How Much Is a Rick of Wood?

If you’ve been shopping for firewood, you’ve probably come across the term “rick” — and maybe found it confusing. Sellers use it loosely, dimensions vary by region, and pricing can feel all over the place. This guide cuts through the confusion with clear pricing, size comparisons, wood species breakdowns, and practical tips to make sure you get your money’s worth.

A rick of wood typically costs between $75 and $200 in 2025. Most homeowners pay around $100–$150 for a rick of seasoned hardwood. Softwood ricks run cheaper at $80–$120, while premium hardwoods like oak or hickory can reach $200+.

What exactly is a rick of wood?

A rick of wood — also commonly called a face cord — is a stack of firewood measuring 4 feet high by 8 feet long. The depth, however, is where it gets variable: it depends on the length each log is cut to, typically 12 to 18 inches.

This variability is important. Because depth isn’t standardised, two sellers can both call their product a “rick” while selling meaningfully different volumes of wood. Always ask for the log length when buying a rick — it directly determines how much wood you’re actually getting.

Rick of wood price by region

Where you live makes a significant difference to what you’ll pay. States with abundant forests and mild winters tend to have more competitive firewood markets. Cold northern states see sharp price spikes in winter months as demand surges. Here are typical 2025 ranges by region:

Region	Rick price range	Season impact
Northeast (NY, MA, VT, ME)	$120 – $200	High seasonal spike
Midwest (OH, MI, WI, MN)	$90 – $160	High seasonal spike
Southeast (NC, GA, TN, VA)	$75 – $130	Moderate
Pacific Northwest (OR, WA)	$100 – $170	Moderate
Mountain West (CO, UT, ID)	$100 – $175	High seasonal spike
South/Southwest (TX, AZ, FL)	$75 – $120	Low seasonal impact

Delivery charges typically add $25–$75 on top of these prices, depending on distance. Some local suppliers include delivery within a certain radius; others charge by the mile. Always confirm before ordering.

Price by wood species

The type of wood in a rick is one of the biggest price drivers. Hardwoods cost more upfront but burn hotter, longer, and cleaner — often making them better value per hour of heat than cheaper softwoods.

---

---

Seasoned vs. green wood: does it affect price?

Yes — and significantly. Seasoned firewood (dried for 6–18 months) burns efficiently, produces more heat per log, and generates far less creosote buildup in your chimney. It costs more but delivers better value per fire.

Green wood (freshly cut, high moisture content) is cheaper upfront but burns poorly, producing more smoke and less heat. It also requires additional storage time before it’s usable. Unless you’re buying green wood to season yourself over the next 12 months, seasoned is almost always the smarter purchase.

⚠️ Watch out for short-measure ricks. Because “rick” has no legal definition in most US states, some sellers use the term to sell smaller-than-standard stacks. Always confirm the exact dimensions — height, length, and log depth — before paying. A legitimate rick is 4 ft × 8 ft × log length.

How long will a rick of wood last?

This depends on how often you burn and what you’re burning in. As a practical rule of thumb for a standard open fireplace:

Usage pattern	Estimated duration
Occasional fires (1–2 evenings/week)	6 – 10 weeks
Regular use (3–4 evenings/week)	3 – 5 weeks
Daily burning (primary heat source)	1 – 2 weeks
Efficient wood stove (regular use)	4 – 8 weeks

Wood stoves are significantly more efficient than open fireplaces — the same rick will last considerably longer in a stove than in an open hearth. If you’re using wood as a primary heat source through winter, plan on needing at least 3–5 ricks (roughly a full cord or more) for the season.

Tips for getting the best deal on a rick of wood

💡 Buyer’s tips

• Buy in late summer or early autumn. Firewood prices spike 20–40% in winter as demand surges in cold regions. Buying in August or September locks in off-season rates and gives you time to store properly.
• Always ask for exact dimensions. Confirm the height, length, and log depth before paying. A seller who won’t give you specific measurements is a red flag for a short-measure load.
• Buy a full cord with a neighbour. Splitting a cord with a neighbour often works out cheaper per rick than buying smaller quantities — and many suppliers offer free delivery for full cords.
• Check that the wood is seasoned. Properly seasoned firewood has visible cracks at the log ends, feels lighter than green wood, and makes a hollow “clunk” rather than a dull thud when two pieces are knocked together.
• Source locally. Local wood is cheaper (no long-distance haulage fees), often fresher, and avoids the risk of importing invasive tree pests. Many states actively restrict transporting firewood across county or state lines.
• Compare at least 3 suppliers. Prices for the same wood species in the same region can vary by 30–40% between sellers. A quick round of calls or a Craigslist check before committing can save real money.

The bottom line

A rick of wood costs $75 to $200 in most parts of the US in 2025, with the sweet spot for seasoned mixed hardwood sitting around $100–$150. Premium species like oak and hickory push toward the top of the range; softwoods like pine come in at the lower end. The most important things: confirm exact dimensions before buying, insist on properly seasoned wood, and shop in late summer to avoid winter price spikes. A little planning goes a long way when it comes to firewood.