Driftwood - Saltwater vs. Freshwater

Saltwater Driftwood:

Never burn in a woodstove

Contains salts that corrode stoves and stove pipes

Produces toxic chemicals

Freshwater Driftwood:

Weathered driftwood contains fewer BTUs per cord

Soaked wood takes longer to dry

Always season wood before burning

How to check if your wood is dry:

Use a moisture meter, dry wood is under 20%. See: Wood Moisture Temperature Corrections (PDF)

Feel how heavy it is for its size, dry wood weighs less

Check the ends for cracks, wood cracks as it dries

Knock two pieces together, dry wood sounds hollow

Split a piece and see if it feels dry to the touch inside

Still not Sure? Burn some test pieces, wet wood is difficult to light and smolders

Burn dry wood, but not too dry:

Water regulates how fast wood burns

Ideal wood moisture range is from 10 to 20%

Wood under 10% is too dry

Very dry wood burns fast and hot

Excessive heat can damage a stove

Prevent damage by mixing in some other wood

Aim for an average of about 20% moisture content

Hardwood vs. Softwood

Hardwood:

Comes from trees with leaves

More dense

More BTUs per cord

Burns slower than softwoods

Leaves a good bed of coals

Softwood:

Comes from trees with needles

Less dense

Lower BTUs per cord

Burns quickly

Doesn't leave a good bed of coals