Whether you’re heating your home with a wood stove or preparing for a season of cozy backyard fires, buying firewood by the cord is often the most economical and efficient option. But when is the best time of year to buy firewood by the cord?
Knowing the right season to stock up not only saves money—it also ensures you get properly seasoned wood that burns efficiently and safely. In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of buying firewood during each season, and help you find the sweet spot for both value and quality.
Understanding a Cord of Firewood
Before diving into the seasonal advantages, it’s important to understand what a “cord” means in the firewood world. A cord of firewood is a stacked volume of wood measuring 128 cubic feet, typically arranged as a stack 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long.
Buying by the cord ensures you’re getting a standardized amount—ideal for budgeting and planning your firewood needs for the season.
Spring: The Smartest Time to Buy
Best for: Savings, seasoning time, and selection
Spring is arguably the best time of year to buy firewood by the cord. Here’s why:
- Lower Prices: Demand drops after winter, so many suppliers lower their prices to clear out stock or prepare for the next season’s harvest.
- Ample Selection: Suppliers are replenishing their inventory, giving you more choices in wood type and quantity.
- Time to Season: If you’re buying green (unseasoned) wood, spring gives it the entire summer to dry before winter use—ideally, wood needs 6–12 months to season properly.
Pro Tip: Stack your wood off the ground in a sunny, breezy area and cover only the top to protect it from rain while still allowing airflow.
Summer: Good Time for Seasoned Wood
Best for: Buying ready-to-burn wood
If you missed the spring window, summer is still a solid option:
- Ready-to-burn Availability: By mid to late summer, many firewood suppliers begin selling seasoned wood—dried and ready to use.
- Moderate Prices: You may still enjoy reasonable pricing, especially early in the season before fall demand spikes.
- Ideal Weather for Storage: Summer heat continues to dry wood efficiently, especially if you’re finishing the seasoning process at home.
If you’re looking for a reliable firewood provider in Northwest Montana, Flathead Father N’ Son is a trusted name offering quality cords of seasoned and split firewood, perfect for home heating or outdoor use.
Fall: Peak Demand, Higher Prices
Best for: Last-minute buyers
Fall is when most people think about buying firewood—but it’s not always the best time:
- High Demand: Prices often spike as everyone starts preparing for the cold months.
- Limited Selection: Seasoned wood sells out quickly, and you may be left with less desirable types or unseasoned options.
- Pressure to Store Quickly: Weather becomes unpredictable, so you’ll need to move fast to store it properly before rain or snow hits.
If you have no choice but to buy in fall, call ahead and ask if the firewood is truly seasoned. Wet or green wood can lead to creosote buildup in chimneys and less efficient heating.
Winter: Last Resort
Best for: Emergency stock-ups
Winter is the least ideal time to buy firewood by the cord, but sometimes it’s unavoidable:
- Highest Prices: With demand at its peak, prices are inflated.
- Limited Supply: Most seasoned stock has already been sold, and cutting new wood is slower due to weather.
- Harder to Transport & Store: Snow and freezing temperatures complicate delivery and storage.
However, in emergencies or during unexpectedly long winters, it’s better to buy than run out—just be ready to pay more and deal with potentially lower quality.
Quick Tips for Buying Firewood by the Cord
- Check Moisture Content: Ideal seasoned firewood should have a moisture level under 20%.
- Buy Local: Reduces transport costs and ensures you’re buying wood suited for your climate.
- Avoid Scams: Always measure your cord on delivery; some suppliers shortchange unsuspecting buyers.
- Mix Hardwood and Softwood: Hardwoods like oak and maple burn longer, while softwoods like pine are good for kindling.
Conclusion
Timing is everything when it comes to firewood. For the best combination of price, quality, and preparation time, spring is the best time of year to buy firewood by the cord. Whether you’re preparing for a long, snowy winter or stocking up for weekend campfires, early planning pays off.
And remember, trusted local suppliers like Flathead Father N’ Son can make the process even smoother with quality products and reliable service.
