How Long Will a Cord of Wood Last Depends on Several Key Factors

When the weather starts turning cold, many people begin to prepare their homes for winter. One of the most common ways to heat a home is by using firewood. But one important question that often comes up is: how long will a cord of wood last?

This is a very important topic for homeowners, especially those relying on wood stoves, fireplaces, or outdoor wood burners to stay warm. Whether you’re cutting your own firewood or buying it, knowing how much wood you’ll need is key to planning your winter.

What Is a Cord of Wood?

Before answering how long a cord of wood will last, it’s important to understand what a cord is. A full cord of wood is a stack that measures 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long. That adds up to 128 cubic feet of wood, including any air space between the logs.

This amount of wood may sound like a lot, and it is, but how long it lasts depends on several things. Your usage habits, type of wood, your stove’s efficiency, and how cold the weather gets all play a role.

The Type of Wood You Burn Matters

Hardwoods like oak, hickory, maple, or ash will last longer and burn hotter than softwoods such as pine or fir. Hardwoods are denser and provide more heat per log. This means fewer pieces are needed to heat your home. On the other hand, softwoods burn faster and need to be replaced more often.

If you’re trying to stretch one cord through a full winter, using hardwood will make a big difference. While softwood might be fine for short-term or shoulder season heating (fall and spring), hardwoods are a better choice for the heart of winter.

How You Use the Wood Affects the Burn Rate

Some people only burn firewood in the evenings or on weekends. Others may rely on it all day and night as their main heat source. If you’re only using your fireplace to make a cozy atmosphere a few times a week, a single cord could last you all winter or longer.

But if you are heating your entire house using a wood stove 24/7, that same cord might be gone in a couple of weeks. The average wood stove can burn through about one cord every six to eight weeks during the coldest months.

Weather Plays a Big Role

Milder winters obviously require less wood. If your area sees a lot of below-freezing temperatures or snowstorms, you’ll need more fuel to stay warm. In colder climates, homeowners often go through several cords of wood in just one winter season.

By keeping an eye on the local weather and adjusting your burning habits, you may be able to stretch your supply. However, it’s always better to have more than you think you’ll need.

How Efficient Is Your Stove or Fireplace?

Older fireplaces and stoves are often less efficient than modern wood-burning stoves. A newer EPA-certified wood stove can burn cleaner, produce more heat, and use less fuel than older models.

If your stove is in good condition and well-maintained, it can help one cord of wood last longer. Adding fans or blowers to help move the heat around the house can also improve the efficiency of your setup.

How to Store and Season Firewood Properly

Wood that is not dry will burn poorly and produce less heat. This means you’ll use more wood to get the same amount of warmth. Wood should be seasoned (air-dried) for at least 6–12 months after cutting to reduce its moisture content.

Keeping your firewood stacked properly with air flowing between the logs, and covered on top to keep rain off, will help it dry faster. Dry wood not only lasts longer but burns cleaner and reduces creosote build-up in your chimney.

How to Make a Cord of Wood Last Longer

To stretch your supply, you can follow a few smart tips:

Burn only seasoned hardwood
Keep your firewood stored dry and off the ground
Use a high-efficiency wood stove
Lower your thermostat and bundle up a bit
Use a fan to move warm air around
Don’t overload the stove; burn smaller, hotter fires

By being careful and managing your firewood well, many people can get a full season of heating from two to four cords, depending on how cold it gets and how warm you want to keep your home.

How to Tell If You Have Enough Wood

It can be hard to judge how much you’ll actually need. Start by tracking your usage in the early part of the season. If you go through a quarter of your stack in one month, you can estimate how long the rest will last.

Also, consider having a backup heating option just in case. This could be a small electric heater or even another source of firewood stored outside.

Common Mistakes That Burn Through Wood Quickly

Some common mistakes include using unseasoned or wet wood, leaving the stove damper open too long, and not cleaning your chimney or stove regularly. These things all reduce efficiency and can burn through your firewood much faster than expected.

Try to avoid using softwoods unless you’re only burning for a short period. Keep your fire controlled—not roaring—and close the stove door tightly.

Final Thoughts on Planning Ahead

So, how long will a cord of wood last? It depends, but now you know the key factors: the type of wood, how often you burn it, how efficient your stove is, and how cold your winter gets.

If you’re new to using firewood, it’s better to overestimate than run out in the middle of a cold snap. Buying or cutting more than you think you’ll need gives peace of mind, and you can always use what’s left next year.

Finally, plan early. Stack and season your wood in advance, check your stove for safety, and keep track of your usage. That way, you’ll stay warm all winter without worry.