Burning driftwood in a Woodstove?

[LandShark]

I have access to a fair amount of logs (6 to 14" diameter) that drift onto the beach. What are your thoughts about burning these in a wood stove? Is free wood worth a slight (or is it high) risk of corrosion to the stovepipe? I would of course split and dry the wood for a year prior to burning.

 

[moparguy]

I'd go for it. If the logs are still solid, no rot, then they should be fine.



If you have a choice, use hard wood logs since they'll have a greater heat content per ton, and will contribute to less creosote in the stove pipe. However, I doubt that's a option in your area.



To answer your question, I don't see how drift wood logs would contribute to more or less corrosion.



One suggestion is use at least double wall pipe since this will keep temps up in the inner pipe, contributing to better drafting and less buildup of creosote.



Also, a airtight stove will pay for itself in reduced wood consumption.



Good luck, RJR



Ps, I've used wood heat for the past 30 years. Let the power go out, I'm ready .

 

[Glen]

The salt in the wood will cause some corrosion. I would burn it if it is easy to get. Gather the large logs; the salt will be in the surface layer. I'm a lifelong woodburner. I use a wood-fired, pressurized hot water system.

 

[stew]

Go for it ! It's free !!!



We burn wood for 95% of our heat, the other 5% is self generated Oo. Have not seen any wood we would not burn except for painted or PT wood...



Cleaning the chimney is critical and annual here... But,we've been burning wood green unseasoned for years without issue... We kiln dry the unseasoned wood just prior to use... Works the same as seasoned if not better...



Power line companies here are always cutting away large growth near the lines periodically... Just have to follow them for the good stuff here... They even cut it to 16"-18" lengths... Mostly splitting is all that's required...





Good luck and enjoy the salt air !



Stew

 

[Dane]

I've burned a lot of driftwood in Baja sitting around the campfire. It burns, but sure stinks

 

[JLEONARD]

I'd burn it. Perhaps let it get rained on a few times before you stack it... maybe that would wash some of the salt out of the surface.

I use a wood-fired, pressurized hot water system

Me too... Buderous coal/wood. Haven't burned coal in a few years though.

Jay

 

[Elite1]

Originally posted by Dane

I've burned a lot of driftwood in Baja sitting around the campfire. It burns, but sure stinks

Those logs your burning down in Mexico might not be wood!

 

[Will24]

"Hey cheech, throw another log on the fire man! I am coming down... "