Firewood Suppliers Near WA
Best Firewood Types in Washington
Washington's damp climate and cold winters mean you need firewood that lights easily and burns hot. The Pacific Northwest gives you access to excellent hardwoods and softwoods, each with distinct characteristics.
Douglas Fir is the workhorse of Washington firewood. It's technically a softwood, but don't let that fool you — it produces around 20.7 million BTUs per cord and splits beautifully. Fir lights quickly, which makes it perfect for those chilly mornings when you need heat fast. The downside? It throws sparks, so use a screen if you're burning it in an open fireplace. Most suppliers stock fir because it's abundant and affordable.
Big Leaf Maple is Washington's premium hardwood for serious heat. At roughly 24 million BTUs per cord, it burns longer and hotter than fir. Maple produces minimal smoke when properly seasoned and creates those beautiful coals that radiate heat for hours. It's harder to find than fir and costs more, but if you're heating your home primarily with wood, the investment pays off. Maple also produces less creosote buildup in your chimney.
Red Alder deserves mention as the middle-ground option. It seasons faster than most hardwoods (sometimes in six months versus a year), burns cleaner than fir, and produces about 17.5 million BTUs per cord. Alder is what many Washington restaurants use for smoking salmon — it gives a mild, sweet flavor. For home heating, it's a solid shoulder-season wood when you need moderate heat without the commitment of maple.
Pacific Madrone is the hidden gem. This dense hardwood rivals oak for BTU output (around 30 million per cord) and burns exceptionally hot. The catch? It's harder to find, more expensive, and notoriously difficult to split. Madrone also needs longer seasoning time. If you come across a supplier offering well-seasoned madrone, grab it for those coldest January nights.
One critical concern: Emerald Ash Borer hasn't established widespread populations in Washington yet, but it's been detected in the state. While ash isn't a primary firewood species here, never transport firewood from out of state. The Washington State Department of Agriculture enforces strict rules about moving wood across county lines to prevent invasive pest spread.
Buying Guide & What to Watch For
The firewood industry has its share of shortcuts and outright scams. Here's how to protect yourself.
The face cord vs full cord issue trips up more buyers than anything else. A full cord measures 128 cubic feet — that's a stack 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet deep. A face cord (also called a rick) is only 16 inches deep, giving you roughly one-third of a full cord. Some sellers advertise "cords" at suspiciously low prices, then deliver face cords. Always confirm the exact dimensions you're getting. When you see seasoned firewood Washington suppliers advertising prices, make sure they specify full cord measurements.
Properly seasoned wood should have a moisture content below 20%. Here's how to verify:
- Check the ends for radial cracks (called "checking") — this happens as wood dries
- Knock two pieces together — seasoned wood sounds hollow, not dull
- Look at the bark — it should be loose or falling off
- Ask about moisture meter readings (reputable suppliers test their wood)
Green or wet wood wastes your money. It produces less heat because energy goes toward evaporating water instead of warming your home. Wet wood also creates more creosote, which builds up in your chimney and becomes a fire hazard.
Kiln dried firewood delivery Washington services charge a premium, but kiln-dried wood drops moisture content to 10-15%. This matters if you need wood immediately or if you're burning in a newer EPA-certified stove that requires very dry fuel. For most people burning in traditional fireplaces or older stoves, well-seasoned air-dried wood works fine and costs less.
Washington firewood pricing splits by geography — west of the Cascades around Puget Sound, seasoned alder and Douglas fir typically runs $300–$425 per cord delivered; east of the Cascades in the drier interior, hardwood such as apple and cherry commands $350–$500, with kiln-dried loads statewide reaching $475–$625.
When comparing a cord of firewood delivered Washington prices, expect to pay more west of the Cascades where humidity slows natural seasoning. Eastern Washington's drier climate produces faster-seasoned wood, sometimes at lower prices. Typical ranges run from moderate for fir to premium for hardwoods like maple or madrone, with delivery adding extra depending on distance.
Watch out for "dump and run" operators who promise firewood delivered and stacked Washington service but leave you with a pile in your driveway. Confirm stacking details upfront. Some suppliers include one location stack (like against your house), while others charge extra. Know what you're paying for.
Washington-Specific Considerations
Washington's climate splits dramatically at the Cascade Range. West of the mountains, you're dealing with high humidity and frequent rain. Wood takes longer to season here — count on 12-18 months for hardwoods, minimum. Store your firewood under a roof with sides open for airflow. Tarping works, but leave the sides exposed. A sealed woodshed just traps moisture.
East of the Cascades, the drier air means faster seasoning. Six months might suffice for softwoods like fir if you split and stack during spring. However, winter inversions can trap smoke in valleys, so burning the driest wood possible reduces your smoke output and keeps neighbors happy.
Washington's firewood transport regulations exist for good reason. The state deals with several invasive threats:
- Goldspotted oak borer (primarily a California problem but monitored here)
- Asian longhorned beetle (detected in other states)
- Thousand cankers disease affecting walnut trees
The rule of thumb: don't move firewood more than 50 miles from where it was cut. Buy local firewood delivery from suppliers who source within the county. If you're camping, buy wood at or near your destination. Moving infested wood, even unknowingly, can devastate forests.
Washington's wet winters also mean mold can develop on stored wood. Surface mold (white or gray) is mostly cosmetic — brush it off before burning. But if wood smells rotten or shows deep fungal decay, it won't burn well. Proper stacking with airflow prevents most issues.
Finding the Right Supplier
Not all suppliers operate the same way. Before placing an order for split firewood delivered, ask these questions:
What's the moisture content? Reputable sellers test their wood and provide numbers. If someone says "it's seasoned" without specifics, press for details or find another supplier.
What species am I getting? Some suppliers mix woods. That's fine if you know what you're getting, but don't pay hardwood prices for a fir/alder mix. Ask about the percentage of each species in mixed cords.
What does delivery include? Clarify whether bulk firewood delivery means curbside, driveway, or stacked in your woodshed. Get a clear answer on costs for different options.
How far will you deliver? Local suppliers typically have delivery zones. Ordering firewood near me from a supplier 60 miles away might incur hefty fees that erase any price savings.
Do you offer online ordering? Several Washington suppliers now provide online ordering with scheduling — convenient if you have a busy schedule. You can arrange to have firewood delivered to your door without phone tag.
Buying locally matters more than you might think. A nearby supplier can handle issues quickly. If there's a measurement dispute or quality problem, they can come back and make it right. You're also supporting Washington businesses and reducing the environmental impact of long-haul transportation.
When evaluating the cost of firewood delivered, remember that the cheapest option often isn't the best value. A cord of wood delivered price that seems too good usually means green wood, undersized loads, or hidden fees. Mid-range pricing from an established supplier typically gives you properly seasoned wood at fair measurement.
Look for suppliers who've been in business for several years and have verifiable reviews. The firewood delivery cost should be transparent — no surprise fees when the truck arrives.
Washington offers dozens of local suppliers throughout the region, from Spokane to Seattle, Bellingham to Vancouver. Whether you need a single cord for occasional fires or multiple cords to heat your home all winter, you'll find options. Browse the directory above to compare suppliers in your area. Check their delivery zones, wood types, and customer reviews. Most suppliers are happy to answer questions and help you choose the right wood for your needs.
Order early if possible. Demand spikes in fall, and the best suppliers sell out their seasoned inventory. Buying in spring or summer often gets you better pricing and guaranteed dry wood. Stack it properly when it arrives, and you'll have excellent fires all season.

Sarah has 15 years of experience in the firewood industry, specializing in regional sourcing and supplier evaluation across North America.

