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As September breathes its last and chilly mornings make you consider resurrecting your thickest socks, households across the country remember an annual ritual: buying firewood. With the scent of woodsmoke gently filling some streets, comes a burning question: is October really the best time to stock up on logs—or is the promise of “big savings” just smoke and mirrors?
Promises in the Mist: The Case for Waiting Until October
In the very heart of Centre-Val de Loire, local firewood dealer Patrick Reignier stands amidst neat stacks of wood, wrapped in mesh, with no intention to mince his words. He confidently suggests, “wait until October” for ordering your firewood, whispering about savings between 10 and 15% on your bill. Tempting, right? Who doesn’t want to save a bundle as the days get colder?
Reignier isn’t spinning fairy tales: each year, he points out, from late September to mid-October, some small suppliers find themselves with more wood than expected. “They sell it off a little cheaper to avoid keeping it through winter,” he admits. This is when, for buyers patient enough to wait for just the right moment, things could get interesting. It’s all a matter of catching the perfect timing.
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Fact Check: What the Market Tells Us
If only bargains grew as plentiful as fallen leaves in October. But—spoiler alert—not everything in the firewood market burns as expected. Looking at broader market data, including information from the French Federation for Fuels, Carburants, and Heating, a different trend emerges: prices don’t usually fall in autumn. In fact, they rise. The data tells a pretty consistent story; as autumn marches on, prices climb, sometimes markedly. Compared to the deals you can find in spring, autumn prices are clearly on the upswing.
- In July, some regions offered firewood at 85 to 90 euros per stere.
- By autumn, these rates typically increase by about 5 to 10%—the exact opposite of what some October optimists might expect.
The culprit? Demand rises automatically as temperatures drop, and operational costs—think transport and energy—keep squeezing supplier margins.
So, Should You Wait or Not?
Here’s where it gets tricky and just a dash suspenseful. For those of you whose firewood orders are still sitting on your to-do lists and who have a few days before the real chill sets in, October can still offer a narrow window of opportunity. But—and this “but” is as big as a log pile—being quick on your feet is essential.
Yes, unsold lots at bargain prices do appear, but these are:
- Limited in quantity
- Highly local (don’t expect your friend two towns over to enjoy the same deal)
This isn’t a recipe for everyone. Plus, vigilance is key: ensure the wood is properly dry (less than 20% humidity) to avoid the frustration—no, tragedy—of having to burn wood that’s not ready. Wet wood means poor heating and more pollution, which nobody wants. Last minute shopping can force your hand, but sometimes it burns you (pun intended).
Finding the Real Sweet Spot (Hint: It Isn’t October for Most)
The lesson from this investigation is surprisingly simple: good deals on firewood depend mainly on your approach and timing. According to association Valbiom and various distribution platforms, spring is still king. During those months, demand collapses, stocks fill up, and suppliers are eager to get things moving. Smart shoppers bag their wood when the birds start chirping in May, not when the leaves have already fallen.
Reignier confirms, “Many of my loyal customers prefer to order in May to be at ease. But there are always those latecomers hoping for the perfect moment. Sometimes they get lucky, sometimes not.” As with all things in life, some take the steady road, others love the thrill of opportunity—and risk.
In short:
- If you anticipate and order in spring, you’ll get the best rates.
- If you’re a last-minute maverick, you might strike gold in October, but be warned: it’s a gamble, not a guarantee.
So, what’s the ultimate advice? Only delay your firewood shopping until October if you’re ready to hunt for limited deals, keep a close eye on local offers, and ensure your wood is dry. Otherwise, join the ranks of the well-prepared: plan ahead, order in spring, and spend those chilly autumn mornings basking in both warmth and the satisfaction of a bargain well won.
