1. Painted or Treated Wood: This type of wood is excellent for decks and outdoor furniture, but never for kindling a fire. There can be trace amounts of arsenic and other toxins that can release in the smoke.
“There can be trace amounts of arsenic and other toxins that can release in the smoke.”
2. Manufactured Wood: Plywood, particleboard, and different types of human-made wood are smaller pieces of material glued together to create a larger board. The adhesive used has toxins that will be released when it’s burned.
3. Unseasoned Wood: Unseasoned wood will have moisture still trapped and when burned creosote can build up in the chimney. Creosote catching on fire is one of the most significant causes of chimney fires.
4. Resinous Wood: Evergreens such as cedar, spruce, and pine contain resin, which is why they’re standard for Christmas trees. These trees will burn hot fast because of that resin. It will give off creosote, and the embers will pop out of the fireplace. Those embers can burn someone sitting near the hearth or the floor itself.
5. Wet Firewood: Wet firewood will smolder, never lighting completely, while it releases creosote.
6. Wood Pallets: Not all wood pallets made the same. It’s essential to check the manufacturer’s information before attempting to burn them. Some pallets are treated with various chemicals to keep insects or moisture away from the products.
7. Driftwood: Driftwood may seem like it’s perfect for burning since it’s dry and seasoned, but it contains metal salts from the ocean over time. When it burns, it has pretty colors, but the fumes from it are toxic.
“It’s essential to check the manufacturer’s information before attempting to burn them [pallets]”
If you need firewood, don’t hesitate to contact us!
