Is It Okay To Burn Pine In Your Wood-Burning Stove?

Confusing advice abounds about the suitability of pine trees for firewood. This fast-growing timber has been a popular choice for wood stoves and fireplaces throughout the ages and worldwide. In pre-electricity Britain, for example, it was a go-to fuel for household lighting and torches. Pine has gained a less-than-stellar reputation in the U.S. in the 20th and 21st centuries, though. Among other downsides, many claim the resinous softwood releases sap when burned, clogging chimneys and potentially creating a fire risk. This problem, however, is reduced or even negated if the logs are burned at high heat and are completely dry before they're chucked onto the fire — meaning, yes, it's okay to burn pine in a wood stove, so long as you stick to these rules.

A popular pine used for firewood in America is the Southern yellow pine (Pinus echinata), also known as shortleaf pine. This species puts off a high heat and burns and splits easily. It gives off moderate to heavy smoke and sparks (those crackling, popping sounds you sometimes hear a fire make) and has a high sap content. Other popular species include lodgepole and white pine — they're also classified as resinous softwoods but have lower heat values and overall quality (where burning is concerned) than yellow pine. So, what can pine do for your wood-burning stove needs?

Probably the most oft-mentioned concern regarding pine firewood is its high resin content. The sap from burning pine turns into creosote, a sticky, combustible tar. This highly flammable material builds up in the flue, along with soot. The creosote and soot layer ignites, causing a house fire. But is this cautionary tale accurate? Experts now lean toward no — or at least, not quite. Burn correctly seasoned (aka dried) pine in a well-ventilated, hot enough fire, and you'll avoid the release of creosote. 

There are other issues to be aware of, though. Pine ash is feather-light and, similarly to the ash of burned paper, has been known to float out of the chimney and settle on the roof; it's a potential fire hazard. You also need a lot of firewood since pine burns quickly — it won't last a night. The cost and storage of larger timber volumes may be impractical for some homeowners.

Burning quickly isn't always a downside; you can use this trait to your advantage. Pine is a good fire starter, helping you take the edge off that chilly spring or fall morning fast. What's more, it doesn't overheat a home like longer, slower-burning hardwoods. Pine firewood may also be better for indoor air quality. A 2022 study published in the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association found that Eastern white pine pellets had lower particulate matter emissions and ash production than their hardwood counterparts.

You can buy pine firewood in a wide range of sizes — expect a 50-pound bag of Australian pine (which is, incidentally, less resinous than its U.S.-grown cousins) to cost well under $100; a full cord of pine could set you back closer to $300. Firewood delivery rates are typically calculated per mile, so it's best to look for a supplier near you. If you just need a small amount of pine, Walmart has a 25-pound box of indoor-outdoor pine fire starters for $48.72. They're as great for wood-burning stoves as for that tiny DIY firepit using a terracotta pot out on your patio.

Your pinewood's delivered, and the woodpile's stacked; time to brush up on pine firewood best practices to get the most out of your new home heating source. Damp timber — that is, wood with over 20% moisture — causes more creosote buildup than properly dried timber. Dry your split pine firewood for at least a season (say, spring through fall or at least six months), though some experts say one to two years is better. 

If you're running an old wood-burning stove, consider upgrading. New-technology fireplaces are more efficient, allowing you to burn all kinds of species — correctly seasoned, of course — safely. And, as always, avoid using pressure-treated lumber or construction pine in your wood-burning stove; you'll release harmful chemicals into the air and your home.