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On chilly nights, few things beat the cozy crackle and comforting warmth of a glowing fire.
Stocking up on firewood can be expensive, particularly during the colder months when temperatures drop and we crave the warmth of a cozy fire. Prices can soar as high as $300-$400 per cord in some areas during peak seasons.
Fortunately, you don’t always have to spend money on firewood.
In this article, I’ll share my top tips for getting free firewood.
That’s right, absolutely free!
Where can I get free firewood near me?
Below are locations where you can get firewood at no cost.
1. Craigslist
Looking for free firewood? Check out Craigslist!
Many people give away firewood for free on the platform regularly, making it an easy and convenient option for finding local firewood. I often notice firewood listings on Craigslist in my city.
Here’s how to find free firewood on Craigslist:
- Go to your city’s Craigslist page.
- Click on “Free” in the “For Sale” category.
- Type “Firewood” into the search bar on the “Free” page.
You’ll see a list of ads where people are giving away firewood. Sometimes, firewood is right on the main page without even searching. Just check out your city’s free section on Craigslist, and you might find firewood nearby. It’s a great place to get wood for free.
2. Neighbors or friends and family who’ve felled trees
If someone you know has recently chopped down trees, ask them for free firewood.
Sometimes, people have extra wood they don’t need after removing trees from their property.
They’d probably be glad to give it to you rather than deal with disposing of it themselves. Just give them a call and offer to take the wood off their hands.
3. Freecycle
Freecycle is a website where people can give away items they no longer need and get things for free in their local area. It promotes recycling and reducing waste.
The website features listings for a wide range of items. You might even find someone offering free firewood. Check it out to see what’s available near you!
4. Sawmills
Sawmills aim to make usable lumber from logs, but they often have leftover scraps. They typically don’t utilize the entire tree.
To acquire unused logs, research local sawmills and gather their contact information. Reach out to inquire about any surplus logs they might be willing to provide.
Since sawmills often pay to dispose of their extras, they might be inclined to reduce costs by offering the firewood to you.
Even if they don’t have logs available presently, you can request them to notify you if they ever have scraps to spare.
To locate nearby sawmills, simply search “sawmills near me” on Google and browse through the results.
5. Facebook Marketplace
Looking for free firewood locally? Check out Facebook Marketplace. Although it’s a platform mainly for buying and selling locally, you might also find people giving away firewood for free.
You can simply go to the website and browse the free section or search for “free firewood” on the main page. You might just score some wood for your fireplace or bonfire.
6. Look around after a storm
Trees commonly fall during storms or strong winds. I’ve noticed fallen trees blocking paths near my home, usually following severe wind episodes.
Local councils typically handle fallen trees on public property, but homeowners often must manage fallen trees on their own. However, many homeowners lack the tools or physical capability to remove large branches from their yards, fences, or roofs.
Now is the ideal moment to help out by offering to clear away fallen branches for your neighbors. Instead of requesting payment, simply inquire if you can have the firewood for free.
Be sure to act promptly after the storm passes, as many neighborhoods begin cleanup swiftly. Don’t miss out on the chance to get free wood!
7. Construction sites
Many construction sites end up with excess wood they need to dispose of. Construction sites often accumulate excess wood due to the need to clear space for building structures. This surplus wood is typically unwanted by construction companies once trees are cut down.
You can offer to remove some of this excess wood, but you probably won’t be able to take it all unless you have adequate storage space. However, with permission, you can select and take what you need.
Look around your area for ongoing construction projects.
Construction sites often accumulate excess wood due to the need to clear space for building structures. This surplus wood is typically unwanted by construction companies once trees are cut down.
You can offer to remove some of this excess wood, but you probably won’t be able to take it all unless you have adequate storage space. However, with permission, you can select and take what you need.
Keep an eye out for nearby construction projects. You might be able to acquire free firewood by offering to haul away unwanted wood from these sites.
8. Tree companies or tree surgeons
If you need firewood, try reaching out to tree companies or tree surgeons in your area. Sometimes, they have surplus firewood they’re not using.
You might find a great selection of wood to choose from for free! Look up nearby tree companies or tree surgeons and inquire about available selections.
9. National Forests
Consider contacting nearby National Forests to inquire about the availability of free wood. Due to occasional fallen or felled trees, they might offer wood at no charge. Simply contact them to inquire about obtaining wood for free.
10. OfferUp
OfferUp is a valuable app for discovering free items nearby.
It’s a platform where users can buy and sell items locally, but it’s also a place where people give away things for free. Take a look to see if you can find free firewood in your area.
11. ChipDrop
ChipDrop offers a lesser-known opportunity to get free wood for your pile. By signing up online, you can join a list for arborists to deliver wood chips or logs to your home at no cost. While you can’t choose the delivery time or quantity, it’s a great deal for simply registering online.
Can you use wood pallets for firewood?
Finding free wood pallets is easy. You can ask stores, warehouses, or factories for them. Some people even recycle pallets for cash.
However, it’s not advisable to burn pallet wood. This is because pallets often contain nails and screws, and you might not know what they’ve been used for or treated with previously. Burning treated pallets can release toxic chemicals, posing health risks. It’s best to avoid using pallet wood for firewood.
Some pallets are marked with ‘MB’, meaning they were treated with methyl bromide, a highly toxic substance. Others marked ‘HT’ indicating heat treatment. It’s best to avoid these pallets altogether.
Instead, consider using regular logs or tree branches, which are safer options.
If you find pallets that haven’t been treated, you can burn them outside for bonfires, campfires, or backyard firepits. However, it’s still not advisable to use pallets in indoor fireplaces.
Are all trees good for firewood?
Not all trees make good firewood. While all trees can be burned, they don’t all burn equally. Some burn hotter, slower, and cleaner than others. Oak is the top choice for firewood because it burns slowly and steadily, giving off ample heat without much smoke.
The bottom line
Looking to save money on firewood? It’s easy, just ask!
But remember, always seek permission before taking wood from any location. Many places are willing to give away excess wood.
Finding free firewood is easier than you might think!
Simply ask around, but remember to get permission before taking any wood.
Many places are willing to give away wood for free.
If you’re wondering where to find free firewood nearme, check out our list of places!