We all know that some woods like spruce, bark, and painted ones cause the worst fires. But are there any other types that aren't safe and that you should steer away from? Keep on reading if you want to choose the right type to use for firewood.
8 Types of Wood That Shouldn't Be Used in a Wood Stove
1. Green Wood
Freshly cut wood is called green wood, regardless of the kind of wood. Usually, wood needs about six to nine months after it's harvested to be properly seasoned.
Burning green wood isn't effective because it contains too much moisture. Moreover, it's pretty hazardous to use, as it produces harmful chemicals, including creosote. This highly explosive substance is released from wood and organic matter, if not entirely burned.
Creosote (resin) sticks to the chimney walls. And, later on, it reacts with other substances and residues that catch fire, possibly setting fire to your place. Thus, it's best to avoid newly cut wood in a fireplace, not only because the moisture content hinders proper ignition but also for safety reasons.
See also: Best Wood Stove
2. Driftwood
Driftwood is another type that isn't safe for you to use in a fire pit. Although it's popular for house decoration, it isn't the best choice for your wood-burning fireplace, as it contains high chlorine levels.
At first glance, it may not sound like a big deal, but the chlorine produced from burned driftwood reacts with other substances during the burning process, producing toxic chemicals.
3. Poison Ivy
Burning Poison ivy, Poison sumac, and poison oak aren't recommended; the word "poison" probably gave that away. To illustrate, these species produce extensive smoke, causing lung irritation and severe allergic respiratory problems in many circumstances.
4. Seasoned Softwood
It may seem that cypress and pine are the perfect choices for firewood in open-hearth fireplaces because of their pleasant scent and fast ignition. Nonetheless, these woods aren't the best for your fireplace if you want long-lasting fire or if you're planning to use the coal for other purposes.
In addition, they create a lot of smoke and soot, which can be troublesome in the long run, so you better avoid burning them.
5. Oleander
It would be best if you didn't use oleander as firewood. That'd be a lethal mistake because it's coated with vines (toxic substances). So, it's as poisonous as any of the types we've discussed earlier. Although oleander grows in every forest out there and is easy to find, it should never be inhaled.
6. Particle Board
Chopping Chipboard wood or Plywood helps make home furniture. And you should keep it away from the heat because it's made by gluing layers of wood together. If the adhesive materials are flaming hot, they can be pretty irritating when inhaled. So, to maintain caution, particle board isn't the right wood for burning.
7. Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated lumber is saturated with harmful chemicals. They're infused and pressured into the lumber to keep insects, animals, and various wood diseases from affecting it.
On the one hand, it's suitable for building wooden gadgets, provided that it stays away from heat. On the other hand, it's a terrible choice for firewood, and you should never burn it.
8. Wet Wood
As the name implies, this wood contains a lot of moisture, so it won't burn as well as dried wood and helps with creosote buildup, which, as mentioned earlier, can be disastrous.
What Is the Safest Wood to Burn In a Fireplace?
In short, hardwood is the best for firewood; here are some species that you can opt for:
- Oak: Oak trees make the best logs for a wood-burning stove. They take a long time to become seasoned. But, unlike the above options, they aren't loaded with sap (water), so the logs are safer to use.
- Maple: Maple burns for long periods and can provide a steady fire.
- Ash: Ash is another outstanding choice, even if it's green.
- Other Woods: Cherry, Hawthorn, Mulberry, Beech, and many other species can be used without your stove or to start a fire without any issues whatsoever.
Which Wood Is Best for Burning?
Burning wood is a tricky business. But, as long as you don't burn wood that's newly cut and avoid the types that release harmful substances, you're good to go. From where we stand, oak logs make the best wood for stoves and fireplaces; however, you're free to try any other option on the list.
