What NOT to burn in your fireplace/wood stove:

Salvaged firewood or other scraps can save you a lot of money when it comes to heating your home with wood. But there are certain wood products and other items that you should avoid for health and safety reasons.

Many of these will produce hazardous fumes indoors, as well as chimney emissions that would be an environmental concern. Some also pose additional risks to your stove metals or can create a hazardous build-up of creosote in your chimney. Additional information is also noted.

• Painted or varnished wood, trim or other wood by-products
• Pressure-treated lumber - due to the treatment compounds
• Driftwood - salt water driftwood contains some amount of salt which is corrosive. When heated, corrosion is accelerated and toxic fumes are produced. Fresh water driftwood may contain silt and gravel.
• All engineered sheet goods because of the glue compounds used in the layering process, including but not limited to:
  • Plywood
  • Particle board
  • Press board
  • Orientated Strand Board (OSB)
  • Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF)
  • Green wood - wood that is not dry will not produce any heat, you'll be just trying to dry it in your stove. It will produce a lot of smoke and creosote.