What's the price difference between a face cord and a full bush cord of firewood delivered in the Ottawa Valley area?

A face cord of seasoned hardwood in Ottawa typically costs $120 to $180 delivered, while a full bush cord runs $350 to $450 delivered — making the full cord significantly more economical at roughly $2.50 to $3.00 per cubic foot versus $3.50 to $4.50 per cubic foot for face cords. The price difference exists because face cords require the same delivery costs and handling as full cords but represent only one-third the volume.

Understanding firewood measurements is crucial in Ottawa because many suppliers use confusing terminology, and homeowners often end up paying premium prices for smaller quantities without realizing it. A full bush cord (also called a standard cord) measures 4 feet high by 4 feet deep by 8 feet long — exactly 128 cubic feet of stacked wood including air spaces. A face cord measures 4 feet high by 8 feet long but only 16 inches deep, giving you roughly 42 cubic feet or one-third of a full cord. Some suppliers also sell "stove cords" or "fireplace cords" which can be any arbitrary size, so always ask for exact dimensions.

For Ottawa homeowners who burn wood regularly during our long heating season, buying full cords makes much more financial sense. A typical Ottawa household using a wood stove for supplemental heat burns 3 to 6 cords per season, while those heating primarily with wood may use 6 to 10 cords. At these volumes, the $50 to $100 per cord savings adds up quickly. Full cords also reduce delivery frequency — you'll get three face cord deliveries to equal one full cord, tripling your delivery fees.

Quality considerations matter more than measurements in Ottawa's climate. Properly seasoned hardwood should have 15 to 20 percent moisture content and make a sharp crack when two pieces are knocked together. Avoid suppliers offering suspiciously cheap "green" or "semi-seasoned" wood — burning wet wood produces massive amounts of creosote in your chimney and provides minimal heat output. Reputable Ottawa Valley suppliers typically deliver mixed hardwood (maple, oak, ash, birch) that has been split and seasoned for 12 to 18 months.

Most Ottawa firewood suppliers offer both pickup and delivery, with delivery fees ranging from $40 to $80 depending on distance from their yard. Some suppliers offer discounts for early-season orders placed in spring or summer, and buying multiple cords at once often reduces the per-cord price. Always confirm whether the quoted price includes delivery and stacking, as some suppliers dump the wood at the end of your driveway while others will stack it in your preferred location.