How Much Firewood Do You Need?
Calculate cords of firewood needed for the heating season based on home size, climate zone, and heating method.
How Much Firewood You Need
A cord is 128 cubic feet (4×4×8 feet stacked). For a 2,000 sq ft home in a cold climate using firewood as primary heat, expect to burn 4-6 cords per season. Supplemental heating (firewood + furnace): 2-3 cords. Occasional use: 0.5-1 cord. Hardwoods (oak, maple, hickory) burn hotter and longer — one cord of oak produces as much heat as 1.5 cords of pine.
Hardwood vs Softwood
Hardwoods (oak, maple, hickory, ash): 24+ million BTU per cord, long burn time, excellent coals, less creosote. Best for heating. Softwoods (pine, spruce, fir): 15-18 million BTU per cord, burns fast, more creosote buildup, easier to split. Better for kindling and shoulder-season fires. Best value: Buy seasoned (dried 6-12 months) hardwood. Green wood has 30-50% moisture and produces half the heat while creating dangerous creosote buildup in your chimney.
Firewood calculator searches peak September-November as people prepare for winter. In cold-climate states, this is a critical seasonal purchase decision. Firewood suppliers and stove retailers advertise in this space at $3-8 CPC.
