What does a cord of seasoned hardwood cost delivered in Ottawa and how long will it last in a wood stove?

A cord of seasoned hardwood costs $350 to $450 delivered in Ottawa for 2025-2026, with prices varying based on wood species, seasoning quality, and delivery distance. Premium hardwoods like maple and oak command the higher end of this range, while mixed hardwood typically falls in the middle.

How long a cord lasts depends entirely on your heating habits and home size. A typical Ottawa household using a wood stove for supplemental heating — running it evenings and weekends during the coldest months — will burn through 3 to 5 cords per season. If you're heating a 1,500 square foot home primarily with wood heat through Ottawa's 5-month heating season, expect to use 6 to 8 cords. A single cord might last 6 to 8 weeks with moderate evening use, or just 2 to 3 weeks if you're running the stove around the clock during January's deep freeze.

The key variables are your home's insulation, the stove's efficiency rating, outdoor temperatures, and how much of your heating load the wood stove carries. Modern EPA-certified stoves burn 70 to 80 percent more efficiently than older models, so a new stove will stretch that cord significantly further than a 1980s unit. Running your stove hot and clean — rather than damping it down for long, smoldering burns — also maximizes heat output per log and reduces creosote buildup.

Quality matters enormously in Ottawa's climate. Properly seasoned hardwood should have 15 to 20 percent moisture content after 12 to 18 months of drying. Wet or green wood burns poorly, produces minimal heat, and creates dangerous creosote deposits that can lead to chimney fires. Always ask your supplier about moisture content and seasoning time — reputable dealers will provide this information readily.

When you're ready to maximize your wood stove's efficiency or need annual chimney cleaning after burning several cords, you can browse WETT-certified professionals through the Ottawa Construction Network directory to ensure your system is operating safely and efficiently.