How Much Firewood Do I Need for Different Situations? (2024)

Firewood has its place, even in a world of modern conveniences like central heating and electric ovens. In fact, almost two percent of all US households still rely solely on firewood to heat their homes – and that number can rise to as much as 60% of the population in certain rural counties! Whether you’re among the select few who require firewood to heat your home in winter or simply want to run your fireplace or have a bonfire, you’re probably asking yourself: “How much firewood do I need?”

While there’s no singular answer to this crucial question, you can use a few guidelines and recommendations to determine your specific needs. Below, we offer expert insight into which firewood is the best option and what may affect your firewood ordering needs.

Before we get into that, feel free to learn more about our premium kiln-dried firewood by clicking the link below. Since our firewood is optimally dried, you need less of it than you would seasoned variations.

A Quick Note on Firewood Sizes

You may find it helpful to have a quick refresher on firewood sizes before we answer the question, “How much firewood do I need?” We’ll reference these standard sizes throughout our piece.

You should know that lumber companies don’t weigh firewood when someone places an order. Instead, firewood is measured in cords. A face cord of wood runs four feet high, eight feet wide and sixteen inches deep. On the other hand, a full cord measures 128 cubic feet, meaning it’s much larger. Face cords are smaller to help with storage and accessibility, as well as offer a size more suited to some needs.

It’s worth noting that bundles are also available. Bundles consist of 4-6 pieces of wood and are perfect for smaller events.

Why Kiln-Dried Firewood is Your Best Bet

Now that we’ve clarified sizes let’s talk about firewood types.

You can find seasoned firewood at your local gas station. It’s one of the most used firewood types due to its easy accessibility, but its quality is also subpar. That’s because seasoned firewood is left out to dry in the elements for six to eighteen months – and even then, the moisture content is regularly above 20%. A high moisture content can make wood challenging to burn and cause excessive smoke production.

On the other hand, kiln-dried wood is heated at a specific temperature for a certain amount of time. Buying it has so many advantages that it almost seems too good to be true. Let’s discuss them below!

Kiln-dried firewood has a moisture content of less than 20%. The low moisture leads to hotter fires that last longer. What does this have to do with the question, “How much firewood do I need?” Because the fires are hotter and last longer, you don’t need as much as you would if you used seasoned firewood. Choosing kiln-dried firewood means you’ll spend less money on your burning needs.

Want to learn more about what makes kiln-dried firewood so great? Check out our complete guide on the topic.

By now, you’re convinced that getting kiln-dried firewood over seasoned firewood is the way to go! Let’s dive deeper into how much of it is needed, depending on the situation.

The Right Amount of Firewood for Different Situations

The right amount of firewood can vary significantly based on need. For example, you’ll need much less firewood for an occasional bonfire than using fireplaces and wood-burning stoves as your primary heating source. Below, we dive into the nitty-gritty details about the appropriate firewood amounts for specific usages. You can use this information to help determine an appropriate ordering size for your next firewood delivery.

How Much Firewood Do I Need Per Day?

The amount of firewood you’ll need daily depends on how long and often you plan to burn it. If you plan to burn a fire twice a week, a face cord can last a few months. Getting a few face cords isn’t a bad idea if you plan to burn frequent fires. On the other hand, the amount of firewood you need for a single night of burning will be significantly lower.

How Much Firewood Do I Need for a Bonfire?

There’s nothing better than eating s’mores around a bonfire. To keep the fun going, ensure you get enough firewood to last the night. In this scenario, getting a few bundles of wood is best. Consider getting one to two bundles when lighting a bonfire, depending on how long you think the night will last.

How Much Firewood Do I Need for Camping?

If you’re an outdoor adventurer, you’re probably trying to soak up every minute of summer. One way to do this is to plan multiple camping trips before the seasons change. When determining how much firewood you need for a campfire, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The Length of the Trip

Consider the trip’s length when packing up wood for a campfire. Campers staying for an extended time might need a few bundles of wood. Three to four bundles will last a few days, so campers stay warm every night.

The Purpose of the Campfire

Another thing to think about is the purpose of the campfire. Are you using it strictly for warmth? If the season requires this, you might need more than a couple of bundles of wood to stay warm. However, you can purchase less if you only use wood for cooking or making s’mores.

How Much Firewood Do I Need for a Fireplace?

Soon, we’ll trade bonfires and campfires for nights by the fireplace. Average fireplaces burn two to three logs at a time. Using this logic, a face cord of wood will last you several months.

How Much Firewood Do I Need for a Wood-Burning Stove?

Wood-burning stoves are excellent heat sources; some variations allow you to cook with them, too. If you’re using a wood-burning stove for cooking, you’ll only need a few logs per day, so a face cord of wood every three to four months should be plenty.

You’ll need more if you’re using a wood-burning stove for heat. We recommend a full cord of wood to be stocked up for three to four months. If you find that a full cord lasts longer than that for your usage (and you don’t have ample indoor storage space), you can consider a face cord the next time you order.

What If I’m Still Not Sure How Much Firewood I’ll Need?

Still unsure how large your next firewood order should be? That’s okay! We understand this is a lot of information to absorb, so we encourage you to contact us with your questions! At Lumberjacks, our firewood experts are always happy to advise on ordering size and answer all your firewood-related questions.

Do You Need Firewood in Illinois or Wisconsin?

Lumberjacks has got your back when it comes to figuring out how much wood you need! We’ll happily answer questions and recommend sizes, depending on the situation. Call us at (815) 337-1451 to start your order today! We’ve streamlined our delivery service so that your order arrives ASAP.