compare two extremes. Compare a cord of firewood with a wrapped bundle from the convenience store. Depending on your location and the market price, you could figure on about $300 for a seasoned cord of wood. In comparison, the small bundle from the convenience store, about four or five pieces will run about $8 or more. Multiply that out to a full cord and you will find out pretty quick that you do not want to buy much wood from the gas station.
This same sort of comparison applies to the difference between a fraction of a cord and a whole cord. Of course, the difference will not be extreme, but you get the point.
- Size Of Firewood
The length of your firewood will also have bearing on the price. Depending on your wood stove and personal preference, you will probably order a specific length. The most common size is 18 inches.
That being said some stove require wood that is 16 inch or shorter. On the other hand, you could just prefer smaller pieces than most people could. Either way the firewood cutter is going to have to spend more time cutting and splitting your firewood.
What boils is down to is this, wood cutting companies will pass on the extra expenses to the end user. That means if they have more man hours involved in processing a rick of wood you will pay more for it.
- Green vs. Seasoned Firewood
Seasoned wood will always be more expensive than green cut firewood. The reasoning is simple, there is more time and money outlay for seasoned wood. The wood must be stored and kept while it seasons. This takes up room on the wood yard, cost the cutter money because he purchased it, and now must wait for the profit.
Green firewood should cost you in the neighborhood of 30-35% less than seasoned firewood.
- Delivery
Many firewood cutters will also offer you wood delivery. Generally, the firewood will cost you more if the company is going to deliver it however. Several companies anymore factor it in to the price of the wood automatically and therefore do not charge extra. When using a company like this, if you have a way to haul your own, offer to pick it up and inquire about a discount.
Pricing for a delivered rick of wood may vary according to how far away from the company you live. Most companies have a set area that they deliver too and if you do not live in that area you can expect to pay a little more.
Market Conditions
As with any other product, the market will play a part in firewood pricing. When the price of oil, or gasoline goes up you can expect firewood to follow suit. One reason of course is higher operating expenses, the other is that more people need wood.
Be conscious of where you live as well. For example I live in the New England states where wood is in abundance. However what about the person who lives in a desert region and wants and occasional fire? Big, difference because of scarcity of the resource the price will likely be high.
Extra Services
Stacking of your firewood will probably not come without an additional fee. It will take them longer to unload your firewood and therefore cost you more. But, hey, their kids have to eat too!
During my years as an arborist, I have been asked to do some odd things. Most of the time, depending on the request I will generally do what the client asks, nevertheless I will be being paid for my time. The firewood business is the same, the more service you require the more it will likely cost you.
Recommendation
When you are looking at purchasing firewood, you need to use some common sense. When a price seems too good to be true, it generally is.
At this time in the Northeastern part of the United States a cord of seasoned, quality firewood that is delivered will cost you around $275-350. That may sound high, but recall you get what you pay for.
My best advice to anyone looking to purchase firewood is to deal with a reputable company. It will take all the frustration and guesswork out of the process and you can worry about issues that are more important. If you have not had a chance to yet check out my firewood business page. It could save you time, aggravation and more importantly money!
