Rajan Wilcox
The cost of wood fuel varies depending on the type of wood and the method of measurement. In 2008, wood fuel cost $15.15 per 1 million BTUs or $0.041 per kWh. The price of a cord of wood, which is 128 cubic feet of stacked wood, ranges from $150 to $500. Wood pellets, on the other hand, typically cost between $200 and $400 per ton, with an average of $250. The price of wood fuel is influenced by factors such as density, moisture content, and freight costs, and it can fluctuate over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of data | 2025 |
| Unit of wood fuel | Sold by the cord (128 cubic feet of stacked wood), pellets are sold by the bag or the ton |
| Average cost of wood pellets | $200 to $400 per ton |
| Average cost of a bag of wood pellets | $5 to $10 per 40-pound bag |
| Average cost of a cord of wood | $150 to $500 |
| Average burn time of a bag of wood pellets | 24 hours |
| Factors influencing the price of wood pellets | BTUs, ash content, moisture content, additives, supply, type of pellet, delivery, labour fees |
| Factors influencing the price of wood fuel | Freight costs, demand, raw material costs, handling costs, harvesting costs |
| Factors influencing burn time | Density of the fuel, moisture content, amount of oxygen allowed into the stove |
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What You'll Learn
Cost of wood pellets
The cost of wood pellets varies depending on several factors, including location, time of year, and market conditions. In 2024, the average cost of wood pellets in the United States ranges from $200 to $300 per ton, which equates to around $5 to $7 per 40-pound bag.
Wood pellets are typically sold by weight, with common package sizes being 40-pound bags or one-ton pallets. For example, Tractor Supply Co. offers 40-pound bags of HP40 Hard Wood Fuel Pellets, which are a renewable and clean-burning energy source. Energy Pellets of America also offers one-ton pallets of wood pellets made from 100% recycled wood, with 50 40-pound bags delivered on a pallet.
When considering the cost of wood pellets, it's important to take into account the efficiency of the fuel source. Pellet stoves and stove inserts are generally 75%-85% efficient, and wood pellets burn more efficiently than most other sources of energy due to their density and low moisture content, which also results in less ash.
Comparatively, wood pellets are expected to remain competitive with or cheaper than heating oil and electricity in most regions. While natural gas may be cheaper in some areas, the gap is predicted to narrow due to tightening environmental regulations. The stability of wood pellet prices also offers more predictable long-term costs compared to fossil fuels.
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Cost of cordwood
The cost of cordwood varies depending on several factors, including wood type, location, availability, season, and delivery fees. On average, a cord of wood costs around $300, with prices ranging from $150 to $500. This price can increase during the winter when wood is in higher demand, so it is advisable to purchase during the warmer months to secure a lower price.
The type of wood is a significant factor in determining the cost. Hardwoods, such as beech, elm, maple, aspen, birch, and oak, tend to be more expensive, falling in the range of $250 to $500 per cord. These woods burn longer and produce more heat, but they are harder to ignite and take longer to season. In contrast, softwoods like pine, spruce, willow, and cedar, are more affordable, typically priced between $150 and $300 per cord. Softwoods burn faster, produce more smoke, and are easier to ignite and season.
The location and availability of wood also influence the cost. Firewood is generally more expensive in desert climates and areas farther from forests. Additionally, some firewood merchants charge extra for delivery and stacking services, typically ranging from $25 to $150 per load. However, some sellers include these services in their base price or offer complimentary stacking for senior citizens.
The volume of wood purchased also affects the cost. A full cord, measuring 128 cubic feet (4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet deep), is the most expensive option. Smaller volumes, such as half cords, face cords, or bundles, are available at lower price points. For example, small bundles sold at grocery stores or gas stations typically cost between $5 and $15.
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Cost of firewood
The cost of firewood varies depending on the type of wood, quantity, and location. In the United States, for example, the price of firewood is often quoted per cord, which is 128 cubic feet of stacked wood. The cost of a cord of wood typically ranges from $150 to $500, although prices can be lower if you cut your own wood or buy in bulk. In Pennsylvania, cordwood has been the least expensive heating fuel for the past two decades, even compared to natural gas.
Wood pellets, which are usually sold in bags or tons, are another option for firewood. The cost of wood pellets varies depending on the type, quality, and supply, but they generally range from $200 to $400 per ton, with an average cost of $250. Pellets made from corn tend to be less expensive than those made from wood, while hardwood pellets are more costly than softwood or biomass blends.
To get the best value when purchasing firewood, consider factors such as density, moisture content, and burn time. Logs with higher moisture content may have a shorter burn time and require more air to achieve the desired heat level. Wood briquettes, on the other hand, tend to have a longer burn time and a lower cost per kWh than traditional logs.
Additionally, it's worth considering the sustainability and environmental impact of your firewood choices. Properly harvested wood can be carbon-neutral, offsetting the emissions produced during burning. By-products of burning wood, such as wood ash, can also have useful applications, such as fertilizer or soap manufacturing.
In terms of pricing trends, the cost of wood fuel has fluctuated over time, influenced by factors such as demand, freight costs, and raw material costs. For example, in the US South, wood fuel prices showed a general downward trend from 2007 to 2013, with quarter-over-quarter decreases in delivered prices. However, within this period, there were also increases in prices due to factors such as rising demand and freight costs.
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Cost of pine pulpwood
The cost of pine pulpwood varies depending on several factors, including the region, timber species, quality and size of the trees, local timber inventory, and market demands. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cost of pine pulpwood:
- Regional Price Variations: Pine pulpwood prices differ across regions. For example, in the third quarter of 2023, the South-wide average stumpage price for pine pulpwood was $7.59 per ton, representing a significant decline from the previous year. In contrast, in North Carolina, during the third quarter of 2024, pine pulpwood prices increased by 19% and 17% in Eastern and Western regions, respectively.
- Timber Species and Product Classes: The type of timber also influences its cost. For instance, in North Carolina, the price increases were observed in product classes for pine pulpwood, mixed hardwood sawtimber, and oak sawtimber. However, prices for pine chip-n-saw and pine sawtimber declined during the same period.
- Supply and Demand: Timber prices are directly impacted by market forces of supply and demand. When mills have a higher demand for wood, prices tend to increase, and when their demand decreases, prices may go down.
- Distance and Transportation: The distance between the timber source and the mill affects the cost of pine pulpwood. Transportation costs, including fuel expenses, are considered by timber companies when determining their bidding prices. The greater the distance, the higher the transportation costs, which are reflected in the final price of the timber.
- Competition and Market Dynamics: The presence of multiple mills in an area can create competition and impact timber prices. Additionally, local market dynamics, such as the availability of specific timber products in certain geographical areas, can influence prices, with some regions commanding higher prices due to the uniqueness of their products.
- Local Considerations: Various local factors can also play a role in determining pine pulpwood costs. These include the size and quality of the trees, site accessibility, mill types and capacities, logging capabilities, and transportation capacity.
While pine pulpwood prices have experienced fluctuations, with some regions showing increases and others declines, the overall trend suggests that pine pulpwood prices are expected to remain relatively stable or trend lower due to increasing lumber production and structural changes in the paper sector.
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Cost of hardwood pulpwood
The cost of hardwood pulpwood varies depending on the region and the method of purchase. In the US South, the average delivered price of hardwood pulpwood was $39.36 per ton in 2Q2013, with a slight decrease to $39.53 per ton in 2Q2014. During the same period, the average price per ton for wood fuel in the US South ranged from $19.62 to $21.53. Hardwood pulpwood prices are influenced by factors such as demand, harvesting costs, and freight costs.
In the Northeastern states of the US, hardwood pulpwood consumption has increased significantly over the years, with Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont being the leading consumers. While real price increases for hardwood pulpwood were observed in Maine and Vermont, the overall trend in these states has been a shift from softwoods to hardwoods.
The cost of hardwood pulpwood can also vary depending on whether it is purchased as cordwood or pellets. For example, in Pennsylvania, cutting your own cordwood is estimated to cost around $50 per cord, while buying delivered cordwood can cost $150 per cord, and using wood pellets can cost up to $200 per ton.
It is worth noting that the cost of hardwood pulpwood may be influenced by factors such as seasonality and the relationship between hardwood and pine sawtimber harvest activity. Additionally, hardwood pulpwood is often delivered in roundwood or chips, so the delivered costs are expressed in chip equivalent per ton to maintain cost consistency.
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Frequently asked questions
Wood fuel prices in the US South have been fluctuating over the years. In 2012, the average price was $19.62/ton, which increased to $19.94/ton in 2013.
Wood pellets cost anywhere from $200 to $400, with an average cost of $250 per ton. Pellets are also sold in 40-pound bags, which cost around $5 to $10 each.
Cordwood is sold by the cord (128 cubic feet of stacked wood). The cost of cordwood varies depending on whether you cut it yourself or have it delivered. If you cut your own cordwood, it is estimated to cost around $50 per cord, while delivered cordwood costs around $150 per cord.
The cost of wood fuel can be influenced by various factors, including the type of wood, density, moisture content, ash content, and additives. Additionally, supply, delivery, and local waste-wood availability can also impact the price of wood fuel.
