So, you were probably curious to know – do 2×4 make good firewood? It is not recommended to use 2×4 as firewood. Firewood is bulkier, sliced-up wood chunks. With that, the burning process takes time and it creates heat while it burns.
Technically, firewood burns a lot slower compared to 2×4. Moreover, 2×4’s are essentially smooth which makes it more challenging to start a fire.
Also, painted, stained, or treated 2×4 planks of wood shouldn’t be used for firewood since these woods will produce noxious fumes when burned. It is also not good to use plywood to burn considering the adhesives that are used in it.
Nevertheless, there are untreated 2×4’s which means that they are solely composed of natural wood. These woods are considered good firewood.
Looking at it from a practical view, commercially kiln scraps are safer options to conventional cut firewood. Since scraps have no bark and are oftentimes placed indoors for storage, there is no significant risk when using them.
However, some scenarios also suggest the restriction of using 2×4 for firewood. Here’s a list of issues when you use 2×4 as firewood:
- Some campsites restrict the use of 2×4 to protect the welfare of their workers. So even if you make sure that your 2×4 has no brackets and nails, you may not be able to use them in campsites.
- 2×4’s that are stored outdoor can still contain hitchhiking pests from the forest. Gypsy moths would easily lay eggs in them.
- There are legality issues when mobilizing scraps across particular borders. Not confirming the legality of transporting 2×4’s can subject you to fines.
- Treated 2×4’s are lethal when burned. The best thing to do is to separate the treated 2×4’s from the clean ones to prevent the unintentional burning of dangerous chemicals such as arsenic.
These are just some of the considerations when using 2×4 for firewood. It is always good to educate yourself as you would want to be responsible for your actions.
Using 2×4 in Firepit
Setting a firepit burning with woods can definitely give you comfort during cold nights. But can you use 2×4 in the firepit?
Yes, you can use 2×4 in the firepit. However, although some people will just choose to burn whatever wood is available, you should know that there are some qualities needed from your 2×4 before you can use it in a firepit.
Familiarizing with the ideal characteristics of 2×4 in the firepit can guarantee the best fire experience. Likely, knowing which 2×4 is not safe to transport and burn can also guarantee the safety of everyone around you.
The most ideal 2×4 in firepit are hardwoods. This type of wood burns longer compared to other woods and it creates a cleaner burn which means that it generates minimal residue and smoke compared to other 2×4 woods. Hardwoods will create stronger, hotter, and more enduring fire.
Hardwoods, however, do not easily ignite. Hence, it would be great if you use softwood as a starter wood to set the fire while putting the 2×4 hardwood to the fire. Considering the traits hardwoods give, you do not need to frequently attend to the fire, giving you a more soothing, feel-good atmosphere.
Some varieties that are considered to be good 2×4 in firepit are hickory, pinion wood, mesquite, oak, alder, pecan, cedar, and fruit woods like cherry and apple.
Using 2×4 in Fireplace
It is totally acceptable to use 2×4 in a fireplace. What seems to be a poor idea is to use pressure-treated wood. Using pressure-treated wood for burning can produce harmful chemicals that could jeopardize your health. The wood accumulates and produces these harmful chemicals through smoke and ash, which can be risky not just to your health but also to the environment.
Burning treated woods can develop airborne characteristics which means that the harmful chemicals they contain can be easily inhaled by the surrounding people.
Utilizing wood waste for burning is a common practice in the wood industry and households. Just make sure that you do not include the preservative-treated and painted wood in the fireplace. You would rather want to keep them in your garage for some other purpose.
Using 2×4 in a fireplace can burn fast considering its size. However, it is not an affordable source if you are looking for firewood. But in case there are off-cuts, then might as well use it in your fireplace.
Likewise, softwood is not ideally used in the fireplace. Cypress, pines, and firs are known for their softwoods which could burn easily, leave some coals, and create plenty of smoke that could eventually cover the chimney with residue. This could look ugly as time passes.
The following woods shouldn’t be used in your fireplace:
- Plywood, chipboard, or particleboard
- Unseasoned wood or greenwood
- Endangered species
- Non-local wood
- Poisonous wood
- Christmas Trees
- Oleander
- Driftwood
Conclusion
So, what should be our formal conclusion about the question – do 2×4 make good firewood? It is acceptable to use it for backyard use, home consumption, or campgrounds if not restricted.
However, considering the various issues when planning to transport it across a particular border, it would be ideal if you only use it on a campground near the area and inform the management ahead.
If you want to be sure with your firewood though, you can choose safer and environmentally safe alternatives like heat logs or briquettes. The pieces are almost equally sized which gives great chance on the equal distribution of heat. They are not only affordable but are also known to burn longer at greater temperatures.
Remember to be smart and mindful when choosing 2×4 for firewood. Always make sure that it is safe to use not just for yourself but for the people near the area. After knowing the common issues of using 2×4’s as firewood, you should learn to be careful with your selection when burning.
Be knowledgeable about the kind of wood you use for burning and make sure that the 2×4 planks of wood are good options for those having a great time in the firepit.
