Finding the right firewood supplier isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s about safety, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall burn quality. Whether you’re stocking up for the winter, lighting occasional weekend fires, smoking meat on your backyard BBQ, or sourcing bulk wood for a commercial kitchen, the supplier you choose can dramatically shape your experience. The wood itself, how it’s seasoned, the delivery terms, and even the kind of trees it comes from all matter. This guide is designed to help you navigate the process with confidence, outlining what to look for, where to find it, and how to ensure you’re getting the right firewood for your specific needs.

What Is a Firewood Supplier?

To start, let’s clarify what we mean when we talk about firewood suppliers. A firewood supplier can range from a local individual selling seasoned logs out of their backyard to a full-scale commercial distributor that services restaurants, campgrounds, and homeowners across a region. Some specialize in hardwoods for home heating, others in mesquite or hickory for smoking, and others in softwood bundles for recreational fires. These suppliers can operate in-person or online, independently or as part of a retail network. Regardless of the model, the key is understanding what they offer and whether that aligns with how—and how often—you plan to burn wood.

Types of Firewood Suppliers

Firewood suppliers come in several categories, each with its strengths and drawbacks.

Local Independent Sellers

Often the go-to for affordability and convenience. Many offer well-seasoned wood and flexible delivery within a local radius, and you might even be able to inspect the wood before purchase.

Online Firewood Marketplaces

Sites like FirewoodLInk that aggregate suppliers and allow you to search based on location, wood type, and delivery preferences. These platforms are helpful for comparing multiple vendors at once and reading verified reviews.

Hardware Stores and Garden Centers

Farm and Ranch Suppliers

May offer larger volumes at competitive rates, but you’ll often need to handle transportation and stacking yourself.

Commercial Bulk Vendors

Best for businesses or institutions that rely on firewood in volume, offering consistent supply, contracts, and wholesale pricing.

What to Look for in a Firewood Supplier

When evaluating potential firewood suppliers, several key factors should guide your decision.

Type of Wood

Hardwoods like oak, ash, and maple burn longer and hotter, making them ideal for heating. Softwoods such as pine or spruce ignite quickly but burn faster and are better suited for kindling or short fires.

Seasoning and Moisture Levels

Firewood should be air-dried or kiln-dried to reduce moisture content—ideally below 20 percent—to ensure it burns cleanly and efficiently. Poorly seasoned wood smokes heavily, produces creosote, and generates less heat.

Delivery and Stacking

Some suppliers offer stacking services for an added fee, while others drop the load curbside or at a designated location. Make sure you know exactly what’s included. If you can’t find a supplier that offers stacking services, check out our guide on properly stacking your firewood.

Volume Standards

A full cord—128 cubic feet of wood stacked four feet high, four feet wide, and eight feet long—is the standard measure, but many sellers offer half cords, face cords, or truckloads. Understand the terms being used so you can accurately compare pricing.

Pricing Models

Some charge by the cord, others by weight, and some even offer subscription-based services for regular deliveries throughout the season. Be wary of unusually low prices, as they often signal green wood or undersized loads.

How to Find a Firewood Supplier Near You

Geography plays a significant role. Certain species are more common in different regions—mesquite in the Southwest, birch and maple in the Northeast, fir and alder in the Pacific Northwest. Sourcing wood locally not only supports nearby suppliers but also reduces transportation costs and ensures the wood is acclimated to your climate.

Urban buyers may rely more on delivery services or hardware stores, while rural customers often have access to more direct sources. Online directories, such as FirewoodLink, allow you to search for suppliers by ZIP code, wood type, and service options, helping narrow the field.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Before placing an order, it’s worth asking a few targeted questions:

  • Is the firewood fully seasoned or kiln-dried?
  • What species are included in the load?
  • Does the supplier deliver, and if so, do they stack the wood?
  • Is there a minimum order size?
  • How is the wood measured, and what pricing model do they use?

A transparent, trustworthy supplier should have clear answers to all of these.

Residential vs. Commercial Firewood Needs

Your intended use also shapes which supplier is best for you.

Residential Needs

The emphasis is often on clean-burning hardwoods delivered in smaller quantities. You might burn a few logs on the weekends or rely on a wood stove for supplemental heat in colder months.

Commercial Needs

Demand consistency, volume, and often specialized wood types. Restaurants using wood-fired ovens may require specific hardwoods with low moisture content delivered on a regular schedule. Campgrounds or resorts may need bulk deliveries of softwood or mixed bundles. In these cases, contracts and wholesale terms come into play, and working with a bulk vendor becomes essential.

How Much Firewood Do You Need?

Estimating how much firewood you need depends on the types of firewood and usage that you require.

  • Heating an average-sized home through winter may require three to six cords, depending on your stove’s efficiency and local climate.
  • If you’re burning casually—say, for ambiance or weekend campfires—one or two cords may last the entire season.
  • For BBQ smoking, a single cord could last all year, especially if you’re using it intermittently.

Online calculators can help you get a more precise estimate based on square footage, usage patterns, and heating goals.

Alternatives to Buying Firewood

If buying firewood isn’t the right option for you, there are alternatives worth considering.

Cutting Your Own

Can be rewarding and economical, but it requires access to land, tools, and the proper permits. Always check local regulations, as cutting wood from public lands is often restricted.

Firewood Exchanges and Barter

Some communities offer informal ways to share, trade, or swap firewood, especially in rural areas or on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

Pellets and Compressed Logs

Burn efficiently and are easier to store, though they require compatible pellet stoves or inserts and may lack the charm of traditional logs.

Search by Location

Once you’ve done your research and decided on what type of supplier you need, the next step is location. Use tools that allow you to search firewood suppliers by state or city, so you can compare services and prices nearby. Pay close attention to delivery terms, species availability, and customer reviews to ensure a positive experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Firewood Suppliers

How do you know if firewood is seasoned?

Seasoned firewood typically appears grayish, has cracks on the ends, and makes a hollow sound when two pieces are knocked together. You can also use a moisture meter to test it. Firewood storage and seasoning has a massive impact on the quality of heat, smoke, and scent output, so it’s important to make sure it’s done right.

What’s a fair price for a cord of firewood?

It varies widely by region and species but generally falls between $200 and $500. Always ask what’s included in the price—delivery and stacking may cost extra.

Can you store firewood outside?

Yes, but keep it elevated off the ground and covered on top to protect from rain and snow. Never wrap it completely, as it needs airflow to stay dry and mold-free.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right firewood supplier takes a bit of planning, but it pays off in burn quality, efficiency, and peace of mind. Whether you’re buying for the first time or looking to switch providers, the key is clarity—know what you need, ask the right questions, and understand what’s being offered. With the right supplier, you’ll stay warm, safe, and satisfied all season long.