Can You Burn Pressure Treated Wood In a Fire Pit or Fireplace?
It may seem a good idea to burn old furniture, fencing, pallets or other waste wood. But is pressure treated wood good for burning outdoors or indoors in wood fire pits, fireplaces, wood stoves?
Can you burn treated wood?
No, you shouldn’t burn pressure treated wood and here is why it’s not a good idea.
Why you shouldn’t burn pressure treated wood
You shouldn’t use pressure treated wood as firewood because it emits toxic fumes which are poisonous to humans, our pets and are bad for the environment. They may contain lethal doses of arsenic and exposure to the toxic chemicals released into the air increases the risk of chronic respiratory disease or even cancer.
Is it illegal to burn pressure treated wood?
Depending on where you live, it may be illegal to burn pressure treated wood. For example, if you live in the United States, it’s illegal in most states.
You may also like other articles by Flames and Fires:
What is Pressure Treated Wood?
Pressure treated wood (also called tanalized wood, treated wood or treated timber) is any type of wood with chemicals added to it under pressure. This is done in order to protect the wood from fungi, rot, insects or fire. It’s commonly used in the construction and furniture industries. Examples of treated timber usage include: decking, flooring, fencing, cladding, pallets, framing, furniture and the list continues.
How can you tell if wood is pressure treated?
It’s not always obvious that wood has been treated as it may look the same as untreated wood. To identify treated wood look for the following sighs:
- Stained surface, e.g. greenish hue or any other colors
- Cuts on the surface from manufacturing
- Stamps or tags on the ends
Can heat treated wood be burned?
Yes, heat treated wood or kiln dried lumber is safe to burn. (Obviously presuming that there were no paints, varnishes or other chemicals added to it).
Frequently asked questions about burning treated wood:
Is ash from pressure treated wood toxic?
Yes, ash remaining from the burning of treated wood is toxic. It can contaminate groundwater and soil if buried.
Is it OK to burn treated wood in a fireplace?
No, treated wood gives off toxic fumes while burning, that’s why you certainly don’t want to burn in your fireplace.
Can you burn treated timber in a wood burner?
No, you shouldn’t burn treated timber in a wood burner. Burnt treated wood emits toxic fumes from chemicals used for the wood treatment.
Can you burn tanalized wood on an open fire?
No, you shouldn’t burn tanalized wood in an open fire. It’s impregnated with toxic chemicals which are harmful if you or your pets inhale them. It also pollutes the atmosphere.
Can I burn pressure-treated timber?
No, burning pressure-treated timber or wood (or just treated timber) is a health and environmental hazard while burnt.
Is it safe to burn a 20-year-old pressure treated wood?
Since it’s old wood, does it make any difference? Can you burn 20 year old pressure treated wood?
No, unfortunately despite the time passed, the chemicals are still remaining in the wood and you shouldn’t use it as firewood.
Conclusion
You shouldn’t burn pressure treated wood in any type of wood burner indoors or outdoors. Only burn wood which you know hasn’t been treated.
Here you’ll find some firewood choices which are safe to burn in fireplaces, wood stoves or fire pits:
Apple Firewood Logs and Wood Chips for Fireplace, Cooking, BBQ
Firewood Logs – Split Firewood Birch for Fireplace, Fire Pit, Wood Stove, Bonfire
Hickory Wood Chunks
Firewood Cooking Wood Logs – USDA Certified Kiln Dried Red Oak
