wood for wood burning fireplace question....

[bell]

i have a wood burning fireplace in my living room.....normally use firewood i get from my father, but after changing directions with some fish tank stuff in the basement i have a very large stack of untreated 2x4's......can i burn these in my fireplace? without having any wierd smoke problems?
some pieces have a little sap, but they're plain ol 2x4's.....

thanks

[Rick V]

I never burn pine of anykind in my fireplace, it's just me but I'm not willing to chance it.
I also should add I love a big fire when the wether is cold.

[many944s]

As long as it isn't the green treated lumber, it is fine to burn. I have a large wood stove in the basement, and from time to time cut up HUGE industrial shipping pallets (about 10' x 14') it too is all untreated 2x4s, 2x8's and 2x10s.

And best of all..... it's free!

-Nick

[widgeon13]

It is more than likely softwood, spruce or pine and will burn fast and not give off much heat, lower in BTU's than hardwood. If you are going to burn it, mix it with seasoned firewood and have a hot fire and it should not give you any problems. Softwood has pitch in it and will cause a build-up on the side of the chimney tiles, if you burn a lot and nothng else over time you could have chimney fire, not good.

[TimT]

Sure burn away.. mix it with your hard woods

[MRM]

Exactly. As long as it is not treated, mix with some seasoned regular wood and burn away.

[Flatbutt1]

Originally posted by widgeon13
It is more than likely softwood, spruce or pine and will burn fast and not give off much heat, lower in BTU's than hardwood. If you are going to burn it, mix it with seasoned firewood and have a hot fire and it should not give you any problems. Softwood has pitch in it and will cause a build-up on the side of the chimney tiles, if you burn a lot and nothng else over time you could have chimney fire, not good.

+1,... 25 years experience with wood stoves here, DO NOT underestimate the danger of a chimney fire. A few green, sappy pieces now and then mixed in with good seasoned hardwood is fine.

[Joeaksa]

Originally posted by TimT
Sure burn away.. mix it with your hard woods

Same here. Have cut up shipping palets and burned them in the fireplace, but mixed with normal wood.

[azasadny]

Yep, as TimT and others have said as long as it's not "pressure treated" wood you can burn it, just mix it in with the hardwood.

[bell]

sounds good guys.....
thanks

[trekkor]

Pallets are some of the best wood. Usually hardhood.

2x4's burn hot, but real fast.


KT