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 youâre 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 wood 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
- FAQs: Firewood Buyers Guide
- Wrap-up: Firewood Buyerâs Guide
Understanding Firewood Terminology
Before diving into firewood selection, itâs important to understand the common terms youâll 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 Ă 4 feet wide Ă 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 ârickâ or ârankâ in some regions, a face cord is a stack of wood 4 feet high Ă 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.
Best Woods for Fire Pits
Not all firewood is created equal.
Hereâs 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 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 Firewood Choices for Fire Pits
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 aroma, making it excellent for both warmth and cooking.
- Maple: Offers steady, even heat with minimal smoke and good coals.
- 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
- 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.
What Makes Quality Firewood Worth Buying
When shopping for firewood, 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
- 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
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 to 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 to 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.
- What volume measurement do you use? Ensure youâre 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 doesnât meet expectations.
Tips for Negotiating and Building Relationships
- Buy in off-season: Purchasing firewood in spring or summer often means lower prices
- 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
Estimating Your Firewood Needs
How much firewood youâll 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.
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 2023):
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
- Delivery fees: $25-$75 depending on distance
- Stacking services: $25-$50 per cord
- Rush delivery: $25-$100 premium
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
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 thatâs 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
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Practices
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 âLeave No Traceâ principles: Properly dispose of ash and unburned materials
FAQs: Firewood Buyers Guide
When inspecting firewood for pests or diseases before purchase, 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 surfaceâif dust, sawdust, or insects fall out, thatâs 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 sensesâwood with musty odors or visible mold should be avoided, as these conditions can affect burning performance and potentially introduce allergens to your home environment.
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 sparinglyâabout 1/4 cup per square foot annuallyâand 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 itâs 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.
Investing in a moisture meter for checking firewood quality is absolutely worth the modest $20-$50 investment, especially if youâre a regular fire pit user concerned about performance and value.
Moisture content directly impacts burn efficiencyâproperly 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 firewoodâs 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 smoke exposure.
Wrap-up: Firewood Buyerâs 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, youâll enjoy more consistent fires with less smoke, more heat, and longer burn times.
Whether youâre 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 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 youâll 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.
