Can Pine Wood Be Burned in a Wood Stove?
- Pine wood is less dense than most hardwoods, such as oak or maple. A given volume of pine firewood weighs less than these more desirable woods and produces less heat. According to Hearth.com, most stove owners prefer hardwoods for their greater efficiency. However, homeowners may wish to burn a fallen tree or untreated scrap lumber. The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association recommends using softwood pieces to get fires started quickly. Switch to hardwood once the chimney is preheated to keep fires burning longer and more effectively.
- In addition to its decreased heating power compared to hardwood, pine contains significantly more sap. This increases the risk of very smoky fires, creosote deposits and chimney fires. According to Hearth.com, maintaining a hot fire instead of a smoldering one will produce less smoke, creosote and tar. Clean-burning wood stoves certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency make this process easier. Older types of wood stoves may need constant monitoring to reduce the risk of creosote buildup. The United States Department of Energy recommends against burning pine and pine products due to this problem.
- Well-seasoned wood contains less moisture, burns more efficiently and reduces the risk of excessive creosote inside the stove chimney. Green wood smolders easily and can create large amounts of smoke. Choose only wood with 20- to 30-percent moisture as tested by a moisture meter. Some pine can season in only three to four months, if kept inside or in direct sunlight, or if kiln-dried for lumber. Other pine wood takes considerably longer, between six and 18 months, and is dangerous and inefficient to burn before seasoning is complete.
- Wood-stove owners who burn pine firewood must pay extra attention to stove and chimney maintenance. The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association recommends inspecting chimneys and vents at least once per year. Check older stoves or stoves burning wood with a high sap percentage more often. Clean and inspect connectors and pipes as often as once or twice a month to reduce the risk of unwanted fires.