The price of firewood – what influences the cost of home heating?

The price of firewood is not only the amount from the price list of the forest district or fuel warehouse. It is worth checking carefully what the offer includes: wood species, unit of measurement, degree of preparation, humidity and possible transport costs. Only then can we realistically estimate how much we will pay for heat in our house this winter.

How much does wood cost in forest districts?

In forest districts, firewood prices start from approximately PLN 120 per cubic meter. However, it all depends on the tree species and the local price list.

For example, in the Syców Forest District, a cubic meter of S4 wood from coniferous trees costs PLN 166.05, for birch or alder - PLN 202.95, and for beech, hornbeam or oak - even PLN 233.70.

In other regions, the price for the same species may reach PLN 270.60/m³.

The cheapest offers in the country start from about PLN 120/m³, but it is still raw wood straight from the forest.

Ready-made wood is more expensive - check what you are buying

Prices in fuel depots are much higher. For ready-made, cut and dried wood, e.g. seasoned oak, you have to pay up to PLN 650 per square meter placed on a pallet.

Note - a spatial meter is not the same as a cubic meter; it also includes empty spaces between logs, so you can't directly compare these prices.

Additionally, when buying wood straight from the forest, you have to take into account the costs of transport, cutting, chopping and possible drying. Damp wood requires seasoning, which may take up to two years.

Before purchasing, it is worth checking not only the price, but also the type of wood, its moisture content, unit of measurement and whether the price includes delivery.

How much wood is needed for the winter? It all depends on the house

According to the National Chamber of Chimney Sweeps, a well-insulated house with an area of 100 m² needs about 5 m³ of wood per season. The average insulated house is 150 m² - even 12-13 m³.

However, these are only approximate values ​​- consumption depends on the type of stove, heating method and wood humidity.

The moisture content of wood is important - not all wood is suitable for burning immediately

When buying wood in autumn, we cannot always use it immediately for heating. Before purchasing, it is worth checking the moisture content of the wood and local regulations regarding stoves and fireplaces. Sometimes they prohibit the burning of wood with a moisture content of more than 20 percent.