What Wood NOT to Use in a Fireplace

Have you ever wondered what types of wood you shouldn’t use in your wood fireplace? Well, there are actually a few types of wood you should avoid using if you want your fireplace to perform well and be safe. Let’s take a closer look.

First up is green wood. This is wood that hasn’t been seasoned or dried properly, and it can cause a lot of problems in your fireplace. It produces more smoke and creosote than dry wood, and can even release harmful chemicals into the air. So make sure your wood is properly seasoned and dried before burning it.

Next on the list are softwoods like pine, spruce, and fir. These types of wood are cheap and easy to find, but they have a higher sap content than hardwoods. This means they burn faster and produce more creosote, which can lead to a dangerous buildup in your chimney. They can also produce more smoke and sparks, which can be a hazard.

Third, you should never use treated wood in your wood fireplace. Treated wood is wood that has been treated with chemicals like arsenic or chromium, and burning it can release harmful chemicals into the air. It can also produce more creosote than untreated wood, which is bad news for your chimney.

Painted or stained wood is another no-no. The chemicals in the paint or stain can release fumes when burned, which can be harmful to your health. Plus, painted or stained wood can produce more creosote than untreated wood, which can cause problems in your chimney.

Finally, scrap wood should never be used in your wood fireplace. This includes wood from old furniture, pallets, or construction materials. Burning scrap wood can release harmful chemicals into the air, and it can contain nails or other metal objects that can damage your fireplace or chimney.

So there you have it – the types of wood you should avoid using in your wood fireplace. Stick to properly seasoned and dried hardwoods like oak, maple, or cherry for the best performance and safety. And if you need wood fireplace installation needs, don’t forget to call Alister at Prime Plumbing. He’s a friendly and reliable plumber who can help you with all your plumbing needs.