How Much Does a Cord of Cherry Wood Go For? The Ultimate Guide

Cherry wood is one of the most beloved and coveted firewoods, renowned for its unmistakable aroma, rich reddish-brown color, and ability to produce lasting heat. But with cherry wood‘s premium status comes a higher price tag. So what can you expect to pay for this top-shelf firewood?

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know about sourcing, prepping, and burning cords of cherry firewood. You‘ll learn insider tips on calculating cord volumes, evaluating quality, proper storage techniques, and how to harness cherry wood‘s heating power safely and economically.

So let‘s dive into the wonderful world of cherry firewood!

Typical Cherry Wood Cord Prices

The price you can expect to pay for a cord of cherry firewood will depend on these key factors:

Quality Grade

• High-grade cherry with few knots/defects: $400 – $700 per cord
• Low-grade cherry containing some knots/defects: $100 – $300 per cord

Seasonal Availability

• In high winter demand periods, expect to pay 15-30% more
• Spring and summer prices can be $100 less per cord

Regional Location

• Urban areas typically 30-50% higher than rural areas
• Highest prices seen on U.S. coasts and in Canada

Taking these variables into account, plan on spending $250 – $500 for a cord of decent-quality cherry firewood depending on seasonal timing and where you are located.

Unseasoned "green" cherry wood usually sells for $250 – $375 per cord, but you‘ll learn why burning unseasoned wood is never recommended.

What is Cherry Firewood Used For?

Cherry wood is a heavy, dense hardwood that provides excellent heat output, making it a top choice for:

• Heating – Its dense fibre creates hot, lasting fires perfect for fireplaces and wood stoves. Cherry rates at approximately 23.6 million BTUs per cord.

• Cooking/Smoking – Imparts a mild, sweet, fruity smoke flavor ideal for barbecue and grilling.

• Ambiance – Its signature aroma and captivating flame make it perfect for fire pits and outdoor spaces.

In fact, cherry firewood has been favored since colonial times for its beauty and fragrance. Its natural appeal makes it a decorator‘s delight.

Prepping and Storing Cherry Wood for Optimal Burns

To harness the full heating power of cherry firewood, proper seasoning and storage are crucial:

Seasoning Cherry Wood

• Leave split logs stacked in a dry, ventilated area for 6-12 months until moisture content is reduced to 20% or less.

• Check moisture levels using a moisture meter. Wood should have visible cracks along the ends when ready.

• Seasoning reduces creosote buildup and increases heat value by approximately 10%.

Storing Cherry Firewood

• Keep wood covered from rain and snow. Allow for airflow around and under the stack.

• Avoid storing directly on ground which can introduce moisture. Use pallets or blocking to elevate.

• Look for weathered grey tint, lightweight pieces and loose bark as signs wood is adequately seasoned and dry.

Burning unseasoned cherry wood results in poor heat, excessive smoke and dangerous creosote accumulation in chimneys. Always confirm your firewood provider properly seasons their cherry wood before purchasing.

Estimating How Many Trees It Takes to Make a Cord

So just how much cherry wood do you get from a tree? Some general estimates:

• 6-8 medium-sized cherry trees will produce a full 128 cubic foot cord when their trunks are used.

• 10-12 smaller cherry trees will make a cord when smaller diameter pieces and branches are utilized.

• On average, one mature cherry tree will generate 1/10 to 1/8 of a cord of firewood.

This gives you a better sense of the cherry wood volume you‘ll need access to in order to produce cords for sale or personal use. Locating a small grove of 8-10 trees will yield you a nicely sized cord harvest.

Comparing a Face Cord vs Full Cord of Cherry Wood

When shopping for cherry firewood, it‘s important to understand the size difference between a face cord and full cord:

• Face Cord – Measures 4 feet high by 8 feet long. Contains approximately 1/3 of a full cord, or about 45 cubic feet of wood.

• Full Cord – Measures 4 feet high by 8 feet long by 4 feet deep. Contains a total of 128 cubic feet of wood.

• A full cord equals 4 face cords stacked in a line.

Be wary of unscrupulous sellers advertising face cords as "cords." When buying in bulk, be sure to clarify dimensions to guarantee you‘re receiving true full cord volumes.

Properly Seasoning Cherry Wood

Seasoning is the process of reducing cherry wood‘s internal moisture content to prepare it for clean, efficient burning. Here are some seasoning best practices:

• Leave split logs stacked loosely to allow for airflow on all sides.

• Allow 6-9 months for cherry wood to fully season depending on your climate.

• Use a moisture meter to test internal moisture levels. Target 20% moisture content or less.

• Seasoned wood will feel lighter in weight and have visible cracks along the ends.

• Extremely wet environments may require 12+ months. Dry climates may only need 3-4 months.

• Stain or cover wood piles to accelerate drying but allow for ventilation.

Once cherry wood is properly seasoned to below 20% moisture, it will burn long, hot and safe for your home heating needs.

Estimating a Cord by Truckload

When buying or transporting cherry firewood in bulk, how many cords will a pickup truck hold? Here are some general estimates:

• Full-size truck with an 8 foot bed can typically hold 2-3 cords when loaded with 4 foot logs.

• That same truck can usually haul 1.5-2 cords when loaded with 8 foot logs.

• Smaller truck beds like on the Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado will max out around 1-2 cords.

• For larger volumes, a 16 foot trailer may be able to hold 4-6 cords when fully loaded.

Of course truck and trailer capacities can vary, so measure your bed size and carefully stack/load wood to maximize the true cord volume.

Why Choose Cherry as Your Firewood of Choice?

Cherry firewood has some outstanding properties that make it a top shelf choice:

• Burns hot and efficiently once seasoned, with temps reaching up to 2,400°F.

• Minimal sap means less popping and sparking compared to other woods.

• The wood‘s dense grain results in naturally long-lasting fires and concentrated heat.

• Has relatively low emissions and reduces creosote buildup when properly seasoned.

• Produces a signature sweet, mild smoke that makes food taste amazing.

• Emits a subtly floral, fruity aroma that smells wonderful.

If you‘re looking for wood that truly has it all – strength, beauty, aroma and utility – cherry is by far one of the best all-purpose firewoods around.

Dangers of Burning Unseasoned or Low-Quality Cherry

It may be tempting to burn that cheap stack of fresh cut cherry wood right away, but resist that urge! Here‘s why:

• Excess Smoke – Unseasoned wood smolders and smokes instead of properly combusting. This can cause indoor air quality issues.

• Creosote Buildup – Burning unseasoned wood produces creosote, a chemical byproduct that can coat and clog chimneys. Extremely flammable and dangerous.

• Low Heat Output – Moisture in fresh cherry wood must first be evaporated, wasting energy that should be used for heating.

• Difficulty Burning – Wet wood is harder to ignite and keep lit. Can lead to inefficient smothered fires.

Always confirm with your supplier that any cherry firewood you purchase has been properly seasoned for 6-12 months with moisture testing. This small extra effort guarantees safety and enjoyment.

Why Does Cherry Wood Make a Popping Sound When Burned?

If you‘ve ever burned cherry firewood, you‘ll notice is makes a noticeable popping or cracking noise as it burns. What causes this?

• Burning causes the sap and other pressurized liquids inside the wood to rapidly heat, expand, and burst through weak points in the grain.

• The wood‘s natural pressure chambers rupture loudly from the fire‘s heat.

• Vaporizing water in the wood also produces popping from steam escaping the grain.

• As more liquids are depleted over time, the popping slowly decreases. It is completely normal and no cause for alarm!

So in summary, cherry firewood is one of the best burning woods available if properly dried and stored. While it commands a higher price, true full cords provide outstanding heat, ambiance and utility. Use this guide to confidently evaluate quality, value and volume the next time you shop for this quintessential firewood.