How much do Firewood Costs? 12 Places for Cheap Firewood

A campfire is a pleasing way to warm up and entertain yourself after a long day of fun camping activities. However, it can also be pricey to maintain!

Buying in bulk is a great way to keep firewood costs low. A bundle usually costs $5-7 depending on where you get it, and Farm and Feed stores are one of the cheapest places for it.

I’ve done some further research to provide you with free and low-cost places to get your firewood, so let’s have a look.

How Much Does Firewood Cost Typically?

The price varies depending on where you get it, but a bundle of firewood will rarely cost you more than $10. It will also rarely cost under $5 unless you’re buying in bulk.

If you’re buying a cord of wood, then the lowest you can expect to pay is $120, which is a rare price, but most people end up paying around $300 for the cord.

Asking yourself, “how much wood do I need for a campfire?” will help you determine how much wood for your trip is going to cost.

Where Is The Best Place to Get Firewood Cost effectivley (cheap)?

The best place to get cheap firewood is somewhere local, as you’ll cut down on major delivery fees. A local farm and feed store is your best option for getting low-cost firewood.

Buying in bulk also helps you keep the costs down depending on where you get it.

There are also some free ways you can get yourself a nice bundle of firewood. I’ll go into those below, and I’ll also mention the cheaper places you can get your bundles from.

Gather Your Own Firewood- How to Reduce Firewood Cost 

Gathering your own firewood is always going to be free if you have the tools. You’ll need a chainsaw, an axe, and protective gear. On top of that, you need the know-how.

Gather your wood well ahead of time so it has time to season. If you want seasoning tips, check out my article answering, “how long does it take firewood to dry?”

Look Around Locally- How to Reduce Firewood Cost 

You can often rely on the kindness of strangers to supply you with free or at least seriously discounted firewood. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist often have listings for free or highly affordable bundles. 

You could also try putting up an ad saying you’re looking for firewood. Those with wood they need to get rid of will likely reply. However, ensure you state you’re willing to pay and put your budget in the ad—some people aren’t keen to help out if they think you’re begging for freebies.

Clean Up After Bad Weather- How to Reduce Firewood Cost 

A storm can cause a lot of destruction, and that includes destruction to trees. There are often sticks and logs everywhere after a storm, so volunteer to clean up. During this cleaning, you can take the wood for yourself.

Some towns have areas set up for people to discard wood after storms, so it’s all taken and dumped together. Visit this area and take what you need! 

Visit A Construction Site- How to Reduce Firewood Cost  

Construction workers use a lot of wood, but they can’t use all of it. They may have scrap wood they’re throwing away, so go to a local site and offer to take it off their hands. 

There may also have been trees uprooted on the site to make room for the new building, so ask if there’s any wood leftover from that that you can take or purchase for a low price.

Trim Peoples’ Trees or Consult Tree Trimmers- How to Reduce Firewood Cost  

If you can, offer your services as a tree trimmer to friends, family, neighbors, and the city/town council. If they can’t afford to pay, tell them the free firewood is payment enough.

You should also consult local tree trimmers. If they’re not using their trimmings, they may be willing to just give it away or sell it cheaply.

Check Out a Sawmill- How to Reduce Firewood Cost  

Sawmills often have so much scrap wood that they pay companies to take it away for them. Because of that, they may be willing to let you take as much as you want for free. After all, they’re not using it!

Use Wood Pallets- How to Reduce Firewood Cost  

Wooden shipping pallets burn well, and there’s often very little use for them once their initial job is done. You’ll often find ads trying to give them away on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and other places.

If you manage to get your hands on these for free or cheap, inspect them first. 

If they have metal in them—staples, nails, etc—don’t burn them. You also shouldn’t burn pallets marked with “MB” as this means they’re treated with Methyl Bromide, which is highly toxic.

Farm and Feed Stores- How to Reduce Firewood Cost 

Now we’re moving onto places where you’ll always have to pay, but at least these are pretty cheap! Anecdotally, people find Farm and Feed stores sell bundles of firewood for around $5. You may get a discount if you buy lots of wood.

Many Farm and Feed store regulars say the stores only charge you $1 more than what they paid for the wood when purchasing it.

Check out your local Farm and Feed stores, and make sure you’re polite and easy to deal with. The nicer you are, the more likely they’ll be to give you a good deal.

Gas Stations- How to Reduce Firewood Cost 

Gas stations are a great, reliable place to get firewood in emergencies. If you’re halfway to your campsite and realize you forgot your wood, then you can be sure you’ll find some at a gas station along the way.

However, gas station prices can be on the higher side. You can expect to pay $5-7 for a bundle depending on where you are. The closer you are to your campsite, the higher the price is likely to be.

If you don’t mind a high price, however, getting your wood close to your campsite is a good call, as you won’t have to travel with it crowding your car for too long.

Home Depot- How to Reduce Firewood Cost 

Home Depot is fantastic for selling high-quality, affordable firewood. Prices vary depending on location, but you can often get a bundle of firewood for $6 at your average Home Depot location.

Grocery Stores- How to Reduce Firewood Cost  

Many chain grocery stores, like Walmart, sell firewood. You can stock up for camping while you stock up on groceries! However, there’s a major downside: they hitch up those prices.

Grocery store firewood will often cost you over $7, as they mark up the prices to maximize their profits. If there’s nowhere else near you to get firewood then grocery stores are a great  place get the wood, but they wouldn’t be my first choice.

Quick tip: Try to get your grocery store wood near the end of winter. It may be discounted as many people will no longer be buying it to heat their homes.

At Your Campground- How to Reduce Firewood Cost 

I consider buying firewood at your campsite a last resort. It’s almost always available there, but it’s usually the priciest of all. The firewood can cost well over $7, and prices may be as high as $10 per bundle!

If you want a campfire for three hours per night on a three-day trip, that’s a minimum of $90  of campground firewood. You could burn the same amount of firewood from a Farm and Feed store and it’d only cost $45. 

This is assuming you burn one bundle per hour—it could cost double!

Speaking of burning firewood —if you’ve ever asked, “how much wood do I need for a campfire?” then wonder no more.

How to Minimize Your Firewood Cost

Buying smart is the best way to keep firewood costs low, but there are also ways to minimize how much wood you need to burn. Learning how long your campfire lasts with certain woods helps you do that.

So, how long does a campfire last? Well, it depends on how you burn your wood.

Burning dry hardwood will ensure your firewood burns for as long as possible, and that will help you minimize your firewood usage, and therefore you’ll have to buy less.

Oak and hickory are two of the best woods to use as they burn very hot and for long periods. 

Checking out these alternatives to campfire is also a great way to keep costs down! Many of the alternatives cost less than regularly buying firewood.

In Conclusion- How to Reduce Firewood Cost 

Getting affordable firewood is a simple matter of knowing where to look, so hopefully, this article has got you on your way to gathering all the wood you need for that comforting, roaring campfire.

Harvesting it yourself, checking out local ads, and gathering it around your local area will always be free or very, very cheap ways to get your hands on some quality firewood. And of course, burn your wood wisely to keep your costs down.

Go for the dense hardwoods, and ensure it’s seasoned well. If you do that, then you can be sure your wood will be long-lasting and as low-cost as possible for all your camping trips.

How Much Does Firewood Cost- FAQ & Tips

What are the different types of firewood available, and how do they differ in terms of cost and quality?

There are several different types of firewood available, and the cost and quality can vary depending on the type of wood. Here are some of the most common types of firewood:

1. Hardwood: Hardwoods such as oak, maple, hickory, and birch are typically more dense and burn longer than softwoods. They also tend to produce more heat and less smoke, making them a popular choice for heating and cooking. However, hardwoods can be more expensive than softwoods due to their density and slower growth rates.
2. Softwood: Softwoods such as pine, spruce, and fir are less dense and burn more quickly than hardwoods. They tend to produce more smoke and less heat, but they are often less expensive than hardwoods. Softwoods can be a good choice for starting fires or for use in outdoor fire pits.
3. Seasoned firewood: Seasoned firewood has been allowed to dry and age for several months to a year, which helps to reduce its moisture content and improve its burning properties. Seasoned firewood is often more expensive than unseasoned wood, but it burns more efficiently and produces less smoke.
4. Unseasoned firewood: Unseasoned firewood is wood that has been recently cut and has a higher moisture content. It can be less expensive than seasoned wood, but it tends to produce more smoke and burn less efficiently.
5. Kiln-dried firewood: Kiln-dried firewood is wood that has been dried in a kiln to reduce its moisture content to a specific level. Kiln-dried wood is often more expensive than other types of firewood, but it burns more efficiently and produces less smoke.
6. Mixed firewood: Mixed firewood is a combination of different types of wood, such as hardwood and softwood. It can be a good choice for those who want a balance of heat output and burning time.

Overall, the cost and quality of firewood can vary depending on the type of wood, how it has been seasoned, and other factors. It’s important to consider the specific needs of your heating or cooking application, as well as your budget, when selecting the best type of firewood for your needs.

What is the typical price range for firewood, and how much should you expect to pay per cord or by weight?

The typical price range for firewood can vary depending on several factors, including the type of wood, the region, and the time of year. In general, the price of firewood is usually quoted per cord or by weight.

A cord of firewood is a standard measurement that equals 128 cubic feet of wood. The price of a cord of firewood can range from around $100 to $500 or more, depending on the type of wood and the region.

For example, softwoods like pine or fir are often less expensive than hardwoods like oak or maple. In the United States, the cost of firewood tends to be higher in urban areas and during the winter season, when demand is highest.

Firewood can also be sold by weight, typically in units of pounds or tons. The cost per pound or ton can vary based on the type of wood, as well as local supply and demand.

It’s important to keep in mind that the quality of the firewood can also impact the price. Well-seasoned and dry firewood tends to burn more efficiently and produce less smoke, so it may be priced higher than unseasoned or green wood.

Overall, the price of firewood can vary widely depending on a range of factors. To get the best deal on firewood, it’s a good idea to compare prices from multiple suppliers and to buy in bulk when possible. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the firewood is properly seasoned and stored to ensure a clean and efficient burn.

How can you estimate how much firewood you will need for a given camping trip or heating season, and what factors should you consider when making this estimate?

Estimating how much firewood you will need for a given camping trip or heating season is an important step to ensure that you have enough wood to meet your needs without running out or having excess wood to store. Here are some tips to help you estimate how much firewood you will need:

1. Determine your daily usage: The first step is to estimate how much wood you will need to burn each day. This will depend on several factors, such as the size of your camping group or home, the temperature outside, and how often you plan to use the fire. A good rule of thumb is to assume that you will burn about 1 to 2 cords of wood per month for a medium-sized home.
2. Calculate the total usage: Once you have estimated your daily usage, multiply it by the number of days you plan to use the fire. For example, if you plan to go camping for three days and use the fire for 4 hours each night, you will need approximately 12 hours of firewood.
3. Account for inefficiencies: Keep in mind that not all the wood you burn will be converted into heat. Some of the wood will be consumed in the form of ash, smoke, and unburned fuel. To account for these inefficiencies, it’s a good idea to add an extra 20% to your estimated usage.
4. Consider the type of wood: Different types of wood burn at different rates and produce different amounts of heat. Hardwoods, for example, burn more slowly and produce more heat than softwoods. Keep this in mind when estimating how much firewood you will need.
5. Consider local regulations: In some areas, there may be regulations on how much firewood you can collect or burn. Check with your local authorities to ensure that you are in compliance with any regulations or restrictions.

By considering these factors and estimating your usage, you can ensure that you have enough firewood to meet your needs without wasting resources or running out of wood. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and buy a little more than you think you will need to be safe.

What are some considerations for storing firewood, such as proper stacking and seasoning, and how do these factors impact the quality and firewood cost?

Storing firewood properly is important to ensure that the wood is dry and ready to burn when you need it. Here are some considerations for storing firewood and how these factors impact the quality and cost of the wood:

1. Stack the wood properly: When stacking firewood, it’s important to ensure that the wood is stacked in a way that allows for proper air circulation. Stack the wood in a crisscross pattern to allow air to flow between the logs. This helps to promote drying and reduce the risk of mold or rot.
2. Keep the wood dry: Firewood should be stored in a dry location, such as a covered porch, shed, or garage. Exposure to rain, snow, or other forms of moisture can cause the wood to rot or become moldy.
3. Season the wood properly: Firewood should be properly seasoned before use to reduce the moisture content and improve its burning properties. Seasoning typically involves drying the wood for 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of wood and the climate. Properly seasoned wood is lighter in weight, produces less smoke, and burns more efficiently than unseasoned wood.
4. Consider the cost of storage: The cost of storing firewood can vary depending on the location and the method of storage. Storing wood indoors, for example, can be more expensive than storing it outdoors, but it may result in higher-quality, better-seasoned wood.
5. Rotate the wood: When stacking firewood, it’s a good idea to rotate the wood to ensure that the oldest wood is used first. This can help to prevent waste and ensure that you are using the best-quality wood for your fires.
6. Avoid stacking against the wall: When stacking firewood, it’s important to leave a gap between the wood and the wall or other structure to allow for proper air circulation. This helps to prevent mold or rot and ensures that the wood dries properly.

By considering these factors, you can ensure that your firewood is properly stored and ready to burn when you need it. Proper stacking, seasoning, and storage can also help to improve the quality of the wood and reduce the overall cost of heating or cooking with firewood.

How can you ensure that you are getting a fair price for firewood, and what questions should you ask when buying from a firewood supplier?

When buying firewood, it’s important to ensure that you are getting a fair price for the quality and quantity of wood you are purchasing. Here are some tips to help you get a fair price for firewood:

1. Shop around: Before buying firewood, it’s a good idea to compare prices from different suppliers in your area. This will give you an idea of the average price range for the type and quantity of wood you need.
2. Check the measurements: When purchasing firewood, make sure that you are getting the right amount for your money. Be sure to check the measurements, such as cords or weight, to ensure that you are getting what you paid for.
3. Check the quality: Quality can impact the price of firewood, so be sure to check the quality of the wood before buying. Well-seasoned and dry wood is typically more expensive than unseasoned or green wood, but it burns more efficiently and produces less smoke.
4. Ask about delivery: If you need firewood delivered, ask about the delivery fee and any other additional charges. Some suppliers may offer free delivery for larger orders or for customers within a certain distance.
5. Ask about discounts: Some firewood suppliers may offer discounts for bulk purchases, so be sure to ask about any discounts or promotions that may be available.
6. Ask about the type of wood: Different types of wood have different burning properties, so be sure to ask about the type of wood you are purchasing. Hardwoods tend to burn longer and produce more heat than softwoods, but they are typically more expensive.
7. Ask about storage: If the supplier will be storing the firewood for you, be sure to ask about the storage conditions. Firewood should be stored in a dry location to prevent mold, rot, and other types of damage.

By asking these questions, you can ensure that you are getting a fair price for your firewood and that the quality and quantity of the wood meet your needs. It’s always a good idea to work with a reputable and trustworthy supplier to ensure that you get the best value for your money.

If a campground has a rule that you can only purchase and use their wood, should you ignore it?

No, if a campground has a rule that you can only purchase and use their wood, you should not ignore it. Rules and regulations are put in place to ensure the safety of campers and to protect the environment, and violating them can result in fines or other penalties.

In addition, many campgrounds have rules about the type of wood that can be used in order to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Using wood from outside the campground could potentially introduce invasive species or other harmful pests, which can have serious ecological consequences.

If you are concerned about the cost or quality of the firewood sold at the campground, you can always ask for more information or clarification from the campground staff. Many campgrounds offer firewood for purchase that is properly seasoned and dried, which can burn more efficiently and produce less smoke.

Overall, it’s important to respect campground rules and regulations, as they are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone at the campground. By following the rules and working with campground staff, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience for everyone involved.

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/firewood-faq.htm

http://National Firewood Task Force Recommendations – CT.gov