As September’s crisp air creeps in and the subtle scent of wood smoke begins its annual dance through quiet neighborhoods, an age-old question reawakens: When should you buy your firewood to save the most—without getting burned?
The Temptation of October: A Merchant’s Insight
In the Centre-Val de Loire, local wood dealer Patrick Reignier stands amidst stacks of timber, sure-footed and direct. His advice? “Wait until October,” he confidently recommends to anyone hunting savings on their firewood bill. According to Patrick, those who linger until the leaf-fall might shave off “between 10 and 15%” from their expenses—a tempting prospect, especially with those chilly mornings lurking.
Sparking curiosity (and a faint hope for a bargain), Patrick reveals a seldom-discussed aspect of the firewood market: “Every year, between late September and mid-October, smaller suppliers sometimes find themselves with wood they need to move faster than expected. To avoid holding onto it all winter, they drop their prices a bit. That’s when things get interesting for buyers who are patient—and attentive.”
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This, Patrick says, isn’t about anticipating a seasonal rush, but a last-minute adjustment of supply. But does this tight window truly turn waiting into a clever strategy, or is it just another case of buyer’s roulette?
The Bigger Picture: What the Market Data Actually Says
Let’s step back for the grand panorama. Temporary deals may pop up at local yards in October, but a look at trends compiled by the French Federation of Fuels, Carburants and Heating paints a slightly different picture. Rather than bargains, autumn brings steady price climbs. Sometimes, the reality isn’t what bargain hunters dream of.
- Springtime still boasts the best prices, with stères of wood reaching as low as 85–90 euros in July in some regions.
- As the leaves turn and the air chills, prices keep pace—rising by an average of 5–10% compared to spring.
- The reasons? Demand rises sharply with dropping temperatures, and operating costs, from transport to energy, tug ever more at suppliers’ margins.
Valbiom, an association tracking bioenergy, and several major distribution platforms support the springtime argument. With warehouses full and demand near zero, sellers are far more motivated to keep their wood moving once the stoves are out of use. It’s classic supply-and-demand. In short: the earlier bird gets the cheaper wood!
Should You Gamble on October? The Real Risks and Rewards
So, is Patrick’s advice still worth following? If you’ve not yet placed an order and are just days away from real winter bite, October can be a make-or-break month—but only for the swift and opportunistic. Discounts on unsold lots do exist, but they are scarce and hyper-local. There’s no broad-brush strategy here—just a lucky draw for vigilant buyers.
But beware: caution is the secret spice. Even in October, ensure your wood is properly seasoned (less than 20% humidity), since panic-buying greener wood is a recipe for poor heating performance and increased pollution. Nothing dampens a cozy evening faster than a smokey, inefficient fireplace.
- Limited quantities
- Potentially uneven quality
- The risk of last-minute, rushed purchases with too much moisture content
The lesson is as old as fire itself: being prepared truly pays. As Patrick says, “Many of my loyal clients prefer to order as early as May to be sure they’re set. There are always last-minute folks hoping to hit the right moment. Sometimes it works, sometimes not.”
Anticipators vs. Opportunists: Which Are You?
After digging into this autumn bonanza—or mirage—it’s clear: the best deal depends on your planning style and how much risk you’re willing to tolerate. The planners who stock up in springland the most attractive prices, worry-free. The treasure hunters, ever on the lookout for a deal in October, can indeed score—but only if they’re flexible, quick, and a bit lucky.
So as the fall winds begin to swirl and wood fires beckon, ask yourself: Do you prefer the certainty of an early order, or does the thrill of the seasonal chase spark your interest? One thing’s for sure: when it comes to firewood, fortune doesn’t always favor the tardy.
Whatever you choose, keep your matches dry and your logs dryer. Happy heating!
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Hi, I’m Brandon from the Decatur Metro team. I guide you through the trends and events reshaping our region.
