In 2025, a shortage alert affects many households, making the stere of firewood more coveted than ever. Demand in the face of intense cold spells leaves many shelves empty, while the price of a cubic meter of wood is experiencing a historic increase. Professionals stand out with their strategies and households are facing an unprecedented crisis in the firewood market.
Currently, the cost of a stere of wood fluctuates between €50 and €130, influenced by various factors such as the type of wood and geography. In addition, a difference between the stere and the cord of wood remains, making the stere all the more relevant. Through a marked evolution and the transition to more economical solutions in the face of soaring energy prices, firewood remains an option considered advantageous, despite variable accessibility depending on the region.
The reality of the price of a stere of firewood in 2025
The stere of wood remains the reference unit of measurement for firewood. It corresponds to 1 m³ of stacked one-meter logs. In March 2025, the price of a stere varies considerably, ranging between €50 and €130 depending on suppliers and regions. With increasing demand, resellers offer wood in pallets or batches, which shows the dynamics of the market.
Differences between a stere of wood and a cord of wood
The cord of wood, although traditionally used in some regions, has disadvantages due to its lack of standardization. On average, a cord of wood (6 to 13.6 m in length) is equivalent to 2 to 5 steres. For clarity on wood purchases, it is therefore preferable to favor the stere as a standardized unit of measurement.
Factors influencing the increase in the price of firewood
Several factors influence current prices, such as:
- Wood species: Oak, being denser, costs more than beech or ash.
- Geographic location: Regions far from exploitable forests have higher prices.
- Moisture content: Dry wood (
- Packaging: Different formats of wood (bulk, pallet) influence prices.
- Logistics costs: The increase in energy costs impacts transport.
Historical increase in prices
The years 2021 to 2023 were marked by a significant increase in prices, affecting both pellets and logs. For example, a 3.4% increase in 25 cm logs was observed, with the growing demand for additional stoves being the main cause. On the other hand, 50 cm logs show limited interest.
Firewood as an economical solution
A cubic meter of wood remains the cheapest energy per kWh, surpassing gas and electricity despite increasing inflation. In June 2023, the cost of a kWh of logs was €4.4 c, while the price of pellets reached €9.4 c. Although this option is interesting, local availability and supply conditions vary. Strategies for informed purchases
To cope with the current crisis, consumers are advised to plan their orders by taking into account the comparison of offers, humidity and wood species. Choosing local and dry wood will optimize costs in the long term, while ensuring better energy efficiency.
Type of wood
| Average price per cubic meter | Humidity level | Recommended use | Oak |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 € | Main heating | Beech | |
| 80 € | Secondary heating | Ash | |
| 70 € | 20-30% | Additional heating | The firewood market faces shortages |
The firewood market faces shortages
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