How much does firewood cost per cord in Calgary?

Firewood in Calgary typically costs $200-$400 per full cord delivered, with seasoned hardwood at the higher end and mixed or softwood at the lower end. Prices fluctuate seasonally, peaking in October-November when demand surges before winter, and dropping in spring when homeowners stop burning.

Seasoned hardwood (birch, ash, maple) burns hottest and longest, making it the premium choice for Calgary's long heating season. Expect to pay $300-$400 per cord delivered. Mixed wood (combination of hardwood and softwood) runs $250-$350 per cord and provides good value for most homeowners. Softwood (pine, spruce, poplar) costs $200-$300 per cord but burns faster, requiring more frequent loading — though it's excellent for kindling and shoulder season burning.

A full cord measures 4 feet high × 4 feet deep × 8 feet long (128 cubic feet of stacked wood). Many Calgary suppliers sell "face cords" or "bush cords" that are only 16 inches deep rather than 48 inches — these contain roughly one-third the wood of a full cord but are often priced deceptively close to full cord prices. Always clarify the actual dimensions and calculate the cost per cubic foot to compare suppliers fairly.

Seasoning is critical in Calgary's climate. Properly seasoned firewood has 15-20% moisture content and has been split and dried for 6-12 months. Green or wet wood burns poorly, creates excessive creosote buildup in your chimney, and produces far less heat. Many Calgary suppliers sell "seasoned" wood that's actually still green — invest in a moisture meter ($20-$30) to test wood before accepting delivery.

Delivery costs add $50-$100 depending on distance from the supplier and whether they stack the wood. Rural properties around Calgary (Cochrane, Bragg Creek, Priddis) often pay higher delivery fees. Some suppliers offer discounts for early season orders placed in spring or summer when demand is low.

Storage considerations are important given Calgary's weather extremes. Stack firewood off the ground on pallets or treated lumber, with the top covered but sides open for air circulation. A full cord requires roughly 200 square feet of storage space. Many Calgary homeowners store 2-3 cords to avoid mid-winter delivery challenges during severe cold snaps.

For EPA-certified wood stoves and high-efficiency fireplaces, burning only seasoned hardwood maximizes heat output and minimizes maintenance. A typical Calgary home with a wood stove as supplemental heating burns 2-4 cords per winter, depending on the home's size, insulation, and how often the stove runs during the October-to-April heating season.

WETT-certified technicians recommend having your chimney inspected annually when burning wood regularly, as Calgary's extreme temperature swings and chinook events can accelerate creosote buildup and chimney deterioration. Factor chimney cleaning ($200-$300 annually) into your total wood heating costs.

Need help finding a fireplace installer for a new wood stove or insert? Calgary Fireplaces can match you with WETT-certified professionals for free estimates on your project.