Ultimate Firewood Buyers Guide for Fire Pit Enthusiasts

Image of a pile of firewood dumped on the sidewalk of the front of a house.

Nothing enhances outdoor gatherings quite like the dancing flames and comforting warmth of a backyard fire pit, which is why this firewood buyers guide is essential for fire pit owners.

Whether you’re roasting marshmallows with family, enjoying drinks with friends, or simply unwinding after a long day, the quality of your firewood directly impacts your experience.

This comprehensive firewood buyers guide will help you navigate the world of firewood, from understanding basic terminology to finding the best burning firewood for your specific needs.

Table Of Contents

Understanding Firewood Terminology
Best Woods for Fire Pits
What Makes Quality Firewood Worth Buying
Finding and Working with Local Firewood Vendors
Estimating Your Firewood Needs
Cost of Firewood in the U.S.
Storing Your Firewood
Preparing Wood for Your Fire Pit
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Practices for Firewood Buyers
FAQs: Firewood Buyers Guide
Wrap-up: Firewood Buyer's Guide

Image of several stacks of split firewood in a large yard. — Seasoned firewood has lower moisture content and burns better than green wood

Understanding Firewood Terminology

Before diving into firewood selection, it’s important to understand the common terms you’ll encounter when shopping:

Seasoned vs. Green Firewood

Seasoned Firewood: This refers to wood that has been cut, split, and properly dried for at least 6-12 months.

Properly seasoned firewood typically has:

A moisture content below 20%

Visible cracks on the end grain

Darkened color compared to freshly cut wood

A hollow sound when two pieces are knocked together

Loose or peeling bark

Green Firewood: This is freshly cut wood with a high moisture content (often 45% or higher).

This type of firewood:

Is difficult to light and keep burning

Produces excessive smoke

Creates less heat as energy is wasted evaporating water

Can lead to dangerous creosote buildup in chimneys if used indoors

Often has firmly attached bark and no end grain cracks

Measurement Terms

Full Cord: The standard measurement for firewood, consisting of a stacked pile measuring 4 feet high × 4 feet wide × 8 feet long (128 cubic feet). This is a significant amount of wood that weighs approximately 2,000-4,000 pounds depending on the species.

Face Cord: Also called a “rick” or “rank” in some regions, a face cord is a stack of wood 4 feet high × 8 feet long, but with varying depths based on the length of the pieces. Typically, a face cord contains wood cut to 16 inches deep, making it approximately 1/3 of a full cord.

Bundle: The small packages of firewood sold at grocery stores, campgrounds, and convenience stores. These typically contain 0.75-1.5 cubic feet of wood, about 1/100th of a cord.

BTU (British Thermal Unit): A measurement of heat output. Different wood species produce different BTU ratings, indicating how much heat they generate when burned. Check out my comprehensive firewood BTU ratings chart for related information for the most common types of firewood. A shorter, more focused chart can be found in next section

Image of split white oak firewood stacked. — Firewood buyers should know the difference between hardwoods and softwoods

Best Woods for Fire Pits

Not all firewood is created equal.

Here’s what makes certain woods superior for outdoor fire pits:

Hardwoods vs. Softwoods

Hardwoods come from deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves) and generally:

Burn longer and hotter

Produce less smoke and sparks

Create better coals for cooking

Are denser and heavier

Cost more per cord

Softwoods come from coniferous trees (typically evergreens) and generally:

Ignite more easily

Burn more quickly

Produce more sparks and smoke

Cost less per cord

May contain more resin/sap

Firewood Characteristics Comparison

The table below provides key metrics that firewood buyers typically want to know when purchasing firewood for their fire pits:

Wood Type	Heat Output (BTUs/Cord)	Density (lbs/cubic ft)	Smoke Production	Spark Production	Aroma	Best Use
Oak (White)	29.1 million	47-50	Low	Low	Mild	Long burns, heating
Oak (Red)	27.5 million	45-48	Low-Medium	Low	Mild	Long burns, heating
Hickory	30.8 million	50-55	Medium	Medium	Strong, bacon-like	Cooking, long burns
Maple (Hard)	25.5 million	42-44	Low	Low	Mild, slightly sweet	All-purpose
Ash	24.0 million	40-44	Very Low	Low	Neutral	Easy lighting, clean burning
Beech	27.5 million	45	Low	Low	Neutral	Long burns, heating
Cherry	20.0 million	35	Low-Medium	Low	Sweet, fruity	Cooking, aromatic fires
Birch	20.3 million	38-40	Medium	Medium-High	Slight wintergreen	Easy lighting, attractive flames
Walnut	22.2 million	38-40	Medium	Low	Mild, nutty	Decorative fires, cooking
Cedar	18.0 million	22-25	Medium-High	High	Strong, distinctive	Fire starting, aromatic
Pine	16.2 million	25-30	High	Very High	Resinous	Fire starting, quick heat

Top Wood Choices for Firewood Buyers

Selecting the right wood for your fire pit can make the difference between a crackling, long-lasting fire and one that burns out quickly with excessive smoke.

These fire pit firewood profiles highlight the best hardwood options that deliver exceptional burn time, consistent heat output, and minimal maintenance.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or relaxing outdoors, firewood buyers will appreciate these premium hardwoods for strong, reliable fires.

Longest Burning Hardwoods

Oak (White and Red): Burns slowly with high heat output and creates excellent coals. White oak is slightly superior to Red Oak.

Hickory: Produces intense heat with a pleasant firewood aroma, making it excellent for both warmth and cooking.

Maple: Offers steady, even heat with minimal smoke and good coals.

Black Ash: Burns well even when not completely seasoned, with good heat and relatively low smoke.

Beech: Similar to maple, provides consistent heat with minimal smoke.

Good Mid-Range Options

Cherry: Burns moderately hot with a pleasant aroma and attractive flames.

Birch: Ignites easily and burns with bright flames, though not as long-lasting as oak or hickory.

Walnut: Moderate heat output with an interesting aroma.

Best Softwoods (for starting fires)

Cedar: Ignites easily with a distinctive pleasant aroma but produces more sparks.

Pine: Readily available and ignites quickly, good for starting fires but burns rapidly.

Woods to Avoid

These are wood-based products that should not be burned in a fire pit for a number of reasons, primarily health relate:

Pressure-treated lumber: Contains toxic chemicals that release harmful fumes when burned.

Painted or stained wood: Releases toxic compounds when burned.

Driftwood: When burned, can release salt-based compounds that are corrosive and potentially harmful.

Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac: The smoke can carry the irritating oils.

Very resinous softwoods (in enclosed spaces): Can cause excessive creosote buildup if used in chimneys.

Image of well-seasoned fire pit splits stacked. — Quality firewood is properly seasoned, consistently sized, and sourced sustainably

What Makes Quality Firewood Worth Buying

When shopping for wood using this firewood buyers guide, look for these indicators of quality:

Physical Characteristics

Proper seasoning: Look for dark ends with visible cracks

Consistent size: Uniformly split pieces that fit your fire pit

Clean wood: Free from mold, fungus, or insect infestations

Minimal bark: Excessive bark creates more smoke and ash

Solid pieces: Avoid punky, rotten, or decomposing wood

Source Considerations for Firewood Buyers

Local sourcing: Reduces transportation costs and environmental impact

Sustainable harvesting: Wood from managed forests or arborist operations

Species mix: A good combination of easy-lighting softwoods and long-burning hardwoods

Certification: Some premium firewood vendors offer certified heat-treated or kiln-dried firewood options

Image of a man searching on his laptop for local firewood vendors for a firewood buyers guide. — Find reputable vendors, develop relationships, and buy quality local firewood

Finding and Working with Local Firewood Vendors

Building a relationship with a reliable local firewood supplier can ensure you get quality wood at fair prices year after year.

Where Firewood Buyers Can Find Local Vendors

Online marketplaces: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, NextDoor

Local farm supply stores: Many rural supply stores either sell firewood or can recommend vendors

Tree services: Arborists and tree removal companies often sell excess wood

Word of mouth: Ask neighbors or local fire pit enthusiasts for recommendations

Firewood dealer directories: Some states maintain lists of registered firewood dealers

Questions Firewood Buyers Should Ask Potential Vendors

What species of wood are you selling? Different woods have different burning characteristics.

How long has the wood been seasoned? Properly seasoned wood should have dried for 6-12 months.

Do you deliver, and if so, what are the fees? Delivery fees can significantly impact the total price.

Do you stack firewood and if so, what are the fees if any? Unless you like stacking wood, make sure to get an answer to this one.

What volume measurement do you use? Ensure you’re getting a true cord or face cord.

Is the wood split to consistent sizes? Consistency makes stacking and burning easier.

Where was the wood harvested? Local wood minimizes the spread of invasive species.

Do you offer any guarantees on quality? Some vendors will replace wood that doesn’t meet expectations.

Tips for Negotiating and Building Relationships

Buy in off-season: Purchasing in in the US in the spring or summer often means lower firewood prices (link to our US firewood pricing guide for 2024-25). For our readers in the UK check out our UK firewood prices guide for 2024-25.

Order larger quantities: Many vendors offer discounts for full cord purchases

Become a repeat customer: Developing a relationship can lead to priority service and better prices

Refer new customers: Some vendors offer discounts for referrals

Consider shared deliveries: Split delivery fees with neighbors by ordering together

Image of a burning fire pit at night in a backyard. — Usage frequency and fire pit size determine firewood needs

Estimating Your Firewood Needs

How much firewood you’ll need depends on several factors:

Factors Affecting Consumption

Fire pit size: Larger pits consume more wood to maintain the same flame level

Burning frequency: Weekend-only use versus daily fires

Typical burn duration: Quick evening fires versus all-day gatherings

Season and climate: Year-round use in mild climates versus seasonal use

Wood species: Hardwoods burn longer than softwoods

General Estimates for Typical Use

Occasional use (1-2 fires per month): 1/4 to 1/2 face cord per season

Regular weekend use (1-2 fires per week): 1/2 to 1 face cord per season

Frequent use (3-4 fires per week): 1 to 2 face cords per season

Daily use: 2+ face cords per season

For perspective, a typical backyard fire pit session might consume 10-20 pieces of wood over 2-3 hours, with about 40-50 pieces in a standard bundle.

Check out my Firewood Needs Calculator to streamline the process of estimating how much firewood you’ll need based on the factors discussed above.

While you’re at it, check out this page with all of Backyard Toasty’s firewood calculators, to get estimates for a variety of firewood related needs.

Image of a man estimating how much firewood to order. — Firewood pricing varies by wood type, region, and quantity purchased

Cost of Firewood in the U.S.

Firewood prices vary significantly based on location, availability, species, and quality.

Here are general price ranges (as of 2025):

Full Cord Pricing

Budget hardwood mix: $150-$250

Premium hardwoods (oak, hickory, maple): $275-$400

Specialty cooking woods (cherry, apple): $350-$500+

Face Cord/Rick Pricing

Mixed hardwoods: $75-$125

Premium hardwoods: $100-$175

Specialty woods: $125-$200+

Bundle Pricing

Standard bundles (convenience stores, groceries): $5-$9

Premium kiln-dried bundles: $8-$15

Specialty cooking woods: $10-$20

Regional Price Variations

Northeast and Midwest: Generally higher prices due to heating demand

Southeast and South: Typically lower prices with some seasonal fluctuation

West Coast: Variable pricing with premium rates in urban areas

Mountain regions: Prices vary with availability of local forests

Additional Costs Firewood Buyers Should Know About

Delivery fees: $25-$75 depending on distance

Stacking services: $25-$50 per cord

Rush delivery: $25-$100 premium

Image of a cord of firewood stored in a covered shed. — Store firewood on racks or under tarps to keep dry

Storing Your Firewood

Proper storage extends the life and quality of your firewood investment:

Ideal Storage Conditions

Elevated: Keep wood off the ground using pallets or a rack

Covered top: Protect from rain and snow while allowing airflow

Open sides: Allow air circulation to prevent mold

Sunny location: Helps continue the seasoning process

Away from structures: Store at least 10 feet from your home to discourage pests

Storage Solutions

Commercial wood racks: Durable, purpose-built solution ($50-$200)

DIY racks: Can be built with pallets or cinder blocks and lumber

Covered wood storage sheds: Premium option for serious users ($200-$1000)

Temporary coverage: A tarp over just the top of the stack works well

Image of carpenter ant on a piece of old piece of wood. — Firewood buyers should check firewood for pests, like the carpenter ant, before bringing it home

Preparing Wood for Your Fire Pit

A little preparation before burning ensures the best experience:

Before the Fire

Bring wood indoors a day before use to warm it slightly and remove surface moisture

Sort by size: Separate kindling, small pieces, and larger logs

Check for critters: Especially in wood that’s been stored for some time

Remove excess bark if you want to reduce fire pit smoke and spark production

Building the Fire

Start small: Begin with kindling and smaller pieces before adding larger logs

Create airflow: Arrange wood to allow oxygen circulation

Crosshatch pattern: Stack pieces perpendicular to each other for stability and airflow

Use natural fire starters: Pinecones, dried citrus peels, or commercial starters instead of lighter fluid

Image of an ad for eco-friendly firewood advocacy. — Sustainable firewood buying helps protect forests and air quality

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Practices for Firewood Buyers

Being responsible with your firewood choices helps protect forests and air quality:

Sustainable Sourcing

Buy local: Prevents spread of invasive insects and diseases

Use certified wood: Some regions offer certification for sustainably harvested firewood

Consider salvaged wood: Trees removed due to disease or development

Avoid harvesting in protected areas: Never remove wood from parks or preserves without permission

Reducing Environmental Impact

Burn hot, efficient fires: Reduces particulate emissions

Use seasoned wood only: Creates less smoke and pollution

Consider manufactured logs: Some eco-friendly options produce fewer emissions

Practice “Leave No Trace” principles: Properly dispose of ash and unburned materials

For related content, check out my article Fire Pit Fuels Compared: Which is Right for Your Backyard?

Image of a moisture meter in action. — A moisture meter is essential for ensuring quality burns

FAQs: Firewood Buyers Guide

1. How can I tell if firewood has pests or diseases before purchasing?

When inspecting firewood for pests or diseases before purchase, firewood buyers should look for several telltale signs that indicate potential problems.

First, examine the wood carefully for small holes, tunnels, sawdust-like material (frass), or unusual discoloration, as these often signal insect infestation or fungal growth.

Tap logs firmly against a hard surface—if dust, sawdust, or insects fall out, that’s a clear warning sign to avoid that batch.

Check for loose bark, as the space between loose bark and wood often harbors insects. Fresh exit holes (perfectly round and clean-looking) indicate active insects, while old exit holes (weathered or discolored) suggest past infestations.

Ask vendors about their wood sourcing and whether they follow heat treatment protocols (reaching 160°F for at least 75 minutes) to eliminate pests.

Quality vendors should be transparent about their pest management practices and may offer certified heat-treated or kiln-dried options that virtually eliminate pest concerns.

Finally, trust your senses—wood with musty odors or visible mold should be avoided, as these conditions can affect burning performance and potentially introduce allergens to your home environment.

2. What’s the best way to repurpose firewood ash from my fire pit?

Firewood ash from your fire pit can be a versatile resource with multiple practical applications around your home and garden.

Wood ash serves as an excellent garden amendment for alkaline-loving plants like lavender, lilacs, and certain vegetables (including cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli), as it contains beneficial nutrients like potassium, calcium, and magnesium while raising soil pH.

When adding ash to your garden, apply it sparingly—about 1/4 cup per square foot annually—and always perform a soil test first to avoid making soil too alkaline.

Beyond gardening, cooled ash can be used as a natural cleaning agent for glass and metal surfaces, mixed with water to create a paste for removing stubborn grime, sprinkled on icy walkways for traction in winter, or added to compost piles in small amounts (no more than 5% of total volume) to balance acidity.

For safety, always collect ash in a metal container only after it’s completely cool (24-48 hours after your fire), store it in a dry place away from flammable materials, and wear gloves and a mask when handling it to avoid skin irritation and inhalation of fine particles that could cause respiratory issues.

3. Is it worth investing in a moisture meter for checking firewood quality?

Investing in a moisture meter for checking firewood quality is absolutely worth the modest $20-$50 investment, especially if you’re a regular fire pit user concerned about performance and value

Moisture content directly impacts burn efficiency—properly seasoned firewood should have a moisture content between 15-20%, while anything above 25% will burn poorly, creating excessive smoke, reduced heat output, and potential creosote buildup.

A moisture meter provides objective verification of wood seasoning claims from vendors, preventing the frustration and waste of purchasing green or improperly dried wood that performs disappointingly.

Using a meter is simple: just press the pins into the split face of the wood (not the end grain) and take multiple readings from different pieces for accuracy.

Beyond ensuring quality at purchase, a moisture meter helps monitor your own stored firewood’s drying progress if you buy wood in advance.

Many experienced fire pit enthusiasts report that their moisture meters quickly paid for themselves by helping them avoid even one bad cord of inadequately seasoned wood, while simultaneously improving their fire experiences with consistently hot, clean-burning flames that maximize their enjoyment and minimize fire pit smoke exposure.

Image of a clean burning fire pit for a firewood buyers guide. — Quality firewood means better fires: less smoke, more heat, longer burns

Wrap-up: Firewood Buyer’s Guide

Quality firewood is the foundation of memorable fire pit experiences.

By understanding what to look for, where to buy it, and how to properly store and use your wood, you’ll enjoy more consistent fires with less smoke, more heat, and longer burn times.

Whether you’re a casual weekend fire enthusiast or someone who enjoys daily outdoor fires, investing in good firewood pays dividends in enjoyment and efficiency.

Remember that developing relationships with reliable local firewood vendors and learning the characteristics of different wood species in your area will greatly enhance your fire pit experience.

Start with small quantities of different woods to discover your preferences, and soon you’ll be the neighborhood fire pit expert!

Finally, check out my Fire Pit Firewood BTU Chart for more information on not only firewood BTUs but how much various types of firewood smokes and sparks, and how long they take to season.