How much does a cord of firewood cost in Western North Carolina?
It varies too much for an honest single number — a full cord in WNC runs a range that swings with species, how well it's seasoned, and how far it's delivered and stacked. Green softwood is the cheapest; seasoned or kiln-dried hardwood, delivered and stacked, costs the most. Since we install and service wood appliances rather than sell firewood, call a few local suppliers for this season's going rate.
What actually drives the price
Four things move the number more than anything else. Species: dense hardwoods like oak, hickory, and locust cost more than pine or poplar because they burn hotter and longer per cord. Seasoning: green wood is cheapest, properly seasoned costs more, and kiln-dried commands a premium for being burn-ready and bug-free. Delivery: hauling a cord up a mountain road to Fairview or a cove outside Brevard adds more than a drop across town in Asheville. And stacking: 'dumped in the driveway' is one price, 'stacked where you want it' is another.
Why the range moves year to year
Firewood is a local, seasonal market, and prices here swing with the weather and the calendar. A cold forecast or an early snap sends demand — and price — up in the fall; buying in spring or summer is almost always cheaper. Storm cleanup matters too: after big blowdowns there's a glut of raw wood, but seasoned, ready-to-burn wood stays scarce because seasoning still takes months to a year no matter how much raw timber is lying around. That's why the seasoned premium holds even in a wet, windy year.
Getting an honest cord for your money
Buy from an established local seller, insist on a true full cord — 128 cubic feet, a stack about 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet — and get the price with delivery and stacking spelled out so you can compare apples to apples. Ask whether it's seasoned or green, because a cheap 'cord' of green wood you can't burn until next winter isn't the deal it looks like. We don't sell firewood, but if your wood stove or fireplace isn't drawing well or burning clean, that's our lane — call (828) 545-0525.
Related questions
- What is a cord of firewood, and how many cords do I need for a winter?
- What's the difference between a face cord (or rick) and a full cord of firewood?
- Is it cheaper to buy green firewood in spring and season it myself?
- What should I look for when buying firewood?
- What is kiln-dried firewood and is it worth the extra cost?
- How do I know if my house has natural gas or propane?
Still deciding? Talk to a real installer.
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