A half cord of firewood typically costs about $180 to $280 in the United States, though local prices can fall outside that range. The final amount depends on your location, wood species, seasoning, delivery distance, and whether stacking is included. HomeGuide’s 2026 estimate puts half-cord prices in this range.
Before ordering, confirm what the seller means by “half cord.” Some sellers use informal terms such as “face cord,” “rick,” or “truckload,” which can describe different amounts of wood.
What Is a Half Cord of Wood?
A full cord is a neatly stacked pile that occupies 128 cubic feet, including the spaces between the logs. A half cord is half that amount: 64 cubic feet.
A half cord can be stacked in different shapes, provided the total volume is 64 cubic feet. For example, it could measure:
- 4 feet high × 4 feet wide × 4 feet long
- 2 feet high × 4 feet wide × 8 feet long
These measurements describe the stacked pile, not 64 cubic feet of solid wood. Log length affects the shape of the stack.
What Affects the Price of a Half Cord?
Wood species
Hardwoods such as oak, hickory, and maple often cost more than softer or mixed firewood. Hardwood is popular for heating because it generally burns longer than lighter woods when both are properly seasoned.
Seasoning and moisture
Seasoned firewood has been dried for burning, while green wood needs more time to dry. Kiln-dried firewood may cost more because it has been dried in a controlled process. Ask the seller whether the wood is ready to burn and how its moisture level is measured.
Delivery and stacking
Delivery may be included in the quoted price or charged separately, particularly for longer distances. Stacking may also cost extra. Ask for the full delivered price before placing an order.
Time of year
Firewood demand tends to rise as cold weather approaches. Ordering earlier may give you more choice and time to confirm the wood is properly seasoned.
Log length and preparation
Split, cut-to-length firewood is generally more convenient than unsplit logs. Make sure the pieces fit your fireplace, wood stove, or fire pit before ordering.
How to Check That You’re Getting a Half Cord
Ask the seller to state the amount in cords or cubic feet, along with the log length and whether the pile will be stacked or delivered loose. If the wood is stacked, measure the pile’s height, width, and length, then multiply those measurements:
Height × width × length = volume in cubic feet
A stacked pile measuring 4 feet × 4 feet × 4 feet occupies 64 cubic feet, or half a cord. A loosely dumped load is harder to measure accurately because the wood is not arranged compactly.
Is a Half Cord the Same as a Face Cord?
No. A face cord is a single row of wood that is typically 4 feet high and 8 feet long, but its depth depends on the length of the pieces. That means a face cord is not a fixed volume and may be less than a half cord.
Ask the seller for the stack dimensions and log length instead of relying on terms like “face cord,” “rick,” or “truckload.”
Is Buying a Half Cord Worth It?
A half cord can be a good choice if you use firewood occasionally, have limited storage space, or want to try a supplier before ordering more. However, a half cord may cost more per cord than buying a full cord because delivery and handling costs do not always drop by half.
If you burn wood regularly through winter, compare the total price for a half cord and a full cord, including delivery and stacking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic feet are in a half cord of wood?
A half cord occupies 64 cubic feet when neatly stacked, including the air spaces between the pieces.
How much does a half cord of wood cost in 2026?
A current U.S. estimate is about $180 to $280, but prices vary by region, wood type, season, and delivery. Check local sellers for an accurate quote.
How many logs are in a half cord?
There is no standard number. The count depends on log length, thickness, how the wood is split, and how tightly it is stacked. Volume is a more reliable way to compare orders.
Will a half cord fit in a pickup truck?
It depends on the truck’s bed size, load capacity, and how the firewood is stacked. A half cord occupies 64 cubic feet when stacked, so do not assume that a loosely filled truck bed contains that amount. Check your vehicle’s payload limit before hauling firewood.
Should I buy seasoned or green firewood?
Buy seasoned firewood if you plan to burn it soon. Green wood needs time to dry and may produce more smoke while burning. Ask the seller about the wood’s condition and moisture content.
Conclusion
A half cord of firewood generally costs around $180 to $280 in 2026, but the local price can vary significantly. Confirm that the amount is 64 cubic feet of neatly stacked wood, ask whether delivery and stacking are included, and check that the log length and seasoning suit your needs. Comparing the full delivered price will help you avoid surprises.