Split shagbark hickory — exceptional heat and long burn
Hickory firewood produces about 28 million BTU per cord — the highest heat output of any
common North American hardwood, slightly above white oak. It burns long, steady, and clean when properly
seasoned, and its sweet smoke is the classic flavor of American BBQ.
Why hickory is so prized
Hickory is dense — denser than oak, denser than maple, denser than almost anything else you can legally buy
as firewood in the lower 48. That density translates directly into longer burn times and more heat per stick.
Add in the legendary smoke flavor for cooking, and hickory commands a premium wherever it's available.
BTU by variety
Variety
Million BTU/cord
Use case
Shagbark
~28
Premium heating + BBQ
Shellbark
~27
Heating
Bitternut
~26
Heating
Mockernut
~27
Heating + BBQ
What you'll pay
Hickory typically prices in the $400-$600 per full cord range delivered. Available primarily
east of the Great Plains; rare and pricey on the West Coast. Pitmasters and competition BBQ teams often pay
$700+ per cord for premium kiln-dried hickory split into uniform pieces.
Common questions
Is hickory the best firewood?
Hickory has the highest heat output of common North American hardwoods (around 28 million BTU per cord) and exceptionally long burn times. It's arguably the best species when raw heat is the goal. Oak is more available and easier to split; hickory wins on pure performance.
How much does hickory firewood cost?
Hickory typically costs $400-$600 per full cord delivered, putting it 15-25% above oak. Kiln-dried hickory commands a steeper premium because it's heavily used for cooking and smoking.
Why do pitmasters love hickory?
Hickory produces a distinctive sweet, bacon-like smoke that's the classic flavor of American BBQ — especially associated with Kansas City and Memphis traditions. It burns hot enough for searing and steady enough for long low-and-slow cooks.
How long does hickory take to season?
Split hickory needs 9-18 months of air drying to reach optimal moisture (below 20%). It seasons slightly faster than oak because the wood is a bit less dense than the densest oak varieties. Smaller splits dry faster.
Is hickory hard to split?
Yes, very. Hickory is one of the hardest, most stringy hardwoods to split. Use a maul (not just an axe), split when green (easier than fully dry), and consider a hydraulic splitter for any significant volume.
Looking for hickory near you?
Filter your local city page by species — hickory suppliers are tagged where reviews confirm it.
