Planning Your Firewood Needs for Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, and for many families, it’s the last big chance to host, camp, or simply unwind outdoors before the season shifts. Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout, a lakeside getaway, or a cozy night under the stars, having the right firewood setup in place can make all the difference. Here’s how to plan your firewood needs for Labor Day with confidence and ease.

Estimate How Much Firewood You’ll Need

Start by thinking about how many fires you expect to enjoy. A general rule is that one standard bundle (around 0.75 cubic feet) will last 1 to 2 hours in a fire pit. For a full weekend, especially with multiple gatherings or overnight camping, consider stocking a quarter to a half cord of wood. Having a little extra is always better than running out mid-smores.

Also consider the type of event you’re hosting. A large party might require more frequent fire tending, while a quiet family evening may stretch the supply longer. Write out your weekend itinerary and add a rough estimate of burn time per event to help guide your purchase.

Choose the Right Wood for Your Plans

If you’re cooking over your fire, go with hardwoods like oak, hickory, or maple. These burn hotter and longer with minimal smoke, which is ideal for grilling or slow roasting. For ambiance and shorter fires, softer woods like pine or fir light quickly and crackle nicely. Make sure the wood is seasoned and dry—green wood creates more smoke than flame.

If you’re mixing wood types, stack the hardwoods at the base and softwoods on top for a cleaner, longer-lasting fire. Don’t forget to include a few fire starters or fatwood sticks to make lighting fast and easy.

Think About Storage and Setup

Labor Day often comes with unpredictable weather. Store your firewood in a dry, elevated area and cover the top (but not the sides) with a tarp to keep it ventilated. If you’re transporting wood to a campground or rental cabin, use sturdy totes or canvas bags to keep everything tidy and avoid messes in your vehicle.

If you’re staying home, prep your fire pit area in advance. Rake away debris, sweep up ash, and check for safety around seating zones. String up some lights or set out a citronella candle or two to keep bugs at bay.

Create a Firewood Checklist

  • Check local firewood restrictions (some parks prohibit outside wood)
  • Bundle kindling, matches, and fire starters in a grab-and-go tote
  • Bring heat-safe gloves and tongs for managing the fire
  • Stock extra logs for late-night chats or unexpected guests
  • Add marshmallows, skewers, and a few lawn blankets to your essentials

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Benjamin Franklin

Add Firewood to the Weekend Menu

Planning to cook over fire? Think beyond hot dogs. Hardwood fires make excellent coals for grilling marinated kebabs, foil-wrapped veggies, or cast iron skillet meals. Try campfire nachos layered in a Dutch oven or baked apples stuffed with brown sugar and cinnamon for dessert. With the right wood and a little planning, your fire can fuel the whole menu.

Don’t forget to keep drinks close at hand. A small cooler stocked with lemonade, water, or chilled cider adds just the right touch for guests of all ages.

Get Ready Early and Enjoy More

Ordering your firewood a week or two before Labor Day ensures you’ll beat the last-minute rush. Many local suppliers offer delivery and stacking, and some even curate weekend bundles. By getting ahead of the game, you free up more time for grilling, lounging, and celebrating the close of summer with the people you love.

Prep your firewood now and let the rest of your plans fall into place. From cozy evenings around the flames to long afternoons with friends, firewood helps make the long weekend feel like a real break.

Looking for local firewood? Find local firewood delivery and suppliers in our directory.