How much do wood pellets cost?
How much do wood pellets cost?
$6 – $10 average cost per bag
$300 – $400 average cost per ton
Wood pellets prices
Wood pellets prices are $300 to $400 per ton on average, depending on the brand, supplier, and order size. A 40-lb. bag of wood pellets costs $6 to $10 each. Delivery costs $50 to $120, depending on the distance. The cost of wood pellets fluctuates based on the local supply.
| Quantity | Average price |
|---|---|
| Bag (40-pounds) | $6 – $10 |
| Ton (50 bags) | $300 – $400 |
Bulk price of wood pellets
Bag of pellets
An average 40-pound bag of pellets costs $6 to $10 each, depending on the brand and quality. Prices are $5 per bag or cheaper when buying in bulk and picking up the bags yourself instead of ordering a delivery.
Most pellet stoves will hold a full bag of pellets in the hopper, so you can pour in 1 bag at a time.
Ton of pellets
Wood pellet prices are $300 to $400 per ton on average. A pallet of pellets can have discounted costs of $240 to $280 per ton when ordered in bulk. One ton typically includes a pallet of 50 bags of 40-pounds each.
Wood pellet cost factors
Cost factors for buying pellets include:
Quantity – Buying by the ton can be half the price of buying a few pellet bags at a time.
Brand – Well-known brands can have higher prices due to reputation. Newer brands might offer competitive pricing but vary in quality.
Delivery – Pellet delivery costs $50 to $120 on average, depending on the quantity and distance. Some companies offer free delivery with minimum order quantities within the service area.
Market demand – Higher demand during the winter tends to push prices up. Pellet discounts and sales are more common in spring or summer.
Geographic location – Areas with abundant wood resources offer cheaper pellets. Regions with limited wood sources or higher demand can have increased prices.
Storage – Additional storage solutions for bulk purchase of pellets can cost extra to build.
Promotions – Some suppliers offer loyalty programs, early bird discounts, or promotional offers to lower the overall cost.
New stove – Pellet stove installation costs $1,600 to $4,100 total if you need a new one or want to upgrade to a more efficient model.
For help deciding whether to get a pellet stove or a wood stove, read this helpful comparison of the pros and cons of each in our pellet stove vs. wood stove guide.
Cost of wood pellets by brand
The following table shows the price of wood pellets by brand:
| Brand | Price per 40-lb. bag* | Price per ton (50 bags)* |
|---|---|---|
| Energex | $8 – $9 | $350 – $400 |
| Green tree pellets | $7 – $9 | $345 – $400 |
| Heat resource | $9 – $10 | $375 – $400 |
| Lignetics | $7 – $9 | $325 – $400 |
| Magic spark | $6 – $7 | $290 – $320 |
| Matra | $8 – $9 | $360 – $400 |
| New England | $6 – $8 | $350 – $390 |
| Packsaddle | $6 – $8 | $280 – $335 |
| Pro pellets | $6 – $7 | $290 – $325 |
| Wood & Sons | $8 – $10 | $380 – $400 |
*Prices include pellet material cost only, excluding delivery.
How to choose pellets
Choose wood pellets according to your heating needs. While a cheap bag is appealing, pricier options can offer better value due to factors like BTUs, ash and moisture content, and total burn time.
Hardwood vs. softwood – Hardwood pellets burn longer, have less moisture content, and produce less ash. Softwood pellets generally have higher BTUs but create more ash.
BTUs (British Thermal Units) – Higher BTU values from 8,000 to 9,000 BTUs indicate a hotter burn, providing more heat. Keep in mind that pellets with more heat output tend to cost more.
Ash content – Look for pellets with less than 2% ash content. The highest quality options have less than 0.7% ash. Lower ash content results in fewer cleanings and less maintenance for your stove.
Moisture content – Wood pellets burn easiest with moisture content of around 6% to 8%. While necessary for binding, too much moisture can hinder the efficiency and heat output of the pellets.
Additives – Premium pellets are typically 100% natural wood, whereas cheaper options might include bark or recycled materials that increase ash content.
Pellet size & consistency – Uniform size and shape ensure steady burning and optimal stove performance. Inconsistencies lead to stove-feeding issues and reduced efficiency.
Certifications & standards – Look for pellets that meet industry standards, such as the Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) standards for quality products.
Wood pellets FAQs
What are wood pellets?
Wood pellets are a renewable energy source made from compressed sawdust or wood scraps, offering a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. This recycled fuel source is popular in heating systems and industrial boilers since it's easy to transport and store.
Wood pellets also produce less smoke, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
How long do wood pellets last?
A 40-pound bag of wood pellets lasts for 8 to 12 hours of burn time if the stove is running on its highest heat setting. The same 40-lb. bag of pallets can heat a home for 24 to 26 hours when running continuously on a lower heat setting.
Wood pellets will last for 6 to 18 months in storage if kept in a space with less than 10% humidity. At higher humidity levels, they only last 3 months. Keep the pellets in storage with a dehumidifier if you don't live in a very dry climate.
Alternatively, wrap the pellet bags in plastic and keep them where they won't experience drastic changes in ambient temperature so they'll stay dry. Never burn damp or moldy pellets as they cause health hazards.
How do I store wood pellets?
Store wood pellets in a dry and cool place, ideally elevated off the ground and sheltered from direct sunlight. Most people store wood pellets in a basement or garage. Keep the pellets inside their bags and stack them several feet away from any heat source to prevent accidental fires.
How many bags of pellets are in a ton? [#many}
A ton of pellets typically consists of 50 bags of 40 pounds each. For small stoves that burn less at a time, 20-lb. bags of pellets are also available in bulk orders of 100 bags per ton.
How many bags of pellets do I need for winter?
Most people need 100 to 150 bags of 40-pounds each, equivalent to 2 to 3 tons of pellets, for heating spaces up to 1,500 square feet in winter. You may need 250 bags with 40 lbs. each, to heat 2,000 to 3,000 square feet or 2 floors.
Where do I buy wood pellets?
Ask your pellet stove installer where to buy pellets or check the following places:
Home improvement stores
Pellet stove dealers
Stove and heating equipment supply shops
General hardware stores
Agricultural and farm supply stores
Specialty hearth and fireplace shops
Local wood pellet manufacturers
Supermarkets and grocery stores
Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.